'Motion is lotion': how to really look after your shoulders

Taking care of your shoulders is crucial for maintaining good posture, preventing injuries, and reducing the risk of chronic pain. The key to healthy shoulders lies in a combination of regular exercise, proper technique, and mindful behavior.

The idea behind "motion is lotion" – coined by Dr Josh Zadro, a physiotherapist at the University of Sydney – is that just like our skin needs moisturizing to stay healthy, our joints need movement to stay lubricated. This concept emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, even if it's just a few simple movements each day.

According to experts, incorporating activities that promote full range of motion can make a significant difference in shoulder health. These include arm circles, wall slides, and overhead reaches. By performing these exercises regularly, you can strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury or chronic pain.

However, it's essential to exercise safely and within your limits. Dr George Murrell, a shoulder specialist, advises against high-impact activities that can put excessive stress on the rotator cuff tendons. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises like swimming breaststroke or using a rowing machine to target specific muscle groups without compromising joint health.

For those who enjoy high-intensity training programs like CrossFit, it's crucial to start slowly and gradually increase your intensity and volume to avoid pushing your shoulders into a danger zone. Similarly, if you're returning to an activity that requires repetitive overhead movement, such as tennis or painting, be mindful of your body's limitations and take regular breaks.

The most critical aspect of maintaining healthy shoulders is listening to pain. If you experience any discomfort or sharp pain in your shoulder, stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional. Ignoring pain can lead to more severe injuries or chronic conditions down the line.

By incorporating these principles into your daily routine – including regular exercise, mindful behavior, and prioritizing pain management – you can reduce your risk of shoulder problems and enjoy optimal joint health for years to come.
 
I had that exact problem last year when I got back from a 2-week vacation 🤕. Been on the couch binge-watching TV shows for weeks straight, and I knew my shoulders were gonna pay the price 😂. But then I started doing these arm circles and wall slides like they suggested in this article... man, it made all the difference! Now I can paint and lift weights without feeling like my shoulder is about to give up 💪.

And honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first, but it's so true that you need movement to keep your joints lubricated 🤯. My friend who's into CrossFit also started incorporating low-impact exercises into her routine, and now she's got way less shoulder issues than before 🙌.

For me though, it's all about finding that balance between exercise and rest 😴. I don't want to push my shoulders too hard and end up getting injured, but at the same time, I don't wanna just sit around doing nothing either 🤷‍♀️. Guess that's why they say motion is lotion 💆‍♀️.
 
Ugh, people are gonna break their shoulders and then expect everyone else to pick up the tab 🤦‍♂️. Like, what's with all these new-age fitness trends that promise quick fixes? Newsflash: healthy shoulders don't happen overnight, they take work and patience...and probably a few surgeries too 💊. I swear, every time someone tries to "motion is lotion" their way out of pain, it just ends in disaster 🚨. And don't even get me started on CrossFitters who think they're invincible 🤯. Just remember, if you feel any sharp pain, STOP MOVING AND SEE A DOCTOR 💉.
 
I'm so worried about my kids always slouching over their laptops 🤕😬 I know they need a break from screens, but it's hard when they're into gaming and social media... anyway, it just goes to show that being aware of our posture is super important for our overall health 😊.
 
I'm not surprised they're pushing this "motion is lotion" thing... like everyone's gonna take it literally and start thinking their shoulders are just like their skin 🤣. Newsflash: your joints aren't that simple, folks! Just because you exercise a bit doesn't mean you'll magically avoid shoulder problems. And what about people who can't do all these fancy exercises due to injury or health conditions? It's all about finding balance and listening to your body... yeah right 😒.
 
I'm not sure why everyone's making a big deal about this "motion is lotion" thing 🤷‍♂️. Dr Josh Zadro's just trying to say that movement is necessary for our bodies to stay healthy, like how our skin needs moisturizing. It's not rocket science! We should be doing some kind of exercise or stretching every day, but I get why people might be hesitant if they're not into the gym scene. Low-impact activities are a great option, and it's all about listening to your body and taking breaks when you need to 🏋️‍♀️. And can we please just focus on preventing injuries instead of freaking out about chronic pain? I mean, it's better to be safe than sorry, right? 😊
 
🤗 I'm all about that mobility life! The concept of "motion is lotion" really resonates with me - I mean, our bodies are like cars that need regular oil changes, right? 😊 It's crazy how much we take our joints for granted until something goes wrong.

For me, the key to healthy shoulders is finding a balance between exercise and rest. I try to do some light arm circles and wall slides every day, but I'm also super careful not to overdo it, especially when I'm returning from an intense workout or training session. 🏋️‍♀️

And can we talk about the importance of pain management for a sec? 🤕 I think so many people underestimate how much their bodies are capable of handling stress and discomfort. As soon as you feel any twinge, stop what you're doing and give yourself permission to rest up - it's better than pushing through the pain and risking more severe injuries down the line.

I also love that Dr Murrell emphasizes the importance of low-impact exercises for shoulder health. I'm all about finding activities that work with my body, rather than trying to force myself into something that feels unnatural or uncomfortable. 🌟
 
🤯 i mean can u believe people still get carpal tunnel from texting all day lol like whats the point of having a smartphone if ur just gonna strain ur wrist? 🙄 anyway back to shoulders.. i had this friend who's super into yoga and they're always talking about how it's helped them with their shoulder tension 😌 but idk guys its not that easy... u gotta have proper form and technique or else u might end up worse off. 🤷‍♀️ and don't even get me started on people who think doing arm circles is the only way to improve shoulder health 🙄 i mean what about when ur actually having fun like playing tennis or painting? how r u supposed 2 not strain urself then? 🤯 anyway point being.. gotta listen to ur body and take care of ur shoulders before it's too late 💕
 
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