By RAJ THANGAMUTHU of AquatiCare Physical Therapy
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
“Will my daughter able to play again?”, John asked me for the 5th time in two days. Ms. Bryana – John’s daughter, 16 years old – was seen in our clinic for pain in the right shoulder. The pain started in mid June 2010, while playing soft ball in school. The gradual onset of pain gradually got worse and she had to stop playing for the season. While evaluating her I found along with the right supraspinatus mild tear she also had lateral epicondylitis commonly known as tennis elbow. The rotator cuff, shoulder joint and elbow joint are extremely vulnerable to heavy loads and repetitive bouts of exercise. Gradually, it may become inflamed and hinder or limit workout altogether. I was very careful not attempt to work through pain, as this often perpetuates the problem.
The treatment included shoulder stabilizing exercises, stretches and stability exercises done twice a week for 3 weeks reduced the tenderness and increased the strength. John had called me twice and concerned about her playing for the team next season. I assured him that she will be able to play and with the condition. Choosing the correct and safe exercise program was challenging since the inflammation was irritating the tendons. The pain was around 8/10 initially with the stretches and exercises and she was getting frustrated. The Rehabilitation program included shoulder, elbow and wrist muscles strengthening alternate days with home exercises program. 4th week treatment included advanced strength training exercises which included The Burn Machine's 4lb. Speed Bag and theratub exercises.
My choice of Burn Machine with her condition came due to safety with even resistance throughout the treatment. Her response to how she feels to the new advanced exercises was “I feel the burn”. The goal was to return her to elite sport with optimal results. The ideal tool I found was the Burn Machine which strengthened her proximal shoulder muscles for stability along with biceps, triceps , bracioradialis with ease. The weight of the unit provided a higher level of strengthening and conditioning tool to increase her performance. The unique, 360-degree rotating handles also allowed the machine to be used for limitless exercises and applications. She will be returning to her favorite sport next season and will be discharged from our care next week. My sincere thanks to Burn Machine, for making the exercises to be perform safely with less amount of time and training my patients like boss.
