It’s estimated that more than 7 million people see a doctor for shoulder pain each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.  In one study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 1.5 million people seek care in an emergency room for shoulder injuries.

Shoulder injury, aches and pains are as common in men as they are in women.  Athletes, including swimmers, golfers, baseball and tennis players, are at a higher risk for developing shoulder problems.  Those whose jobs require heavy overhead lifting or repetitive motion, such as painting walls or hanging curtains, even gardeners, are also at increased risk of developing shoulder problems.

For those living with shoulder pain, Kirby Medical Center is hosting a FREE Your Best Life Health Lecture focused on how to recognize serious shoulder injuries and what you can do to keep the most moveable and vulnerable joint in the body healthy.  “Stop Shrugging Off Shoulder Pain” will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 5:30pm in the Kirby Medical Center Education Room located near the Apple a Day Café.

The special guest speaker for the program is Physician Assistant Zac Sowa, a member of the team of orthopaedic specialists at Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Specialists of Central Illinois in Decatur.  Mr. Sowa will talk about the signs and symptoms of such shoulder injuries and conditions as sprains, strains, dislocations, separations, tendinitis, bursitis, torn rotator cuffs, frozen shoulder, fractures and arthritis.
Reservations for the Kirby Medical Center Free Your Best Life programs are not required, however, are recommended.  To make a reservation, contact Kirby Medical Group at 217-762-6241 or visit KirbyHealth.org.