Mahaska Health Partnership Provides Recommendations for Healthy Shoulders
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Many athletes continue participating in sports during their adult years. Case Everett, MD, who provides family practice and obstetrical careat Mahaska Health Partnership, says shoulder injuries are common as people age.
“Every time we swing a club or bat, throw a ball or lift a weight, our shoulder joint is moving,” Dr. Everett explained. “That long-term wear and tear throughout our lives can lead to chronic pain or injury.”
According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), common sources of shoulder pain can include arthritis, which causes pain, swelling and stiffness; a break in the bone; dislocation where the bone and joint separate; a sprain where ligaments are stretched or damaged; frozen shoulder which results from stiffness or loss of movement and rotator cuff tears where the tendons become disconnected from the muscles.
“The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with three main bones that are held together by muscles, tendons and ligaments,” Dr. Everett expanded. “Because of its intricate make-up and mobility, it’s more prone to injury.
“People may experience some shoulder pain or discomfort that rest and regular pain relief can alleviate. However, when the pain comes on suddenly, doesn’t get better after a few days or gets worse; it’s time to see a doctor. Symptoms of a shoulder injury may include pain, swelling, numbness, tingling or changes in your range of motion.
“In the event of an injury or chronic pain, I can assess the joint to determine if the issue can be corrected with physical therapy or if surgery is required,” Dr. Everett shared. “If surgery is required, we’re fortunate to have Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Sreedhar Somisetty on the MHP campus.”
Dr. Everett said he stresses exercises to enhance shoulder stability and function to his active adult patients. “I provided primary care with the Air Force for three years; I’m very familiar with caring for sports-related injuries for active adults. By caring for your shoulder and helping make it stronger, a lot of shoulder-related injuries can be avoided.”
The ACSM, a source Dr. Everett frequently references for patients, suggests practicing good posture and maintaining a balance of flexibility and strength in shoulder muscles. A simple act of flexing your shoulder blades and elbows downward toward your back pockets can improve shoulder stability and function.
“I can counsel patients regarding the appropriate exercises for their ability levels and joint health. By maintaining strength in a safe way throughout adulthood, you can stay stronger into later years.”
Family Practice Physician Case Everett, MD, practices fulltime at the MHP Medical Group, providing primary care to all ages and also delivering babies. Dr. Everett is originally from New Sharon and is passionate about serving his home community. For an appointment with Dr. Everett, call 641.672.3360.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, look us up on the web: mahaskahealth.org.
