

Shrug Off Shoulder Pain This Fall
With fall in full swing, you’re ready to hang up some Halloween decorations–only to find shoulder pain is keeping you from reaching overhead. Sound familiar? Don’t worry! The multidisciplinary team at MSK Centre can help you pinpoint the underlying cause of your pain and develop a comprehensive approach to addressing it at its root.
To help you understand our unique approach, we want to share the story of a recent patient, John (not his real name). John began dealing with shoulder pain as he was preparing his yard for winter, but with a little help from our physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists, he was able to find relief.

John’s Unexpected Shoulder Pain
At 63, John had always been the kind of person who believed in the power of a good day’s work. His garden was his pride, and weekends were often spent tending to his backyard. However, one autumn afternoon, while clearing out overgrown bushes, John felt a sharp pain in his shoulder.
He pushed it off as a muscle strain and expected it to pass with a little rest. But as days turned into a week, the pain persisted, disrupting his sleep and making simple tasks like lifting objects overhead challenging and sometimes impossible.
Reluctantly, John decided to consult the multidisciplinary team at MSK Centre, suspecting that it might be more than just a strain. After a detailed assessment, we suggested that John might have a rotator cuff injury. John was initially skeptical: Aren’t rotator cuff injuries something that happens to athletes? However, we explained that they’re actually a common issue among active adults over 60. In his case, the injury was likely the culmination of wear and tear over the years, not the result of a single day of work.
John’s Personalized Treatment Program
The program began with a thorough evaluation of John’s shoulder, including range of motion, strength, and functional movement tests. We also focused on John’s pain levels, understanding that pain management was a priority, especially to improve his sleep quality.
All this information helped us tailor a program suited to John’s needs. Here’s what it included:
Massage Therapy
The initial phase of treatment involved massage in the soft tissue around John’s shoulder to reduce stiffness and alleviate pain. These sessions provided immediate relief and prepared John’s shoulder for more intensive exercises.
Kinesio Taping
Next, we applied Kinesio tape to John’s shoulder to help further reduce his pain levels and promote mobility in the area. While we often associate Kinesio tape with sports injuries, it helped John stay active as he worked through his treatment program.
Therapeutic Exercises
Once his pain was more manageable, we began guiding John through targeted exercises to improve the mobility and strength of his shoulder. Our physiotherapists and kinesiologists worked together to create exercises to address his specific limitations.
We started John on targeted mobility exercises before moving on to more advanced strength training focused on building his rotator cuff muscles. With resistance bands and weights, John worked on building strength, always under the watchful eye of our kinesiologist. However, we also provided him with simple exercises to continue his training at home.
Postural Training
John also worked with our chiropractor to improve his posture throughout the day. Keeping his body aligned was crucial in protecting his shoulder and reducing his risk of re-injury.
Functional Training
Understanding John’s eagerness to return to his autumn yard work, his physiotherapist incorporated functional training into the program. This included specific movements and tasks that simulated his typical activities, ensuring John’s shoulder could handle the demands of his hobby.
Restoring Function and Confidence
Over the weeks, John noticed a remarkable improvement. His pain levels decreased, sleep quality improved, and lifting objects became easier. The most rewarding moment came when he could return to his yard work, doing what he loved without the nagging fear of shoulder pain.
Let’s Work Together To Address Your Shoulder Pain
If, like John, shoulder pain is keeping you from enjoying the beauty of the fall season, remember that the team at MSK Centre is here to help! Schedule an appointment with us today to get started on your own personalized care plan.


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“I was referred to MSK hip and knee clinic for a hip replacement. Huge thanks to Ingrid for all her reassurance during the assessment process. A special thanks to surgeon Dr. Rhee for everything. He is very professional in every way and has totally changed my life in only 4 weeks. I highly recommend Dr. Rhee.”
-Dahlia J.
October Word Scramble
dancy
nlhealeow
mkpupin
rwcrcesao
ealevs
dierc
Answer Key
candy
halloween
pumpkin
scarecrow
leaves
cider

Try an October “Reset” Before the Winter Holidays
With the weather finally starting to cool off, October is a great time to get back into the habit of physical activity before the holidays kick into gear. Here are some of our favorite ways to get moving in the fall:
- Go for a walk. Now’s the perfect time to take advantage of cooler temperatures. A brisk walk around your neighborhood is also a great way to admire your neighbors’ Halloween decorations.
- Enjoy a game of tag football. Why should the pros have all the fun? Invite your friends over for a friendly skirmish–no tackling required.
- Try a local hiking trail: You aren’t the only one enjoying the cooler weather. Spend a few hours exploring a nearby hiking trail and check out what nature’s doing to prepare for winter.
At MSK Centre, we know things start to get busy at Halloween–but October is the perfect time to squeeze in some fun outdoor activities before things get going!
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Exercise of the Month
DUMBBELL FRONT RAISE
Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand, arms resting in front of your thighs and palms facing your body. Keeping your arms straight (but not locked), slowly raise both arms in front of you to shoulder height. Pause briefly, then lower back down with control.
3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: dumbbells)
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Healthy Recipe
Greek Turkey Burgers with Spinach
Savor the delicious blend of juicy turkey, fresh spinach, and bold Mediterranean spices in these Greek-inspired burgers. Nutritious and flavorful, they’re a wholesome twist on a classic favorite that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
- 4 small hamburger buns, preferably whole-wheat
- 4 tbsp tzatziki
- 12 slices cucumber
- 8 thick rings red onion (about ¼-inch)
Directions:
Preheat grill to medium-high. Squeeze excess moisture from spinach. Combine the spinach with turkey, feta, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper in a medium bowl; mix well. Form into four 4-inch patties. Oil the grill rack. Grill the patties until cooked through and no longer pink in the center, 4 to 6 minutes per side. (An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should register 165°F.) Assemble the burgers on the buns, topping each with 1 tablespoon tzatziki, 3 cucumber slices and 2 onion rings.
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If you’ve experienced the outstanding care at MSK Centre, why not share it with your friends? Referring them means giving them access to personalized treatment that can make a real difference in their health and well-being. Help them find a trusted healthcare partner—refer a friend to MSK Centre today!







































