King's Daughters' Health

PO Box 447 1373 East State Road 62 Madison, Indiana 47250-0447 This publication in no way seeks to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. SOLVING Shoulder Problems at Any Age Shoulder conditions affect high school athletes, weekend warriors and active seniors alike. No matter your age, we're here to help. Often, nonsurgical treatments are enough to reduce pain and restore strength and flexibility, but some people may benefit from surgery. Arthritis is another frequent cause of shoulder pain for seniors. Patients whose pain persists after trying conservative treatments may be candidates for total shoulder replacement or a variation available at KDH called reverse total shoulder replacement. "Some men and women who have arthritis may also have torn rotator cuffs and would not be candidates for conventional shoulder replacement," says Ronald Auer, MD, orthopedic surgeon at KDH. "The advantage of reverse total shoulder replacement is that the implant used in the surgery changes the mechanics of the arm to allow for shoulder motion without a rotator cuff. The surgery is almost exactly the same as conventional replacement, and recovery is quite similar, as well." R&R for the Pains of Youth Most shoulder injuries that happen to young adults are due to overuse and dislocations caused by accidents. Overuse can also lead to a type of inflammation known as bursitis that frequently affects middle-aged men and women. "Young and middle-aged adults who are developing shoulder problems of any kind often report pain in the front or top of the shoulder, as well as occasional feelings of looseness or 'deadness' in the arm," says Paul Rosenberg, MD, orthopedic surgeon at King's Daughters' Health. "First-line treatments may include rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Injections of numbing medication may also provide relief from pain. If conservative therapies don't work, minimally invasive joint surgery may be an option." Fixing the Aches of Aging Rotator cuff sprains, strains and tears from falls, and the effects of years of overuse and repetitive motion are common among older adults. Although these injuries can happen at any age, seniors are particularly vulnerable. ■ To find an orthopedic surgeon with whom to discuss shoulder pain, visit www.kdhmadison.org/Orthopedics or call (812) 801-0848. To help prevent shoulder injuries, be sure your weight training regimen includes exercises intended to strengthen the muscles of the upper back, upper arms and shoulders. Allow each muscle group one day of rest between workouts. Ronald Auer, MD Paul Rosenberg, MD

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