Page 7 - Martin Downs Bulletin - July '21

Martin Downs, Page 7

ClEvEland CliniC martin HEaltH nEws

Shoulder Injuries Treated be painful, and a tennis match or golf outing would be nearly patients to begin their post-operative rehabilitation sooner. In the

With Arthroscopy Heal Faster impossible. Understandably, shoulder injuries used to be among last few years, other innovations have made the recovery process
easier, including surgical improvements and better post-operative
the most dreaded by weekend warriors and professional athletes
With Less Pain alike. In fact, a rotator cuff injury was often a career-ending pain management.
incident in sports. According to Evans, sutures today use new materials that do
New surgical techniques and better pain management enable “Shoulder patients can experience much quicker recovery not require intra-operative knots. Overall, the procedures are less
easier recovery. Remember Operation, that electronic board and much less pain using the arthroscopic techniques developed abrasive to the tissue. New, long-acting pain medications used
game in which one wayward movement causes other body parts in recent years,” said Peter J. Evans, M.D., Ph.D., chair of following surgery last for 72 to 96 hours. Often patients need
to spasm and a loud buzzer to sound? the Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Institute in Florida and little or no pain medication after their initial recovery due to the
Just like in the board game, an injured rotator cuff can wreak orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty training in shoulder, hand new techniques.
havoc with other body parts – and everyday activities like writing and upper extremity surgery. “Today, my patients return to their A painful shoulder condition or injury can impede writing,
and eating – because it’s the rotator cuff that allows us to lift and preferred activities quickly.” eating, dressing, hair brushing and other activities of daily
rotate the arm. The rotator cuff is composed of four muscles plus Instead of a large incision circumventing the shoulder, Dr. living. With newer techniques and appropriate rehabilitation,
attached tendons and other tissue in the shoulder. It holds the arm Evans uses an arthroscope, a pencil-sized instrument with a tiny arthroscopic surgery can fully restore movement in the shoulder.
in the joint and helps attach the humerus (long bone in the upper camera at the tip, to examine and repair the tissues in the joint. “Prior to arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair required months
arm) to the elbow, neck and torso. Recovery is quicker and less painful when compared to an open of post-operative rehabilitation and many patients avoided
Rotator cuff tendons can tear from age, overuse, traumatic procedure. the surgery,” said Evans. “Using arthroscopy, we can help our
injury or a fall. When it is injured, even reaching for a book can Using arthroscopy also minimizes swelling and allows patients return to a fuller life without constant pain.”
To make an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist at
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, call (844) 630-4968 or visit
ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Access today.

sEnior

mattErs

Not Just For Seniors

By Arati Hammond,
Realtor at Keller
Williams Realty,
Seniors Real Estate
Specialist and Certified
Luxury Home Marketing
Specialist
Five Common
Areas To Assess
When Visiting
Loved Ones
Sometimes, reuniting with family can show how much
Mom, Dad, or other aging loved ones have changed over
the past months. This time together can be an opportunity
to assess their well-being and make changes, if needed.
Life Tasks
Life tasks are fundamental self-care activities that
need to be done, whether we do them for ourselves or
have someone do them for us.
Check the cupboards for groceries and watch your
loved one interact with family members and friends.
Are they getting around okay, is their personal hygiene
normal? If you notice that something is off, it may be
time to have a conversation.
Safety
Safety is a big one. But while safety may seem like a
priority for families, older loved ones and family members
may sacrifice safety or be in denial over the reality of the
situation. No one wants to see independence lost and the
senior more than likely wants to remain autonomous.
Physical Health
Sadly, many seniors live with chronic health problems.
But there are some problems that require your attention as
they may be red flags or signs that quality of life is at stake.
You may want to consider visiting your loved one’s doctor
on the next visit or do some online research about your loved
one’s conditions to help you better understand the problems.
Mood And Brain Health
Does your loved one suddenly seem different? Is there a
hint of depression or anxiety that wasn’t there before? Maybe
memory problems are affecting their mood. Depression can
be common in older adults; especially if there has been a loss
of a spouse or traumatic event. Consult a doctor, look for a
geriatrician for help in diagnosing the problem.
Medication Safety
Last, medications can play a crucial role in a senior’s
life. They can be vital for keeping certain health conditions
under control, but can also create side effects and a plethora
of other health problems.
What Can You Do When Your Parents Are Resisting
Help?
Being human and understanding will take you a
long way. Sometimes cognitive impairments are to
blame and sometimes stubborn family members are
the culprit. It’s important to separate what you need
See answer in this paper. from what your parent needs.