​Stabilizing your shoulders are a group of muscles commonly known as the rotator cuff. As we age, it is possible for these muscles to become strained and cause pain. Additionally, falling or other traumas to the shoulder can cause injury to the area. Winter is a time of year when this type of injury can occur more frequently. From snow sports such as snowboarding to something as simple as slipping on ice, it is vital to recognize when you may have an injury to your rotator cuff. If you suspect injury, follow these tips to help treat the pain. 

RICE and Anti-inflammatory medication
Rest — Give your shoulder a break. Try to limit activities that require you to use the injured shoulder for a couple of days. 
Ice — Apply ice to the injured area to reduce inflammation. 
Compress — Apply a compress to control swelling.
Elevate — Do your best to elevate the area above the level of your heart.

Take over the counter anti-inflammatory medication (as needed), such as ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and pain. 

Stretches/Exercises
Pendulum Swings — Bend at your waist using a table for support. Let the injured arm hang freely. Begin swinging your injured arm in a circular direction from one foot to the other. After about 5 minutes switch directions. Again bend at your waist using a table for support. Swing the injured arm from front to back ensuring that you are limiting resistance. Do this for 5 minutes. 

Doorway Stretch — Standing in a doorway, place one hand on each side of the opening. Slowly lean forward into the opening shifting your weight to your toes. Once you start to feel a light stretch, stop to avoid over stretching. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times. 

Cross-arm Stretch — Standing with good posture and your shoulders relaxed, pull one arm across your chest as far as you can and hold for around 30 seconds. Repeat the stretch on the opposite side. Do this stretch 2-3 times. 

If your pain continues to worsen or does not go away, make sure to give us a call. The trained staff in our Eugene chiropractic office can evaluate your injury and create a plan to alleviate your pain. 541-343-5633

Running is one of the most common ways to stay active, especially with the miles of trails surrounding Eugene. In our neck of the woods, it is hard to resist the urge to get outside and take advantage of the scenery on a nice long run. Unfortunately, running can take a toll on the body and cause injury. Here is a breakdown of three of the most common running injuries and how to treat them. 
    
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of muscles on the bottom of the foot. The first signs of this are a burning and painful sensation on the bottom of the foot, typically near the heal. It is important to rest and avoid running while you are experiencing pain. Ice and elevate the foot to reduce inflammation. Once you feel the pain is gone, it is important to wear good shoes and try an insert that helps reduce the impact on the strained muscles. In addition, stretching the muscles that are causing the problem is another way to prevent recurring incidents. 

Shin Splints
Shin splints, like plantar fasciitis, are caused by the heavy use of muscles and tendons during running. Like its name suggests the pain experienced is in the lower legs. Often this occurs when one changes the amount of stress they are placing on the muscles. For instance, if you recently increased the distance you run, you may experience shin splints. Similar to other muscle injuries, it is important to reduce the inflammation with ice, elevation, and rest. Easing into a new routine along with gear that reduces impact can help to prevent this type of injury. 

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runners Knee)
Patellofemoral pain syndrome or “runners knee” is caused by the irritation of the cartilage under the kneecap. Symptoms include pain on top of or behind the kneecap and can be exacerbated by squatting and stairs. Again, rest, ice, and elevation are in order. Also, it is crucial to strengthen and align muscles in the hips and quads to ensure proper rotation of the femur to prevent further irritation of the cartilage. 

These injuries are just three of the most common injuries faced by runners. The impact of the activity can cause a variety of different ailments, and it is important to recognize when it is time to take a break. If the pain from one of these injuries does not go away on its own after trying the methods mentioned in this article, call Pure Life Chiropractic today. Some injuries are worse than others, and our experienced staff is trained to help you recover and become stronger than ever. 541-343-5633