Neurological Impairements

Neurological conditions can affect shoulder health in a variety of ways, as the nerves that interact with the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles play a critical role in shoulder function.

Examples of neurological conditions that can affect shoulder health include stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and peripheral neuropathy. Treatment of neurological issues that affect shoulder health may involve physical therapy, medication, or surgery depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

Here are some examples of how neurological issues can impact shoulder health:

Weakness

Damage to the nerves that supply the muscles of the shoulder can lead to weakness or even paralysis of those muscles, making it difficult to move the shoulder or perform everyday tasks.

Loss of Sensation

Damage to the nerves that provide sensation to the shoulder joint and surrounding area can cause numbness or tingling, which may make it difficult to feel pain or other sensations in the shoulder.

Muscle Spasms

Abnormal nerve activity can cause muscle spasms or twitching in the shoulder or surrounding muscles, which can be painful and limit shoulder movement.

Impaired Coordination

Nerve damage can affect the ability of the brain to coordinate movement in the shoulder, leading to difficulty with fine motor skills or complex movements.

Abnormal Reflexes

Some neurological conditions can cause abnormal reflexes in the shoulder joint, which can lead to stiffness or rigidity.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program, especially if you have a history of shoulder pain or injury. Your provider can help you develop a customized fitness routine that is safe and effective for your individual needs.

Daily Movement Exercises

Stretching exercises and physiotherapy can be used to improve joint mobility. In the early phases of treatment for shoulder issues, it's especially important to use caution when exercising, as pushing beyond your limits may exacerbate pain. Shoulder motion shouldn't be forced or acutely painful.

Virtual Reality Experiences

To motivate regular shoulder exercise, the Reach system employs daily exercise games in virtual reality that dynamically adapt to a user's shoulder health progress.

These games and experiences bring the distractive power of VR to a convenient in-home system that helps you exercise and maintain shoulder health on your schedule.