(Shoulder Pain Continued)

for the impingement of the rotator cuff could actually be a mid back dysfunction. Over time the impingement will cause micro damage to the tendons and muscles and finally lead to a full blown injury. Once the injury occurs the treatments are usually for the injured part while the mid back dysfunction continues to persist?

This is very unfortunate because it is so avoidable. Many athletes’ careers are ruined or are never fulfilled because they continue to play with hidden dysfunctions that lead to repeat injuries. There is a difference between feeling better and being healed. When you feel better you will continue to do what you’ve been doing because you have covered up the symptom. Without that pain to remind you that an adjustment needs to be made, many of us will continue to run off course. Working in this field, it is only natural that I have the desire to help every athlete I hear about. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with my share, but still I find myself amazed when they report back to me with news that their doctors and others helping with their rehabilitation are not able to make the connections that I teach them about.

One such case was a former MLB player who was diagnosed with right shoulder impingement which was causing inflammation to his supraspinatus muscle (one of the rotator cuff muscles) and bursitis (inflammation of the cushioning sac in the shoulder). I will call him Mario in order to respect his privacy. Mario came in as a referral of another shoulder client who attended his gym. In his very down to earth and soft spoken manner, Mario explained his medical history to me. I listened and took notes as he listed his goals out for me.