POTSDAM -- Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s Physical Rehabilitation Department recently hosted a two-day shoulder injury course, attended by 16 hospital therapists and eight other local therapists.

The course was offered as part of National Physical Therapy Month.

Instruction focused on the use of tests and a review of systems to distinguish musculoskeletal dysfunction from medical pathology, as well as methods for thoroughly evaluating the shoulder and designing a rehabilitation program based upon examination findings.

Shoulder injuries are especially common in athletes, according to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons.

“Physical rehabilitation is usually considered before surgery,” said Terri Simzer.

“Physical rehabilitation is also used following surgery to regain function and return to activities,” she said. “In some cases, the treatment plan may include modification of an activity and ‘re-training’ the body to move in ways to prevent further injury.”

Donn Dimond was the instructor for the two-day course. Dimond has worked with clients ranging from Major League Baseball team members Mike Stutes of the Philadelphia Phillies, Chris Archer of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Joey Mahalic of the Cleveland Indians, to members of the Olympic baseball team of China.

To schedule an appointment call 261-5460 for Potsdam, 261-5490 for Canton, or 389-5004 for Brasher Falls.