‘Frozen shoulder’ can be painful

A common problem we see in our chiropractic practice is a shoulder that is painful and not moving the way it should.

Often, this is what is called a “frozen shoulder” or “adhesive capsulitis.” Generally, this is a shoulder that is painful many times at night and has decreased motion. Causes are most often idiopathic which means that we do not know why it occurs.

Other common presentations are a minor shoulder injury that does not get moved right away by the patient after the injury; the patient holds the arm at their side and protects the arm and it becomes stiff and painful.

Many times after rotator cuff repair or other shoulder surgeries — during the early post-operative period when we are not allowing the patient to actively move their shoulder — this stiffness and pain can be present post-operatively.

Frozen shoulder seems to have a high association with patients who have diabetes. Other causes are hyperthyroidism, open-heart surgery and cervical disk disease of the neck.

The symptoms again are reduced motion, pain and stiffness, with pain being the most common. The pain that really brings patients in is the pain at night because they cannot sleep. Many times this pain is pronounced with overhead activity.

In these instances, patients cannot get to their back pocket very easily with their hand, and with their elbow at their side they cannot turn the arm out away from their body.

Treatments at our clinic include Active Release Therapy, Low level laser therapy and rehabilitation exercises. These non-surgical treatments often see progress that takes as long as six to nine months for complete recovery.

So if you suspect that you have frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, you can be seen directly by calling 604-990-6676 and have this evaluated. Should you have early onset of stiffness and pain with your shoulder it is recommended to try to impose early treatment and seek medical attention.

Why Do I Need Glucosamine Joint Formula If I Am Over 40?

Up to age 40 your body makes all the glucosamine it requires, but after 40 glucosamine production drops off, increasing the likelihood that some degree of joint cartilage erosion and inflammation (osteoarthritis) will develop (as it does in 90% of the aging population). By simply taking one capsule per day of Glucosamine Joint Formula after age 40 (even if you are symptom-free) you help decrease the chances that joint cartilage erosion and inflammation will occur in your joints as you age. This product is a key anti-aging product to help ensure that you maintain a highly functional body as you age.

What Does Glucosamine Do?

Your body makes glucosamine sulfate each day of your life, and uses it as a building block for normal cartilage formation (the shock-absorbing material in your joints). With osteoarthritis or cartilage injury, glucosamine supplementation has been shown to help repair or stabilize the cartilage damage. There are no foods that contain glucosamine, so it must be taken as a supplement.

Don’t I Need Chondroitin With Glucosamine?

The simple answer is “No”. In fact, studies show that only 0-13% of chondroitin even gets absorbed into the bloodstream, and there are no studies showing the chondroitin improves osteoarthritic or cartilage problems more than glucosamine can accomplish on its own. So, don’t waste your money on glucosamine supplements that contain chondroitin sulfate, as the chondroitin molecule is too large to be absorbed into the bloodstream. What you need is glucosamine combined with natural anti-inflammatory agents (Glucosamine Joint Formula)

Glucosamine Joint Formula

At our office we carry Adeeva fast-acting Joint formula which Contains a purified and stable grade of glucosamine sulfate along with three natural herbs that support joint health and block key steps associated with the inflammatory process.

How is it fast-acting?

• Studies show that most glucosamine supplements take up to 12 weeks before individuals see improvement in pain, stiffness and swelling

• Glucosamine Joint Formula contains a pharmaceutical grade of glucosamine, combined with three highly effective anti-inflammatory herbs. Much of the pain from arthritis results from inflammation in the joint. These natural agents (bromelain enzymes, MSM and quercetin) block the inflammatory process providing relief of symptoms much faster than glucosamine on its own, or glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate.

Flip-flops pose dangers for feet, back

Summer is here in Vancouver and  the hot weather and flip-flops tend to go hand in hand However we caution you to beware when looking at summer footwear, especially flip-flops.  It is estimated about 50 percent of foot pain can be traced back to wearing improper footwear, and flip-flops often fall into that category.  In general, flip-flops are bad for people because most of them are just completely flat pieces of foam with no support and no stability.  Because the foot is straining to hold onto a flat piece of fabric or rubber with no support, tendons and muscles in the leg and foot tense up more than normal and cause pain especially shin splints are common.

Specialists say flip-flops don’t have to be kicked out of the closet altogether, just make sure they’re the right ones.  Cheap flip-flops made of rubber tend to breed bacteria and fungus, which cause warts, while more expensive flip-flops made of leather or hard plastic aren’t as accommodating breeding grounds for fungus.

Dollar flip-flops have the potential to wear out within the first few hours and, after stepping down a few times, the material loses its ability to take impact and wears out very quickly, while orthopedic, more supportive flip-flops usually go for at least $50.

At our clinic, we also carry a variety of custom-made sandal to help patients enjoy the outdoors with open shoes. Call 604-990-6676 for more details. Enjoy your summer with proper foot care. 

Why do back surgeries fail?

All spine surgery carries with it a significant degree of patient risk but when the resulting surgery does not alleviate the problem, or creates even greater problems for the patient, the situation is referred to as a “failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Read More….

Tips for Safe and Comfortable Hiking

Summer is here and, despite the wet and cold Spring, many North Shore residents will start Hiking. Going for a hike is a great way to stay healthy and appreciate the North Shore’s natural beauty. As I chiropractor, I have treated many people with back problems where improper shoes and packs were a factor. Over many years of practice, I have come up with some tips that will help ensure an injury-free backpacking trip, whether it’s a day hike or an extended outing.

Pay attention to shoulder straps. Look for injection-molded shoulder straps that create flex points to alleviate shoulder blade and pressure point strain.  Look for padding or back panels that keep the weight from directly putting pressure on the spine, allowing space for ventilation on long hot hikes.

A good hip belt is critical to keep the weight of the pack from pulling on your neck via the shoulder and adjoining muscle. Watch for hip pads that feel even a little uncomfortable in the store; they will feel like a steel edge after several days hiking.

Forward cinch-down straps in the shoulder and side are also helpful to keep weight from shifting. This becomes more critical if you are doing more technical style hikes where your footing is less sure.

Remember good footwear. The heavier the pack, the stronger and stiffer the sole of your shoe or boot should be. You can check this at the store by simply grasping the front and back of the boot and wringing it like a wash cloth. You will not want much movement if you plan on hiking with much weight.

Keep your pack weight under 20 percent of your weight. If you are hiking with kids and smaller family members and carrying most of the items it can be hard to keep from going over. Guidelines for kids are 10-20 percent, staying toward the lower end if other factors like high heat, altitude, or steep grades will come into play. Keep the heaviest items toward the front and bottom of the pack.

Consider a chiropractic adjustment before a long hike to give yourself a head start on preventing injury.

Happy hiking!