A traumatic shoulder injury can leave you wondering: Did I tear something, and do I need an MRI or surgery?

In this episode of the Rehab Science Podcast, I discuss the case of a friend who developed persistent posterior shoulder pain after a fall while mountain biking. Although his shoulder had improved significantly over several months, he continued to experience pain with throwing and reaching into the backseat of his car.

We discuss the potential causes of posterior shoulder pain after trauma, including rotator cuff and labral injuries, and why symptoms alone don't always tell us which structure is responsible.

More importantly, we explore how clinical findings such as strength, range of motion, instability, apprehension, pain at rest, and changes in function over time can help guide treatment decisions.

• The potential causes of posterior shoulder pain after a traumatic injury

• The anatomy and function of the rotator cuff, particularly the infraspinatus and teres minor

• How traumatic injuries can affect the labrum

• Why a suspected structural injury doesn't automatically mean surgery is necessary

• When imaging may be helpful after a shoulder injury

• Why improving strength and function are important clinical indicators

• How progressive shoulder mobility, strengthening, and stability exercises can support recovery

• The importance of eventually returning to the specific activities that provoke symptoms

• Why we should treat the person and their functional limitations rather than simply treating an MRI finding

A significant injury can occur without requiring surgery. When someone is demonstrating progressive improvement in mobility, strength, and function, conservative rehabilitation is often an appropriate place to start.

The goal isn't always to identify every structure that may have been injured. The goal is to determine what the person needs to restore function and build the capacity to return to the activities they enjoy.

Shoulder Mobility Exercises: https://youtu.be/_GoXq9H0hqg?si=IbKo-2ijyNuzS2xE

Shoulder Stability Exercises: https://youtu.be/TK_tZzqgr4c?si=xC4SPDuUlUGSxyPv

Book Link: https://amzn.to/3SCJn1M

App Link: https://rehabscience.com/membership/

As we age, one of the greatest threats to long-term health isn't just disease. It's the gradual loss of strength, muscle mass, and physical function that can ultimately lead to frailty.

In this episode of the Rehab Science Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy Bettle, PhD to discuss why strength training is one of the most powerful tools we have for maintaining independence, preventing injury, and improving quality of life throughout the lifespan. We explore the relationship between strength and healthy aging, the role of exercise in reducing fall risk and osteoporosis, and why rehabilitation often falls short of preparing people to return to the activities they value most.

• What frailty is and why it develops
• Why strength is one of the strongest predictors of long-term health and function
• The relationship between muscle mass, aging, and independence
• How resistance training influences bone health and osteoporosis
• Strategies for reducing fall risk
• The connection between strength, brain health, and cognitive function
• Common shortcomings in traditional rehabilitation
• What "return to performance" should really look like after an injury
• Practical advice for building and maintaining strength at any age

Whether you're recovering from an injury, trying to stay active as you age, or simply looking to improve your long-term health, this episode provides practical insights into why strength should be a lifelong priority.

Link for my first podcast with Dr. Bettle: https://open.spotify.com/episode/77Olhy3pnxICBFENDpRnTb?si=d173e3834ad843bc

Dr. Bettle's website: https://vitality-collective.com/

In this episode of the Rehab Science Podcast, Dr. Tom Walters discusses one of the most common causes of neck pain that radiates into the shoulder and arm: cervical radiculopathy.

Using a real patient case, Dr. Walters explains how recurring neck tension and intermittent arm tingling ultimately led to the diagnosis of a C5-C6 disc herniation with narrowing of the intervertebral foramen. More importantly, he discusses why MRI findings are only one piece of the diagnostic puzzle and why many people have disc bulges and herniations without experiencing any symptoms.

You'll learn how cervical disc herniations can irritate nearby nerve roots, the anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine, and why a thorough history and physical examination are just as important as imaging when determining the source of a person's symptoms.

The episode also covers evidence-based rehabilitation strategies, including cervical mobility, thoracic mobility, shoulder mobility, deep neck strengthening, and nerve mobilization exercises. Finally, Dr. Walters reviews common medical management options, including medications, epidural steroid injections, and when surgery may be appropriate.

In This Episode

• What cervical radiculopathy is and why it develops
• A real patient case involving a C5-C6 disc herniation
• The anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine
• Why MRI findings don't always correlate with symptoms
• The difference between treating an MRI and treating the patient
• Evidence-based rehabilitation principles
• Medical management options, including medications, injections, and surgery
• When to seek further medical evaluation

Key Takeaway

A cervical disc bulge or herniation does not automatically explain your symptoms. Imaging should always be interpreted alongside your history, physical examination, and neurological findings. For many people, a comprehensive rehabilitation program focused on restoring mobility, strength, and nerve function can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Resources

YouTube Video Link

Rehab Science Book Link

Rehab Science App Link