Shoulder Vulnerability: Prevent Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder is one of the most remarkable parts of the human body. Notable for its unique range of motion which is a true 360 degrees, what we call the shoulder is actually comprised of three separate joints. The glenohumeral joint, the acromioclavicular joint and the scapulo thoracic joint. The interplay of these three complexes affords us tremendous options for movement. This freedom of movement comes with a price. This substantial range of motion, interplay of the three joints and the long lever attached which is our arm, means that the potential for injury is great compared to other joints in our body. Injury to the shoulder can take many forms. Rotator cuff injuries, pathologies of the labrum or bursa and impingement are common sources of pain and subsequent misery. How can I reduce the likelihood of injury here? What can I do to keep my shoulders healthy and pain free? I’ll start with some simple actionable steps towards preventing shoulder injuries with better posture, mobility, and strength that can be employed on a daily basis at home or the gym.

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT SHOULDER INJURIES

Postural Mindfulness is the first simple step we can take to prevent shoulder disfunction. Shoulders up, back and down. Fighting gravity. Natural spinal alignment in the position that nature intended us to be in. Being mindful of posture while sitting (particularly at a desk) and standing is the first step toward healthy shoulders. Mobility is efficiency of movement. Taking our shoulder (and the attached arm) through its normal range of motion in all planes of movement on a consistent basis without pain. Excellent mobility can be achieved through massage, self-massage, static and dynamic stretching. Strength is the ability to resist against external force and to not be broken by it. Even if that force is simply gravity, which is always acting against us. Pushing and pulling horizontally and vertically are fundamental examples of strength in the shoulders. Skelehealth is here to help you prevent shoulder injuries through training, prevention and lifestyle modifications. Sometimes despite our best efforts, injuries and pathologies arise and if they do we are here to provide you with effective and affordable options for bracing, rehabilitation and conservative treatment.