Rehab Science with Tom Walters Tom Walters

Shoulder impingement is an older diagnosis that was thought to be due to a pinching or impinging of the rotator cuff (supraspinatus) tendon, biceps tendon or subacromial bursa. Pain would typically occur when lifting the arm away from the body and overhead.
Over time, the name of this diagnosis was changed to ‘subacromial pain syndrome’ as it became evident that most people have some degree of impingement and many never develop symptoms. Like numerous other pain disorders, the pathophysiology of this disorder has been found to be more complex and should not be thought of as a simple, mechanical phenomenon.
If you would like to learn more about this condition, click this research article link.
If you would like to access the rehab exercise PDF I mentioned in the episode, click this link.
My book contains a comprehensive, 3-phased subacromial pain program that will teach you exercises to treat this issue on your own. Click this Amazon link to learn more about my book and to order a copy. 

In today's episode, I cover the three primary types of musculoskeletal pain, which include mechanical (nociceptive) pain, neuropathic (nerve) pain and chronic or persistent pain.
Understanding what type of pain you have helps determine the best path forward in terms of which treatment options to pursue. In future episodes, I will dive deeper into specific treatment interventions for each type of pain. 
If you are suffering from pain or an injury, my book has comprehensive rehab programs for the 50 most common injuries and pain issues. Each program guides you through three phases of rehab and has pictures of me doing the exercises. The book is almost 500 pages in length and each body region has its own chapter. It is the type of reference that is intended to help you manage your own pains and injuries. Click the following Amazon LINK to learn more about my book. 

In this episode, I talk with orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Jervis Yau, MD. We discuss a wide range of topics including hip impingement, rotator cuff tears, PRP and stell cell injections and ACL recontructions.
Dr. Yau has a particular interest in minimally invasive techniques of the shoulder, knee, hip, elbow and ankle, as well as joint preservation and cartilage restoration procedures. He has published articles in peer-reviewed publications, books and orthopedic presentations dedicated to sports medicine and orthopedic conditions and treatments.
Dr. Yau graduated from the University of California, San Diego and completed his Doctor of Medicine at New York Medical College where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, followed by his sports medicine fellowship at Sports Orthopedic and Rehabilitation (SOAR).
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5-star review for my podcast. It really helps the podcast build momentum and reach more people. 
Click HERE to learn more about Dr. Yau's clincial practice in Santa Barbara, CA.
Click HERE to learn more about my book. 

In this episode, I explain the treatment model I use when treating patients. Understanding this model, will help you manage pain issues or injuries that you might be dealing with now or encounter in the future. 
 
This three phased model is covered in detail in each of the 30 rehab program in my self-guided rehab book and involves the following phases:
Reduce Pain & Sensitivity - interventions include soft tissue mobilizations (massage and myofascial release techniques, gentle mobility exercises, nerve glides and isometric contractions). Address Impairments - In this phase of rehab, we focus on correcting any impairments that migh be present. These might include reduced mobility/range of motion, diminished motor control and/or limited strength. Rebuild Capacity - This last phase revolves around making the musculoskeletal system more resilient via resistance or strength training. Resistance training improves the strength and durability of many tissues, including muscles, tendons and bones.  
I hope this episode was helpful to you! Having a treatment plan like the one I outlined here can reduce anxiety and fear that are often associated with pain issues and injuries. 
If you have found my podcast to be helpful, would you please consider leaving a 5-star review for the podcast? Thank you!
 
Dr. Tom
 

Welcome to the first episode of the Rehab Science Podcast!
In this episode, I interview my wife and fellow orthopedic physical therapist, Dr. Kirsten Walters, DPT, CSCS. We discuss her background, how we met and the strategies we both implement to stay healthy. We cover a number of topics including, exercise, nutrition, supplements, sleep, stress management and more.
If you enjoyed the episode, would you please consider leaving a review for the podcast? It really helps the podcast grow, so that we can help more people who are suffering from pain or a movement-related condition.