At Poseidon Performance, we thrive on helping clients overcome long-standing injuries that hinder their ability to enjoy an active lifestyle. Eric, a 51-year-old with an impressive history of athletic pursuits, faced a significant challenge: a 15-year battle with right shoulder impingement syndrome. This is the story of how he regained his strength and mobility through a targeted rehabilitation program.

Client Background

Eric has always led an active life. His athletic endeavors span a variety of sports, including rugby during college and university, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ, blue belt), Muay Thai, sailing, kite surfing, squash, and mountain biking. However, years of intense activity took a toll on his body, leading to a chronic shoulder impingement and other injuries like a hyperextended knee with meniscus damage.

Despite the pain and limitations caused by his shoulder injury, Eric’s commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle remained steadfast. This determination made him an ideal candidate for a customized rehabilitation program at Poseidon Performance.

Injury and Symptoms

Eric’s shoulder impingement likely originated from an incident while kite surfing, during which he attempted to break a wave and overexerted his arm. This movement caused stress on his shoulder joint, potentially leading to subluxation (partial dislocation) and damage to the surrounding structures.

His symptoms included:

• Deep pain in the right shoulder, particularly during abduction (raising the arm sideways) and internal rotation.

• Pain localized around the supraspinous and subacromial space.

• Difficulty with shoulder flexion beyond 100 degrees, with discomfort rated at 3-4/10.

• A painful arc of movement during forward elevation between 60° and 120°.

• Positive results on the Empty Can Test, indicating rotator cuff weakness or irritation.

These symptoms significantly affected Eric’s ability to engage in physical activities and perform daily tasks without pain.

Rehabilitation Objectives

The primary goals of Eric’s rehabilitation program were:

1. Restore Scapular Humeral Rhythm: Address the hitch in Eric’s shoulder movements and re-establish proper mechanics during arm flexion above 100 degrees.

2. Reduce Pain and Improve Function: Alleviate pain during flexion and other movements while restoring full range of motion.

3. Increase Muscle Hypertrophy and Stability: Strengthen the upper trapezius and other supporting muscles to enhance shoulder stability and prevent future injuries.

The Program

Eric’s rehabilitation plan was divided into phases, with Phase 3 focusing on intermediate strengthening. Here’s a snapshot of the interventions used:

1. Corrective Exercises:

• Scapular stabilization drills to enhance motor control and improve joint alignment.

• Rotator cuff strengthening exercises targeting the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles.

2. Progressive Strength Training:

• Focus on pain-free ranges of motion to build strength without exacerbating symptoms.

• Introduction of resistance exercises that challenge the shoulder stabilizers, gradually increasing load as Eric’s pain diminished.

3. Functional Training:

• Incorporating sport-specific movements to prepare Eric for his activities, such as kite surfing and BJJ.

• Exercises emphasizing core and upper body coordination to support dynamic shoulder movements.

4. Pain Management:

• Manual therapy techniques to address soft tissue restrictions.

• Passive and active range-of-motion exercises to alleviate discomfort during movements like flexion and abduction.

Results and Progress

Through consistent effort and adherence to the program, Eric achieved remarkable progress:

• Pain-free range of motion was restored, allowing him to perform overhead movements without discomfort.

• Strength and stability in the shoulder significantly improved, reducing the likelihood of reinjury.

• Eric regained the ability to participate in his favorite activities, including kite surfing and BJJ, with confidence.

His dedication and perseverance throughout the process were instrumental in his success, showcasing the transformative power of tailored rehabilitation.

Key Takeaways

Eric’s journey is a testament to the importance of addressing long-term injuries with a structured and personalized approach. At Poseidon Performance, we believe in empowering our clients to overcome physical limitations and rediscover their active selves.

If you’re struggling with a chronic injury or seeking guidance to return to your favorite activities, our expert team is here to help. Let’s work together to build a stronger, pain-free future.

Ready to Begin Your Rehabilitation Journey?

Contact Poseidon Performance today to learn how we can help you reclaim your strength and mobility.