Patient Education

Feeling pain makes you pull your hand off a hot pot before a bad burn. It can also make you put your gloves back on in the cold or come in from the cold to prevent frostbite. It also tells you when you have cut yourself, broken bones or eaten something you should have not eaten. We never forget these events because they “hurt!”

Shoulder replacement surgery (arthroplasty) is the third most common major joint replacement performed.  It has a very extensive track record and offers predictable pain relief and improved function to appropriate surgical candidates.

Shoulder pain, secondary to a rotator cuff tear, is one of the most common reasons for a visit to your doctor or orthopedic surgeon. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that are deep in the shoulder surrounding the ball and socket joint and work to allow you to elevate your arm.  People often note discomfort and difficulty lifting their arm when there is a problem.

Beginning any type of exercise program can be daunting. Where do I start?  How much do I do, and when do I know to try more?  What if I overdo it?  If you’re new to exercise or haven’t done much in a while, starting a walking program is a great place to start and allows you to continue implementing social distancing protocols. 

Discerning the type of garden that best suits your space and abilities was addressed in Part 1:   “Preparation” by considering planting size, height and placement.  Choosing the appropriate tools will largely facilitate the ease in which a garden can be planted and maintained. This was discussed in Part 2 “Tools for the Trade”. There are still a few more hacks to be considered to actually plant and care for the garden while protecting your body.

As with any project, to be safe and efficient the correct tool should be used for the job. Tools should always be kept clean and in good repair. When buying a new garden tool you need to consider cost and construction, balance, weight, grip and adaptability to your own body.