The most common prescribed medication for musculoskeletal problems or post surgical protocols are anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs. In a recent study it has come to the attention of researchers at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill that some of these medications can reduce the ability of tissues to handle an appropriate load force. Read the full story

The Spotlight section of our website is designed to collect a grouping of articles and posts that deal with a specific pathological condition or an area of focus in the field of Physical Therapy. Read the full story

Acromioplasty is a common procedure performed often in conjunction with a rotator cuff repair. Repetitive impingement under the sub acromial space leads to damage on the rotator cuff tendons.

Patients who are indicated for this type of procedure are those who cannot be treated with therapeutic means and the only alternative to remedy the situation is surgery.

Although this surgery is often routine, many complications can arise such as: traction spurs on the bone, coracoacromial ligament damage, decreased lever arm at the deltoid, adhesions of the rotator cuff tendons and damage to the subacromial bursa.

All these complications can be remedied easily, however they will add to the amount of time it takes the patient to heal.

Typically this surgery is known as a decompression of the subacromial space. The acromion is often reshaped to allow for a decreased chance of future impingment. Read the full story

Several surgical procedures exist to improve the stability of the glenohumeral joint. These procedures are designed to improve function or range of motion for patients who have conditions that will not improve otherwise. There are many indications for the use of surgical management for patients.

- Recurring dislocations and subluxations that decrease function of activity.
- Multidirectional instability that produces patient apprehension and negates arm movement or function
- Impingement that cannot be relieved by physical therapy
- Signifigant joint laxity
- Dislocations producing tears along the capsule and glenohumeral rim
- Irreducable dislocations
-Failure to improve condition with nonoperative managment

Surgical management techniques must provide an optimum amount of function with a minimal amount of instability. A balance must be achieved to provide the patient with the highest amount of recovery. Read the full story