John Hinson M.D. of Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute Emphasizes the Prevalence of Rotator Cuff Injury for the Aging Athlete
Wellington, FL (October 1, 2024) – John Hinson M.D., from the Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute has been educating the community on recognizing the physical signs of aging, athletic injury prevention, chronic shoulder injuries, and treatment options when necessary. Hinson spoke as a guest speaker during a luncheon at The Wanderers Club in Wellington to teach Rotary Club members about the aging athlete and the prevalence of rotator cuff injury and repair.
Hinson informs that rotator cuff tears are the most common injury encountered by the aging athlete. Patients will relate an onset of symptoms without a specific event occurring. The patient will express pain while playing that is oftentimes sharp with swinging a club or paddle. Sometimes the pain will occur after engaging in the sport and will often lead to night pains, causing a limit in the ability to play.
Hinson teaches that treatment for most patients begins with conservative measures that can include anti-inflammatory medication, ice and head, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injection (cortisone shot). A modification in activity such as decreasing or the need to stop engaging in sports for a period of time.
The prevalence of this, is that if symptoms persist there may be a concern for significant injury and an MRI may be ordered. The surgery is reserved for those who do not improve with conservative treatment or others with severe injury. A rotator cuff repair is when the tendon is reattached to the bone using anchors and sutures and often requires a lengthy recovery period. Hinson emphasizes that other chronic soft tissue injuries include injuries to the proximal biceps tendon and labrum.
Also specializing in degenerative shoulder conditions, Hinson informs others on what the common degenerative shoulder conditions are, the symptoms and when it is appropriate to seek treatment. Degenerative shoulder conditions involve an injury to the biceps tendon as it attaches into the shoulder and the symptoms in these conditions overlap closely.
Hinson educates his patients facing these challenges on how to treat these conditions. First is the common sense approach, which can help prevent both lower and upper extremity injuries. Avoiding falls that may cause acute injuries by playing a sport on a clean and dry court or field and being aware of surroundings for possible hazards. Secondly, there may be specific tools to help prevent shoulder injuries such as appropriate braces for wearing.
For the aging athlete, preparation can help prevent chronic injuries such as stretching. Regular shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises can help prevent injury from developing. Hinson advises that home shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises performed on a regular basis will help to maintain shoulder conditioning and prevent injury.
John Hinson M.D. and the Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute has been educating not only seen patients, but also around the Palm Beach community through different speaking engagements, teaching to recognize the physical signs of aging, how to prevent an athletic injury through stretches and common sense, the awareness of chronic shoulder injuries including how to cope, and when to seek treatment.
To learn more about John Hinson, M.D. and the Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute, please visit https://www.pboi.com/