begins an endurance program in addition to the strengthening exercises. The goal is to reach 90 percent strength as compared to the uninjured shoulder. This phase also includes increasing patients activity to sport and/or work related activity. After going through all four phases a patient should be in a healthy enough physical state that he/she may resume normal life and activity barring any unforeseen circumstances.*insert article* attachedDuring the rehabilitation phase of a shoulder injuries a patient may undergo various different treatments. A popular treatment among physical therapists is ultrasound therapy and many therapists believe in its effectiveness however a recent study conducted by Dutch scientists reveals it may not work. The therapy is used to alleviate pain and loosen up inflames tissue. The scientists split 80 people with bad shoulders into four groups. Some received either no treatment, ultrasound and electrical stimulation, a mix of active and dummy care, or all fake treatment. After they ended treatment, the same amount of people (40 percent) said they were feeling better. Therapists say they do not want to give up the treatment but believe it may need to be re-examined.*insert article* attachedEven after going through the different phases of rehabilitation and treatment, a patient must continue to exercise and strengthen his/her shoulder. An exercise Developed by Dr. Gavin Hopper designed to improve flexibility of the shoulder to reduce shoulder injuries can also be applied to a previously injured shoulder as a precautionary measure. Dr. Hopper suggests before exercising an athlete should stretch his shoulders by grabbing the elbow of his injured arm with his opposite hand and then pull it across the chest. The athlete should then hold the stretch for ten seconds and repeat it four times. During the next stretch the athlete should pull the playing arm higher up, just beneath the chin and again hold the...
