The (In) Flexible Shoulder

The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in the human body. We can move our shoulders in directions like no other joint. Owing to it's flexibility, we can do things like paoint a ceiling or pitch a baseball.

This flexiibility comes at the price of stability. Since the shulder is held together by ligamnets and muschles, and has a lot of mobility, it is on the th most unstable joints in the body.

What's your risk?

If you have a job or play a sport that requires a lof shoulder mobility and flexibility, you may be at rick for shoulder injuries.

The following individuals, for example, are highly susceptible:

• Overhead athlets, like tennis players, swimmers, basebal pitchers


• Painters


• Construction workers


• Movers
  

Commom Injuries Of The Shoulder

Common symptoms include:

• Pain when raising the arm


• Pain that persists beyond a few days


• Swelling or bruising around the arm


• Pain when leaning on, or sleeping on the afected shoulder


• Weakness in the arm that stops you from lifting a grocery bay, reaching up, or pushing opena heavy door


• Having difficulty or being unable to carry your child


• Inability to use the arm

1. 
   Overuse and trauma are the most common reson the shoulder is prone to injury. The muscles that support the shoulder - the rotator cuff muscles - can suffer from wear and tear trauma. In some cases, where there is no known cause for shoulder pain. Years of poor posture or improper movement patterns can play a role.
   
   Repetitive activities lead to repetitive stress injuries. Also, too much wear and tear of the shoulder muscles and the joint capsue, or even UNDERUSE of the arm itself, can lead to frozen shoulder.
   
   If you suffer from any ofht he symptoms mentioned above, call our office today. Relief is just a phone call away!
   
   Your Physical Therapist - A Shoulder To Lean On
   
   Stress on your shoulder is one of the most common causes of shoulder injury, but one of themost overlooked reasons for shoulder injury is inactivity. When you don't use the muscles regularly, theny become weaker. The phrase "If you don't use it, you lose it" is applicable to muscles.
   
   If you don't exercise the full range of your shoulder throught moderate-intesisity esericws, the risk of hurting your shoulder increases. Legaments tighten, muscles weaken, and blood flow becomes inhibited. Over time, this can accelerate joint degeneratuon and trigger shoulder pain.
   
   We have the solution.
   
   Regular exercise (power walking with good arm movement, swimming, golf, tennis) may minimize the onset of severety of shoulder pain.
2. Proper body mecnaniscs- this can be counter-intuitive. Ask your therapist if your body mechanics need to be corrected.
3. 
   Strength and Flexibility - balanced muscles of the shoulder, chest, upper back, and abdominals help keep your shoulder joints well-aligned and pain free.
   

Remember, common sense is the best line of defense against hurting your shoulder. It is important to not push yourself too much, especially if there is discomfort. Don't do too much activity too soon. If you expereince ANY pain in your shoulder with any activity, stop! If it is MILD call your doctor of physical therapist. Don't ignore the pain.

The quicker the problems is addressed, the sooner your can begin healing and returning to your favorite activities.

We are here to serve you and help you achieve a speedy recovery as quickly as possible. We'll give yor a shoulder to lean on, so you have a healthy, pain free shoulder.