![]() ![]() The Physical Therapist will help you correct any alignment or postural problems contributing to the symptoms. In most cases, the first step is Physical Therapy. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the problem. A final diagnosis may require arthroscopic examination but this is not typically needed. When appropriate, CT scans or MRI may be requested. They may reveal bone spurs or other bony masses. Sometimes a plain X-ray is all that is needed. With a thorough history and physical examination, your health care provider will be able to determine whether imaging studies are needed and order them. ![]() ![]() See your student health care provider and describe your symptoms. The first step is really to get a proper diagnosis. When six months (or more) of conservative care fails to change the clinical picture, then surgery to remove a portion of the bone and/or inflamed bursae may be advised. Only when there are tumors or "masses" should surgery be considered sooner. Patients are advised to be patient as the rehabilitation process can take up to six months to be effective. Physical Therapy to address posture and weakness or imbalance in muscle function is a key feature of the nonoperative approach to snapping scapula syndrome. If these measures don't help, then one to three steroid injections may be tried. This approach may include medications and change in activity type/level to reduce inflammation. That's why conservative care is recommended first. The people affected most often are usually young athletes who (like yourself) are involved in activities requiring repetitive overhead motion.Īn understanding of the knowledge we have about this problem is important because surgery doesn't always "fix" the problem. Patients present with a range of severity from mildly irritating to extreme disability. Pain is often (though not always) a main feature associated with this problem. As the name suggests, when the arm moves, some portion of the scapula drags against the rib cage causing a snapping sound and sensation. Snapping scapula syndrome is the most common problem among this group of scapular disorders. Problems affecting the scapula that can disrupt the motion and rhythm of arm movement include bursitis, snapping scapula, and tumors (benign or malignant) of the bone or nearby soft tissues. Without a properly functioning scapula, smooth and coordinated motion and function of the arm is compromised. What can I do to stop this from happening?Ī: You may have a problem that involves the scapula (shoulder blade). This is becoming a major problem in my life because I am a lacrosse player on a college scholarship. It feels like it's coming from my shoulder blade. Vogel, BS, et al.Q: Everytime I life my arm up overhead, I get a loud snapping sound and instant pain. A sports-specific rehab program is advised for anyone who intends to return to activities such as power lifting, football, mountain biking, and so on. It is often six months before they can return to full physical activity and sports participation. Many patients remain in rehab for up to five months or more. All patients can expect at least a 12-week period of rehab before pain, stiffness, and swelling are no longer present and interfering with motion and function. Participation in an active rehab program is another essential ingredient in restoring full function. Good-to-excellent general health with no other serious conditions go a long way in making it possible to regain full motion, strength, and function. Goals and desired activity level can also influence the type of implant and surgery performed.Īge and activity level prior to surgery are two significant factors that determine what a patient can do after joint replacement. The type of joint replacement (design) and surgery to put it in place can vary depending on the patient's age, general health, and reason for joint replacement. Why not?Ī: Joint replacements are usually done for one of three major reasons: 1) there's been a traumatic injury that cannot be repaired, 2) there's significant joint erosion from degenerative joint disease, and 3) the patient has rheumatoid arthritis. I have a shoulder replacement and there's no way I can do that. ![]() Q: I saw a picture in a biking magazine of a guy who could lift his mountain bike up over his head after having a shoulder replacement. ![]()
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