The Secret to Healthy Shoulders: It's Not as Complicated as You Think
Imagine yourself caught off guard by a sudden stop on the bus. Your arm jerks forward, putting strain on your shoulder joint. A strong and healthy shoulder can help mitigate this discomfort, but only if you're proactive about maintaining its health.
Physiotherapist Dr. Josh Zadro says, "If you've got a strong and mobile shoulder, you have the control to reduce the risk of anything bad happening." However, prevention is far more effective than treatment. It's time to shift our focus from treating shoulder problems after they arise to taking proactive steps to maintain healthy shoulders.
One key principle is to use your full range of motion daily. Dr. Zadro recommends performing simple exercises like arm circles, the wall slide, and overhead reaches to keep your shoulders mobile and strong. These movements can be done anywhere, at any time, making them a great addition to your daily routine.
Strengthening your shoulders safely is also crucial. Physiotherapist Prof George Murrell advises focusing on low-impact exercises like swimming breaststroke or using a rowing machine on a light setting to work the back of the shoulder and core without stressing the rotator cuff tendons.
For a home workout, Dr. Zadro suggests grabbing a resistance band and performing simple exercises like the "stand and lift" and "the door anchor." These exercises can be done two to three times a week and are an effective way to strengthen your shoulders safely.
However, it's essential to remember that increasing new activities gradually is crucial when it comes to maintaining healthy shoulders. Sudden spikes in intense activity can lead to tendinopathy (tendon injury) and bursitis (inflammation). Experts caution against diving into high-intensity training programs or engaging in repetitive overhead movements without proper conditioning.
Finally, if you experience pain, don't hesitate to consult a health professional. Pain is our best friend, as Dr. Silveira so aptly puts it. It tells us that something's not quite right, and seeking help from a physiotherapist can be the first step towards correcting movement patterns and guiding you back into safe exercise once inflammation subsides.
In conclusion, maintaining healthy shoulders requires a proactive approach to mobility, strengthening, and activity management. By incorporating simple exercises, increasing new activities gradually, and listening to pain, you can reduce the risk of shoulder problems and enjoy a healthier, more mobile joint. Remember, motion is lotion β keep your shoulders moving daily to reap the benefits!
Imagine yourself caught off guard by a sudden stop on the bus. Your arm jerks forward, putting strain on your shoulder joint. A strong and healthy shoulder can help mitigate this discomfort, but only if you're proactive about maintaining its health.
Physiotherapist Dr. Josh Zadro says, "If you've got a strong and mobile shoulder, you have the control to reduce the risk of anything bad happening." However, prevention is far more effective than treatment. It's time to shift our focus from treating shoulder problems after they arise to taking proactive steps to maintain healthy shoulders.
One key principle is to use your full range of motion daily. Dr. Zadro recommends performing simple exercises like arm circles, the wall slide, and overhead reaches to keep your shoulders mobile and strong. These movements can be done anywhere, at any time, making them a great addition to your daily routine.
Strengthening your shoulders safely is also crucial. Physiotherapist Prof George Murrell advises focusing on low-impact exercises like swimming breaststroke or using a rowing machine on a light setting to work the back of the shoulder and core without stressing the rotator cuff tendons.
For a home workout, Dr. Zadro suggests grabbing a resistance band and performing simple exercises like the "stand and lift" and "the door anchor." These exercises can be done two to three times a week and are an effective way to strengthen your shoulders safely.
However, it's essential to remember that increasing new activities gradually is crucial when it comes to maintaining healthy shoulders. Sudden spikes in intense activity can lead to tendinopathy (tendon injury) and bursitis (inflammation). Experts caution against diving into high-intensity training programs or engaging in repetitive overhead movements without proper conditioning.
Finally, if you experience pain, don't hesitate to consult a health professional. Pain is our best friend, as Dr. Silveira so aptly puts it. It tells us that something's not quite right, and seeking help from a physiotherapist can be the first step towards correcting movement patterns and guiding you back into safe exercise once inflammation subsides.
In conclusion, maintaining healthy shoulders requires a proactive approach to mobility, strengthening, and activity management. By incorporating simple exercises, increasing new activities gradually, and listening to pain, you can reduce the risk of shoulder problems and enjoy a healthier, more mobile joint. Remember, motion is lotion β keep your shoulders moving daily to reap the benefits!