Getting to the Heart of High Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease

Getting to the Heart of High Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease
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Getting to the Heart of High Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease

By Dr. Matt|2024-11-06T17:21:13-05:00November 6th, 2024|Categories: Cardiovascular Disease|Tags: cholesterol, Inflammation, Lipid Test, Plaque X|0 Comments

During a recent visit to a conventional medicine doctor, I shared my Cardio IQ lipid test results from Quest Labs — a test I ordered on my own. As the doctor reviewed the data, he looked puzzled, eventually remarking, “Fancy tests, above my pay grade.”

Cardiovascular disease, as you may know, is a silent epidemic affecting nearly half of all U.S. adults and claiming more lives each year than any other health condition. Despite its prevalence, many doctors are unaware of next level tests like Cardio IQ, while their approach to care focuses primarily on short-term symptom relief, overlooking the deeper, underlying causes.

At PROVOKE Health, we’re committed to a different approach. Through advanced testing and a functional medicine approach to healthcare, we address cardiovascular disease at its roots, offering patients more than just a temporary fix and paving the way for optimal long-term health.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a classification of illnesses that include arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in the arteries), cardiac arrest (heart stops beating), heart attack (blockage stops blood flow to the heart), congenital heart disease (structural deformities present from birth), high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy (enlarged, thickened, or stiffened heart muscle), and stroke.

According to the most recent data from the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular disease accounted for 931,578 deaths in the United States in 2021. That’s more than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined. Between 2017 and 2020, 127.9 million U.S. adults (48.6 percent) had some form of cardiovascular disease. And between 2019 and 2020, direct and indirect costs of total cardiovascular disease were $422.3 billion ($254.3 billion in direct costs and $168.0 billion in lost productivity/mortality).

Despite these alarming statistics, many healthcare providers — especially those who are trained in conventional medicine — continue to offer only short-term solutions that often fail to address the root causes of cardiovascular disease, such as the following treatments: Continue reading…

The Patient Dilemma: Face-to-Face or Telehealth Doctor Visits
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The Patient Dilemma: Face-to-Face or Telehealth Doctor Visits

By PROVOKE Health|2024-10-30T17:53:09-04:00October 30th, 2024|Categories: Telemedicine|Tags: PROVOKE Health, Yale University School of Medicine|0 Comments

As healthcare practices continue to evolve, many patients we treat find themselves weighing the benefits of in-person appointments against the convenience of virtual consultations. Most functional medicine and integrative healthcare practices, which is what we are (we focus on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms) offer both telehealth and in-person options to meet the diverse needs of patients.

For anyone interested in understanding the inherent differences between the two appointment formats, a recent study sheds light on the pros and cons of in-person and virtual doctor visits. These insights can help patients make informed decisions about how they interact with their doctors and other healthcare providers.

In-Person Interactions: The Power of Presence

The study, which is entitled, Separable processes for live “in-person” and live “zoom-like” faces, was conducted by researchers from Yale University’s School of Medicine. It focused on how people respond to live, in-person interactions compared to “zoom-like” virtual meetings. One finding claims people participating in in-person settings often feel a stronger connection and experience more intense social and emotional engagement. This is linked to what scientists call “live face processing,” which purports our brains are wired to respond more deeply to real-life, face-to-face interactions.

In fact, the study showed that during in-person interactions, participants spent more time focusing on their partner’s face and eyes. This led to:

Greater visual engagement, reflected in both behavioral and physiological responses such as increased pupil dilation, which can indicate heightened arousal and attentiveness.
Brain scans also revealed greater neural activity in regions associated with social cues, such as the somatosensory cortex, suggesting that the brain is more stimulated by in-person communication.

For patients, this means that an in-person visit with a healthcare provider may provide a stronger sense of connection, which can be important when discussing personal health concerns or forming a trusting relationship with your doctor. Patients who thrive on personal interaction and value the subtleties of body language, facial expressions, and direct eye contact, may find that in-person visits offer a richer, more satisfying experience.

Virtual Consultations: Convenience and Accessibility

On the other hand, the study also highlighted some of the unique strengths of virtual interactions, especially in terms of convenience and accessibility. While virtual consultations may lack the depth of in-person, face-to-face interaction, they still allow for Continue reading…

Treating Mold Illness in the Aftermath of Hurricanes
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Treating Mold Illness in the Aftermath of Hurricanes

By PROVOKE Health|2024-10-23T20:14:33-04:00October 23rd, 2024|Categories: Mold|Tags: Diagnosing Mold illness, Hurricane Health, Hurricane Milton, Mold Illness|0 Comments

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season caused tremendous destruction along Florida’s Gulf Coast, as well as in the mountains of western North Carolina and at multiple points in between, and it may not be over — hurricane season doesn’t officially end until November 30.

Adding to these miseries? Among the most serious health threats for people living in these areas disrupted by surging tides and floodwaters is mold.

Structural damage to homes, schools, and businesses combined with trillions of gallons of water cannot help but to increase exposure to mold toxins, which are universally known to negatively impact health.

If you’ve been spending any amount of time in a water-damaged building (home, school, or workplace), and you’re experiencing any symptoms of exposure to toxic mold, please read on.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms

Let’s start with a list of some of the conditions and symptoms that we commonly see in patients who are suffering from exposure to mold toxins:

Brain fog (impaired focus and attention). For more information, read “The Brain Fog Mycotoxin Connection” here on our blog.
Fatigue, which may be indicative of chronic fatigue syndrome-myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS-ME), depending on its severity (for more information, please read “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Healing Your Frustrations!” here on the PROVOKE Health blog)
Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus, which can cause a sore throat and chest pain)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Fibromyalgia
Irritable bowel syndrome-mixed (IBS-M), characterized by alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea (for more information, read “IBS Diagnosis and Treatment Calls for an Understanding of SIBO and SIFO” here on the blog)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth-small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIBO-SIFO) or candida yeast overgrowth (a type of SIFO). For more information, read “What Is SIBO and What Can I Do About It?” here on our blog.
Dementia
Sinusitis (with allergy-like symptoms — sneezing, runny nose, congestion, post-nasal drip)
Migraines or less severe but recurring or persistent headaches
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Vertigo
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). For more information, please read “What is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome – or POTS?” here on the PROVOKE Health blog.
Sleep disturbances
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), which causes allergy-like symptoms (for more information, read “Diagnosing and Treating Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)” here on our blog.
Lichen sclerosus — a condition that causes patchy, discolored, thin skin, usually in the genital or anal area (for more information, please read “Personalized Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus,”)
Dermatitis, swelling of the skin (rashes)
Chronic food sensitivities
Loss of resilience (increased susceptibility to chronic colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other infections)

The list of conditions and symptoms is extensive, partly because mold-related illnesses often go unnoticed by traditional healthcare providers. As a result, those of us who specialize in testing for and treating mold-related illnesses have come to understand its scope in ways that few others do. And here at PROVOKE Health, we don’t guess, we test!

First Steps: Getting an Accurate and Thorough Diagnosis

If you’re experiencing any of the conditions or symptoms described in the previous section, or suffer other unexplained symptoms, you have a choice between two starting points. Begin by having your home inspected, as well as other buildings where you spend time. If toxic mold is suspected, you’ll need to get both your home and yourself tested and treated. If tests come back positive, you’ll want to treat your residence first.

However, if you and your home both test negative, the results will direct our attention to some other cause of your ailments.

At PROVOKE Health, we always start with a thorough evaluation — a physical exam plus an examination of your health history, family history, lifestyle, medications, living environment, and more. This initial examination often reveals factors that we need to take a closer look at by ordering targeted lab tests. Our objective is to keep peeling back “layers of the onion” until we identify the root cause(s) of the symptoms or condition.

For example, a patient may have a vitamin B12 deficiency caused by Continue reading…

Tips for Protecting Your Health After a Hurricane
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Tips for Protecting Your Health After a Hurricane

By PROVOKE Health|2024-10-09T20:39:28-04:00October 9th, 2024|Categories: Natural Disasters|Tags: Hurricane Milton, mosquito-borne diseases, Vibrio vulnificus|0 Comments

Protecting your health after a hurricane is just important as getting the rest of your life back on track. At PROVOKE Health, we’re committed to empowering you to take control of your health, especially when facing challenges brought on by extreme weather. With Hurricane Milton in mind, it’s essential to be prepared for the health risks that come with heavy rains and flooding.

Two major concerns right now are Vibrio vulnificus infections and mosquito-borne diseases. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your family in the days after a hurricane.

Avoiding Vibrio vulnificus: What You Need to Know

Vibrio vulnificus is a dangerous bacterium commonly found in warm coastal waters like those near our location Tampa Bay, Florida. After heavy rains and flooding, the risk of infection increases, especially in saltwater environments. Vibrio can enter your body through open wounds or be ingested, causing severe illness, and even lead to life-threatening scenarios.

Who Is at Risk for Vibrio vulnificus?

Certain people are more vulnerable than other to Vibrio infections, including:

Anyone with a weakened immune system
Patients living with common liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
Anyone with open wounds, cuts, or scrapes

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

If you’ve been exposed to floodwaters, it’s important to watch for the following symptoms:

Diarrhea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Fever and chills
Rapid heart rate or confusion

If any of these symptoms arise after exposure, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Simple Steps for Protection from Vibrio vulnificus

Avoid floodwaters: Stay out of standing water, sea water, or salty water during and after a storm.
Cover wounds: If you have open cuts or wounds, keep them protected with waterproof bandages.
Clean up properly: After contact with floodwaters, thoroughly wash your skin and wounds with soap and clean water.

Next, you need to know about mosquito-borne diseases that often on the rise after a hurricane. Continue reading…

Hurricane Milton: Act Now — Early Prescription Refills Permitted
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Hurricane Milton: Act Now — Early Prescription Refills Permitted

By PROVOKE Health|2024-10-07T13:24:38-04:00October 7th, 2024|Categories: Natural Disasters|Tags: Hurricane Milton, Milton|0 Comments

If you live in Florida or rely on us for prescription refills, here’s what you need to know about our plan for this week in the wake of Hurricane Milton.

As of today (Monday, Oct. 7, 2024), Hurricane Milton — rapidly strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico — is forecasted to become a Category 5 storm on a path toward Florida. It is threatening a dangerous storm surge in Tampa Bay, where PROVOKE Health is located.

Prescription Refills

Yesterday, the Governor of Florida issued executive orders declaring a state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Milton’s projected landfall and allowing early prescription refills.

This means we have waived the usual restrictions on when you can refill your prescriptions, as long as you have refills remaining. You can now get at least a 30-day supply, and this policy will remain in place until the state of emergency is lifted.

If you’d like to take advantage of this or know you need a prescription refill, please submit your request by 5 p.m. Eastern Time today. If we receive your request after 5 p.m., we may not be able to assist you in time.

To request a prescription refill before 5 p.m. today, you can: Continue reading…

IBS Diagnosis and Treatment Calls for an Understanding of SIBO and SIFO
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IBS Diagnosis and Treatment Calls for an Understanding of SIBO and SIFO

By Dr. Matt|2024-10-03T13:49:57-04:00October 2nd, 2024|Categories: Irritable Bowel Syndrome|Tags: IBS, SIBO, SIFO|0 Comments

We’ve all heard the words Irritable Bowel Syndrome before, but what exactly is it? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS for short) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. It can be caused by one or more factors, such as impaired gut motility, food sensitivities, stress, or overgrowth of certain bacteria or fungi in the digestive tract.

As I was writing this post, I ran an internet search for “IBS” and found several websites claiming, “there are no specific tests for it” and suggesting that the condition can be managed, but not necessarily cured. Such statements are misleading.

Although there is no test specifically for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, there are tests for a common cause of IBS — bacterial or fungal overgrowth in the digestive tract. In addition, we can test for food sensitivities through an elimination diet. Effective treatments are available to repair the gut and restore balance to the microbiome.

This post explores one of the most common causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome — small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) — along with the treatment options we often use with our patients at PROVOKE Health.

SIBO and SIFO — What’s The Difference?

Your digestive tract contains trillions of microorganisms that aid digestion and help your body in countless ways, including by providing nutritional support. This community of microorganisms is referred to as the microbiome. To function effectively, the microbiome must be balanced. An imbalance, referred to as dysbiosis, can lead to various health problems, including digestive disorders, allergies, and even mood disorders.

Dysbiosis can be categorized into two types:

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) — an overabundance of one or more types of bacteria in the gut
Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) — an overabundance of one or more types of fungi in the gut

SIBO and SIFO can be caused by one or more of the following factors:

Poor diet: Diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates and low in fiber and other essential nutrients are especially prone to fueling SIFO, but can also fuel SIBO.
Certain medications: Antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria, providing opportunities for fungi and/or other bacteria to proliferate. Acid-reducers — proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Prilosec (omeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), and Nexium (esomeprazole) — reduce the concentration of acid in the stomach, allowing infectious bacteria to survive the stomach and pass into the intestines where they can flourish. Long-term use of corticosteroids can also cause problems.
Compromised immunity: If the immune system is stressed for any reason, its ability to defend against SIBO and SIFO can be reduced.
Other health conditions: For example, diabetes can cause high blood sugar, which can promote fungal overgrowth. Intestinal motility disorders (slow movement of food and waste through the digestive track) provide an environment suitable for overgrowth.

IBS and the Connection to SIBO/SIFO

Dysbiosis can result in inflammation, malabsorption of nutrients, excess gas, and irregular food processing. If left untreated, it can damage the thin protective lining of the gut, resulting in leaky gut — a condition in which molecules that should be kept inside the intestines are released, triggering an immune response. This immune response can create a state of systemic and chronic inflammation, and may lead to autoimmune conditions, such as allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and others. When inflammation strikes the intestines, it can result in IBS.

Diagnosing SIBO/SIFO

Specific tests can determine whether you have SIBO or SIFO (or rule it out as a likely cause): Continue reading…

Protecting Your Family from Mold Exposure in Your Home
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Protecting Your Family from Mold Exposure in Your Home

By Dr. Matt|2024-09-19T17:25:30-04:00September 19th, 2024|Categories: Mold|Tags: Certified Mold Assessments, EnviroHealth Indoor Environmental Services, Indoor Environmental Technologies, Mold Toxicity, Moldy home, StoneCrest Team Inspections, The Mold Guyz, Toxic mold|0 Comments

If you’re anything like me, you believe in the basic hygienic science of clean air, clean water, and clean, nutritious food as a great starting point for optimal health. This trifecta of environmental health factors has always been the foundation of human health.

We all want clean air, food, and water, and to some degree we have it thanks to advances in wastewater treatment, low-emissions technologies, and healthy farming practices. Of course, in other ways, modern society has made our environment even more toxic with plastics, pesticides, food additives, and potentially harmful chemicals in everything from the homes we live in and the clothes we wear to the cleaning solutions, personal hygiene products, and cosmetics we use.

Most of us never notice the impact these potentially harmful substances have on our health and well-being. That’s because our bodies have built-in detoxification mechanisms designed to filter out and excrete these chemicals. Assuming these mechanisms are functioning properly, the toxic load does not exceed its capacity and we notice little, if any impact.

Why Toxic Mold Often Goes Undiagnosed and Misunderstood

One common environmental toxin that often overwhelms the body’s detox mechanisms is toxic mold. Such exposure is frequently dismissed as a potential cause of chronic illness. However, many of the patients we treat here at PROVOKE Health first come to us reporting symptoms that are characteristic of mold toxicity.

These patients often tell us they have already consulted with numerous doctors and specialists, adding they have never received a clear diagnosis or effective treatment. At best, patients are diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, or some other vague illness and are then prescribed medication that alleviates some of their symptoms to some degree. Usually, though, these patients struggle with chronic symptoms that disrupt their lives and are left without any insight as to what’s making them feel so poorly.

If you are concerned about toxic mold or are experiencing symptoms you suspect may be related to mold exposure, you have come to the right place. In this post, I present practical steps to have your home tested (and treated, if necessary) for toxic mold. and to recover from mold exposure that you suspect is making you or one of your family members ill.

First Steps: Mold Testing and Remediation

Let me start by saying that it’s unlikely your home is free of mold and mycotoxins (the harmful substances molds produce and release into the air).

A home is, in essence, a living organism. We are constantly bringing microorganisms such as mold into the home from the outdoors, and this is normal. The molds we are more concerned about are Continue reading…

Shoulder Pain Cure: There’s a New Multi-Layered Approach
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Shoulder Pain Cure: There’s a New Multi-Layered Approach

By Dr. Matt|2024-09-05T17:43:22-04:00September 5th, 2024|Categories: Peptides|Tags: BPC 157, Frozen Shoulder, Rotator Cuff, Shoulder Pain|0 Comments

If you read my earlier post about a new treatment for rotator cuff injuries (“Is There a Miracle Cure for Rotator Cuff and Other Joint Injuries?”), you know that shoulder pain isn’t something you can just shrug off.

It is such a common occurrence that medical researchers say nearly 70 percent of adult women and men will experience significant shoulder pain at some point in their lifetime.¹ While it is usually associated with aging and generally starts between the ages of 30 and 60, shoulder pain can strike at any time and without a known reason.

Although some people feel they can trace their shoulder pain back to a clear cause — an injury, for example — most shoulder pain is due to normal wear and tear over years of use (or misuse), internal inflammation, or other underlying issues.

That said, understanding the factors that can cause or contribute to shoulder pain is important in order to provide effective treatment. In many cases, several factors need to be addressed. In this post, I explore the many causes of shoulder pain and describe the multi-layered approach we now recommend to our patients here at PROVOKE Health to alleviate the pain, repair any damage, and restore strength and range of motion.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

While those of us who have never lived with it may think that it only affects baseball pitchers, competitive swimmers, or football quarterbacks, serious shoulder pain can arise from many factors, including one or more of the following causes: Continue reading…

Chronic Inflammation: New Insights and Next Steps
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Chronic Inflammation: New Insights and Next Steps

By Dr. Matt|2024-08-30T16:07:17-04:00August 30th, 2024|Categories: Inflammation|Tags: Chronic Inflammation, dementia, Gut, Long Covid, Mediterranean Diet, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.|0 Comments

In a wide-ranging speech on Aug. 23, 2004, in Phoenix, Ariz., Robert F. Kennedy Jr., then an independent candidate for President of the United States, made several comments about chronic disease, a topic typically addressed by doctors and, less often, by public health officials.

“Chronic disease is an issue that affects all of us far more directly and urgently than any culture war issue, as well as all the other issues that we obsess over that are tearing apart our country,” Kennedy said. “This is the most important issue. Therefore, it has the potential to bring us together.”

Mr. Kennedy highlighted several data points that we were able to verify to illustrate the severity of the issue, including:

The United States spends more on healthcare than any other country, nearly twice as much as Europe. (source)
Two-thirds (66 percent) of American adults and children suffer from chronic health issues. (source)
About 18 percent of American teens have fatty liver disease. (source)
Seventy-four percent of Americans are overweight or obese. (source)
Cancers among young adults have increased by 79 percent. (source)

We appreciate Mr. Kennedy for bringing attention to the immense impact chronic disease has on both the U.S. economy and the health of our children and adults. As a Tampa, Florida-based medical practice dedicated to functional medicine and integrative healthcare, we have long been committed to diagnosing and treating the root causes of illness. Mr. Kennedy’s message, which you can read in its entirety here, echoes what we and our colleagues have been advocating in our clinics for years.

Inflammation – The Common Factor in Most Cases of Chronic Disease

One word that was noticeably absent from Mr. Kennedy’s remarks was “inflammation,” which those of us who have dedicated our lives to the medically-supervised care and motivation of others know is at the root of most chronic health conditions.

Virtually all chronic disease can be traced to chronic inflammation, and most chronic inflammation can be traced to preventable causes, including the following: Continue reading…

Meet The Team: Dr. Karalynne Blochberger, MD – Medical Director at PROVOKE Health
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Meet The Team: Dr. Karalynne Blochberger, MD – Medical Director at PROVOKE Health

By PROVOKE Health|2024-08-27T14:42:08-04:00August 22nd, 2024|Categories: Meet The Team|Tags: Dr. Karalynne Blochberger|0 Comments

Dr. Karalynne Blochberger joined us here at PROVOKE Health in Tampa in June of 2023 where she currently serves as Medical Director of our functional medicine and integrative healthcare practice.

Ask her and Dr. Blochberger gladly tell you that her decision to work alongside our founder, Dr. Matthew Lewis, was pragmatic: She wanted to help people figure out the “why” behind their symptoms in order to determine the “how” of their return to optimal health, quality of life, resiliency and confidence.

And that’s pretty much the philosophy behind Functional Medicine and Integrative Healthcare — especially as provided by the doctors and staff here at PROVOKE Health.

Born in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, where she spent her first decade of life, she and her family moved to Holland, Mich., where she completed her undergraduate studies at Hope College, graduating in 2012 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in both chemistry and Spanish. In 2017, Dr. Blochberger was awarded her Medical Degree from the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

In other positions, Dr. Blochberger has worked as a physician at Access Primary Care in Orlando, and Advent Health Primary Care Plus, also in Orlando. She is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

We asked this busy physician — who is known as “Doctor B” by her co-workers and patients — some personal questions, to which she was willing to respond. Get to know Dr. Blochberger, in her own words…

PROVOKE HEALTH: In your own words, please share what drew you to work for PROVOKE Health? Continue reading…

SIBO and SIFO — What’s The Difference?

IBS and the Connection to SIBO/SIFO

Diagnosing SIBO/SIFO

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Inflammation – The Common Factor in Most Cases of Chronic Disease

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SIBO and SIFO — What’s The Difference?

IBS and the Connection to SIBO/SIFO

Diagnosing SIBO/SIFO

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Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

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Inflammation – The Common Factor in Most Cases of Chronic Disease

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