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ESWT Treatment For Shoulder Pain

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Watch as Dr Edwin Ong, Former Resident Doctor, Dr Tan & Partners (DTAP clinic) talks about ESWT, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy,  as an effective treatment for shoulder pain.
Shock Wave therapy is a safe, quick and non-invasive treatment using energy from sound waves to activate the self healing properties of the body and accelerate the recovery process.
It does so in a number of ways: 

  1. Firstly, through a process known as cavitation, Shock Wave therapy stimulates the production of fibroblasts and tenocytes. These are the cells responsible for the healing of connective tissues such as tendons. The end result is tissue regeneration.
  2. Secondly, the Shock Waves stimulate microscopic circulation and therefore metabolism within the treatment area, which promotes healing and the breakdown of calcification deposits, also known as spurs.
  3. Lastly, Shock Wave therapy diminishes pain by over-stimulation of the nerves that send pain signals to the brain.

Shoulder Pain

It works for a variety of causes of shoulder pain including rotator cuff tendinitis and frozen shoulder.

Rotator cuff injury

Repetitive overhead arm movements, heavy lifting or other forms of trauma can strain the rotator cuff tendons and lead to tendinitis. Tendinitis can also develop due to chronic degeneration. The pain is felt mainly when raising the arm outwards and upwards from the body. When tendinitis is present, there is an increased risk of a rotator cuff tear occurring. The tear can be partial or complete and results in weakness when trying to raise the arm.

Frozen shoulder

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this is a condition in which the movement of the shoulder becomes severely restricted due to the growth of abnormal bands of tissue (called adhesions) between joint surfaces and a lack of synovial fluid to lubricate the joint. Frozen shoulder commonly occurs between the ages of 40 to 60 and can occur after a rotator cuff impingement, a tendon tear, or even minor injury. The problem usually resolves on its own, but this can take up to three years.
To conduct the treatment for shoulder pain, we place the treatment probe over the affected area and deliver the required number of shocks. The treatment for shoulder pain is tolerable. Most patients will need about 2 to 3 sessions each 2 weeks apart.
If you are suffering from shoulder pain and requires tratment for shoulder pain, speak to your Doctor and ask if Shock Wave therapy is right for you.
Please call or drop us an email at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg for an appointment.

Office Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms Treatments

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What is Office Syndrome?

If you live in a big city and work in an office environment, chances are you may suffer from Office Syndrome even though you may not know it.
Office Syndrome is not a disease but instead refers to a group of symptoms related to the unhealthy sitting posture. The typical office worker spends hours upon hours sitting in the same position, toiling away in front of computer screens.
At first glance, one may not think much about such a lifestyle, but if left unaddressed, Office Syndrome can potentially lead to serious issues, especially for one’s muscles and spine.

What is the Cause of Office Syndrome

A poor working environment is a major cause of Office Syndrome. Inadequate table height and positioning of the computer and keyboard leads to an unnatural sitting position. Slouching or hunching over with rounded shoulders causes constant muscle contraction, gradually resulting in weak core muscles and increased tension in other muscle groups.
Dry eyes and headache can also result from long hours facing computer screens. Psychological symptoms such as depression, insomnia and fatigue may occur as well. All these also fall under the spectrum of Office Syndrome.

via GIPHY

What are the Symptoms?

What are the Treatments?

If you suspect that you are having symptoms related to Office Syndrome, speak to your doctor about it. Based on the symptoms as described above, investigations such as X-ray, ultrasound scan or blood tests may be recommended.
The treatment essentially depends on the symptoms and body part that is of concern, and commonly involves medications, physiotherapy and alternative therapies such as acupuncture.
However, as the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, it is much easier to take measures to prevent Office Syndrome rather than have to deal with the problems when they develop.

Office work does not equal Office Syndrome!

How to Avoid Office Syndrome!

Not everyone who works in an office is destined to develop Office Syndrome. All that is required are some adjustments to the workplace and the development of good habits, and Office Syndrome can be easily avoided.

1) Practice proper posture.

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Practice proper posture. Sit up straight with your shoulders rolled back and your chin tucked to elongate your spine. Good posture is always important, even when not at work.

2) Adjust your sitting position regularly.

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Doing so every 1-2 hours helps to prevent muscle fatigue and subsequent slouching. You can also change the angle of your seat, and avoid sitting at the edge of your seat.

3) Try to exercise

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Try to exercise for 30 minutes or more, at least three times a week. Focus on exercises that can strengthen your core muscle groups, which in turn can help with your posture.

4) Desk ergonomics.

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Desk ergonomics. The computer mouse and keyboard should be directly in front of you, at a comfortable distance, with your arms properly supported. The computer screen should be an arm’s length away from you, and level with or slightly below your line of sight. Standing work desks are great, and nowadays there are even adjustable desks for both sitting and standing.

5) Take a break.

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Remember to take a break. Take short breaks throughout the day to rest your eyes. This is also a good time to stretch or take a walking break.
Take care!

Other Reads:

  1. What is Office Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
  2. What are the signs & symptoms of Nose Cancer
  3. Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG) – STD Screening, Testing & Treatment
  4. Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Or Prostatitis
  5. 5 Ways to Fight Depression
  6. 8 Ways on How to Cope with Anxiety 
  7. 7 Common Causes of Knee Pain
  8. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis – Causes, Symptoms Treatment 
  9. Plantar Fasciitis – Causes Symptom Treatment
  10. Shoulder Pain – Cause, Symptoms & Treatment 
  11. Trigger Finger – Cause, Symptoms & Treatment
  12. Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow – What You Need to Know 
  13. STD Symptoms in Women

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