Poetry In Motion: The Anatomy And Function Of The Shoulder Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6135940

We use our hands and arms every day without really thinking about how they work, do we not? Did you ever stop to think about how limited that movement we take for granted would be if anything ever happened to your shoulder? The anatomy and function of the shoulder is a biological miracle in itself, and in this article we will show you how it works, as well as the trouble it can get itself into. Anatomy and Function of the Shoulder The shoulder is the second most mobile and flexible joint in the human body, the first being the hips. Like the hips, it is considered to be what is known as a ball-and-socket joint. The ball part of it comes from the end of the humerus, the bone that is in the upper portion of our arms, which fits into a socket called the glenoid fossa, which is located on the scapula, also known as the shoulder blade. This arrangement is far more delicate than that found in the hips, which has the ball of the hip bone completely surrounded by the bones of the pelvis, providing far more stability than that which is found in the shoulder. Ligaments connect the ball and socket construct that makes up the shoulder, and help to provide some stability to it. Naturally forming fluids from within our bodies lubricate it, and keeps friction at a minimum as it moves. The muscles attached to the shoulder blade, like the deltoids, and the muscles attached to the humerus help to move the arms, and control its range of motion. Another important part of the shoulder construction that keeps everything moving as it should is the rotator cuff. This is a group of four muscles that control the rotation and positioning of the arms. Each of them have a tendon at the end that is attached to the humerus by growing directly into it. If this cuff of muscles becomes torn in some way, or detached, it can seriously limit the movement of the arm until repaired through surgery. Major Ailments of the Shoulder In some people, the stability of the shoulder itself is not as strong as it is in others. If the shoulder slips out of its socket on occasion, it is considered to be unstable, and shoulder instability can lead to other problems later on, like dislocation. Some people simply have looser joints than others, leading them to be categorized as being double-jointed, but, over time, recurring dislocations can lead to ligaments or muscles being torn, due to loss of flexibility, and the joint itself may not be fitted back into place as easily as it once could be. Arthritis is also a major concern, because it can cause the joint to swell and cause extreme pain. A torn or detached rotator cuff can also be a major concern when it comes to the anatomy and function of the shoulder. This is a condition that cannot be simply allowed to heal on its own, not even with physical therapy. A simple tear, depending on where it is located, might not affect motor function, but it will still need to be repaired through surgery. Should the rotator cuff become detached through injury, or normal wear and tear over time, it will have to be repaired through arthroscopic surgery, which will reattach that cuff of muscles, and restores most of the function back to the shoulder and arms. Without it, range of motion, strength, pivoting and positioning of the arms will be extremely limited, and the affected arm will be forever weakened without the cuff being restored. Want to learn more about the anatomy and function of the shoulder, and how it can affect the rest of the body? You can always learn more from the caring professionals at the Lakeland Spine Center, through an assessment of joint health today. Also check out our new page on Function Of The Shoulder.

Carpal Tunnel Exercises - Why? Part I of III

It is quite difficult to find information where scientists so much as postulate the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, yet people in certain categories of activity continue to commonly experience the condition. The common outcome of research is that increased pressure in the carpal tunnel causes the condition. What we must now ask what is the cause of the increased pressure in the carpal tunnel? And can carpal tunnel exercises prevent or rehabilitate CTS? There are 3 situations that are regularly postulated wherein people commonly developing CTS. They are: 1) A functional problem AT the CT (carpal tunnel) - This first category refers to people whose daily habits consist of repetitively gripping and grasping - especially with small objects. 2) A functional problem THROUGH the CT - (poor circulation via pregnancy, RSI, metabolic issue (diabetes), smoking, etc.) 3) A physical problem AT the CT - (CT is small, fracture, dislocation, etc.). This first article will explore the different theories whereby there is a functional problem AT the CT. It is interesting to note that most of our grasping and gripping activities that are done daily appear do be dominated by finger flexor muscle activity, and it is true that yes the small intrinsic finger flexor muscles of the hand are doing a lot of the work. It is also true that the extrinsic finger flexor muscles are doing work. Both can contribute to a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Let me explain. The small intrinsic finger and thumb flexor muscles originate from the flexor retinaculum (transverse carpal ligament) and thus finer motor movements in flexion (i.e. grasping small items) can cause pressure and stress on the roof the carpal tunnel (transverse carpal ligament). In small gripping and grasping habits become repetitive, these muscles may even have a tendency to shortened and thicken. Carpal tunnel syndrome seems more likely when this scenario advances without being offset by balanced finger exercises. When the opposing muscles (finger extensor and abductor muscles) are strengthened through proper exercise, this offsets and re-balances the shortening of intrinsic finger and thumb flexor muscles. It is then less likely that he carpal tunnel spacing or pressure problem will occur, and thus carpal tunnel is highly unlikely. The larger extrinsic finger flexor muscles may also cause problems at the carpal tunnel. Eight finger flexor tendons in one thumb flexor tendon pass through the carpal tunnel. If these tendons are thickened, adhesed or inflamed, there is a higher risk for CTS to develop. Once any structure that is inside of the carpal tunnel is enlarged, the pressure inside the tunnel increases and the median nerve is at risk of compression/compromise. Larger extrinsic finger flexor muscles are less likely to inflame or thicken if they are well supported by strong, well-toned finger extensor muscles. This may seem like a strange comment, but the finger extensor muscles support the action of finger flexion. It is a cooperative contraction. If the finger extensor muscles are strong, healthy and well toned, the finger flexor muscles can work efficiently and are much less likely to be overworked or overpowered. In other words, inflammation of these tendons is much less likely if the tendons themselves are strong and healthy and the finger extensor muscles that support the finger flexor muscles are also strong and healthy. If the supporting extensor muscles are weak, the flexor muscles have to work harder and less efficiently and are at higher risk of being overused and inflamed, resulting in higher risk for CTS. Often I hear or read that orthopedic specialists believe that CTS cannot be prevented by balanced exercises and surgery is almost always the solution. I do not believe this is true considering all of the repetitive grip type activities that seem to be fertile ground for CTS. People that hear this type of comment have a tendency to develop a victim-oriented mindset and do not pursue CT exercises - and are inherently at higher risk to develop CTS. To specifically strengthen the hand opening muscles (extensor & abductor muscles) is to not only support the action of finger flexion, but to stabilize the structure of the CT itself. In the next article about CT exercises, I will explain the theories of why CT exercises maximize circulation and why maximized circulation reduces the likelihood of CTS. Dr. Terry Zachary is a chiropractor, entrepreneur, inventor and writer from Vancouver, Canada. He is passionate about bringing healthy daily habits to light and influencing people to take control of their own personal health. It is his specific passion to teach about proper balanced hand and wrist exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome and other RSI's. He is the developer of Handmaster Plus hand exercise system.

Physical Therapy: Benefits, Conditions, and Treatment Options

Physical therapy (PT) is a great treatment option for those in need of rehabilitation. Many people who have trouble moving around on a daily basis or who have particular injuries will benefit from these treatments. PT often decreases the level of muscle and joint pain and helps to give more range of motion. There are many benefits and uses to this type of medical treatment. A physical therapist works with each patient to develop an appropriate treatment plan. This treatment plan is developed after analyzing each patient's level of strength, range of motion, and coordination. Different exercises and activities are performed with the help of a physical therapist in order to make daily tasks easier and to minimize physical impairments and aid in preventing further injury. PT is often the recommended treatment option for those with illness, disease or serious injury. Everyone from babies to the elderly benefits from this type of treatment. Physical therapy involves a combination of treatment options. This includes exercises that help to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and range of motion. Exercise may include weight lifting, stretching, walking, and more. A physical therapist will gradually increase the level of exercise in order to improve each patient's individual functionality and help to correct the problem at hand. Many physical therapists utilize hot and cold packs as well as electrical stimulation to aid in treatment. This is especially common in orthopedic physical therapy which focuses on diagnosing and treating injuries and disorders that affect the joints and muscles. This is a common treatment option for people who suffer from sports related injuries, arthritis, and amputation. As treatment progresses, a physical therapist will continue to evaluate each patient's illness or injury to monitor improvement. This will help to show if treatment needs to be modified in order to reach particular goals. While PT does take time and work, it can be an extremely beneficial treatment option. You may benefit from physical therapy if you suffer from the following: Back pain Neck and shoulder pain Joint pain (arthritis) Balance or mobility issues Cardiovascular disorders Muscle strains Slip and fall injuries Motor Vehicle Accident injuries Sports injuries This is just a small example of some of the injuries and disorders that may require physical therapy. If you have been recommended to seek PT treatment, consult with a professional physical therapist. This will help you get expert advice and personalized treatment options. With a treatment plan, you can decrease pain and improve physical performance. Resources for this article: Learn more about specific conditions and physical therapy treatment options at http://www.ForestHillsRehab.com

Online Physical Therapy Exercise Software Has Benefits Over Installed Software

When difficult economic times exist, some physical therapy practices find themselves in search of areas to cut costs while not sacrificing quality of treatment or customer service when stressful economic times strike. An area in which many long-term benefits can be derived- not just cost benefits- that sometimes is overlooked is physical therapy software. Physical therapy clinics that use physical therapy documentation software often use installed software. But times are changing and the Internet becomes more robust and useful, more clinics are gravitating toward online software, which eliminates the need to maintain expensive computer equipment on-site. Instead of taking a do-it-yourself approach that requires clinics to account for their software, servers, firewall protection, etc., online software brings all of that to the user as a service. Its a gradual transformation in computing Physical therapy software makers believe that for those who don't convert to Internet software, they will incur more expense in the future than those who have the foresight to adopt the model. Internet software users can access the latest versions of the software, because updates are made automatically by the software manufacturers, which require no effort from users. There is no need to download or purchase service packs or upgrades. Internet software also can help save money on sometimes costly IT support services. Installed software is self-limiting Generally speaking, use of that software is restricted to the computer on which it is installed. That means no opportunities to work from home on a laptop are available if a clinician wants to catch up on paperwork after work hours. If a program or a modified exercise is made on one computer, it may not be available for access from another. Office networks can be set up to work around some of these setbacks, but that wont combat all of the negatives associated with installed software. The benefits of online software- also called cloud computing- are numerous in terms of exercise software. People can use the cheapest computers, notepads and laptops that they want, because any of these devices are capable of accessing the Internet software, users also can use Macs or PCs without any difficulty. The software even can be used on a smart phone. No installation process is required for using physical therapy exercise software or other online software, and it requires no use of hard drive space. Since online software does not run on a hard drive, users aren't faced with issues that often occur when installing software. Online software also can be accessed anywhere there is an Internet connection. That makes it possible to catch up on documentation during a lunch hour, a break, or even at home. Another important factor for physical therapy clinics is that of security. Online software can store data securely, as well as provide automatic backups. Studies shows that sharing rehabilitation exercises and other data also is easy with online software. There just aren't any monumental setbacks to Internet software that we've identified. This is the direction all physical therapy practices are headed. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of Mavenlive online physical therapy software and our exercise software or you want to schedule a free trial, call 866- 996-2836

MRI Scan - The New Radiology Technique Article

The MRI Scan always reminds us of the big machine with a hole wherein one has to pass through, lying on a table, wondering where the noises are coming from and what is happening to the body. Decades later, almost every one is well aware of MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging The story goes as such - The 'Indomitable' made by a scientist and physician Dr. Raymond Damadian, with the help of some graduate students, was thought to be a failed invention with years wasted behind it. He toiled to produce a machine that could non-invasively scan the body with the use of magnets. When volunteered by a student to be in this contraption, the first MRI scan was performed on a human being on July 3, 1977. It took 5 hours to produce the image from that original machine named 'Indomitable'. And today, a few scanners. The MRI technique is useful in examining the brain and spinal cord and the Scan may help the doctors to diagnose torn ligaments, cancer, tendonitis, brain tumours, strokes, multiple sclerosis just to name a few. The MRI scan is a radiology technique using magnetic and radio waves, resulting in no exposure to X-rays or any other damaging forms of radiation. The image is produced by the computer and it is quite detailed, able to detect tiny changes of structures within the body. To increase the accuracy of images, some procedures use contrast agents like gadolinium. Besides its accurate results, MRI Scan is also more spoken of due to its expensiveness. The cost of MRI depends on several factors like the body part to be scanned, MRI being performed at hospital or outpatient imaging center, need for contrast agent, the place of the center, local competition etc. MRIs prove to be costly and hence there are discount schemes available on full payment and installment schemes are available as well. The MRI scan cost in US is around $700-$2500 while it is the most expensive in UK around £2000 whereas the cheapest deal is available in India which is around Rs. 4000-7000 with standard medical facilities. As technology is developing by leaps and bounds, the top medical news are that, soon MRI '5-minute' scan would be able to check children's brain development. Also new research using MRI shows that childhood stress such as emotional neglect or abuse can lead to structural brain changes. MRI has also proved to be better than mammography for early detection of hereditary breast cancers in the population at risk. Even though MRI scan costs are a bit on higher scale, there effectiveness and accuracy in diagnosis makes this cost worthwhile. Early diagnosis through MRI scan has saved several lives. After all, no cost is greater than your life! Scheer Med provides complete information about MRI Scan and other healthcare related information's. Also, check out our online medical news.