If you’ve recently found yourself grabbing an item on a top shelf, reaching for something in the backseat of your car, or throwing an object of any sort, then you were also witnessing the grand capabilities of the shoulder joint. The shoulder is the only joint that can rotate a full 360°, which makes it the most mobile and flexible joint in the body, and it’s this wide range of motion that also allows you to perform so many tasks without even giving you pause.
For individuals who are moderately active, the shoulder actually gets quite a workout in everyday life. It moves pretty much any time you use your arm, particularly when you lift or reach for an object, pick something up off the ground, and when you perform any sort of overhead motion in sports or other activities. All of these actions are possible because of the extreme mobility of the shoulder joint and the fact that you can move and rotate your arm in just about any direction. But these significant benefits also come with a significant cost: the shoulder is the most commonly injured joint in the body.
It’s not clear just how many people have shoulder pain, but some statistics have suggested that up to 26% of the population is affected by it. There are a number of potential issues that can go on to cause shoulder pain, but the majority of cases are due to repeatedly performing overhead movements. These types of movements are necessary in professions like painting and construction, and in sports like baseball, swimming, and tennis, which is why individuals involved in these activities are at the greatest risk for experiencing shoulder pain.
Over time, repetitive overhead activities can damage structures within the shoulder and result in pain, weakness, and other symptoms. Some of the most common problems that can arise in the shoulder are disorders of the rotator cuff (a group of muscles and tendons that helps to keep the shoulder stable), frozen shoulder, shoulder instability, and tears of the labrum (a cup-shaped rim of cartilage that lines the inside of the shoulder joint) and rotator cuff. While the specific development and symptoms of each of these conditions is unique, they all cause a certain degree of disability in daily life, especially for those with jobs that require the regular use of their shoulder. So for these individuals and anyone else interested, the next question may very likely be: is it possible to prevent shoulder pain in the first place?
The short answer to the above question is yes, it is possible to avoid some types of shoulder pain. Unfortunately, there is no single, foolproof way to stop all shoulder pain from occurring because of the many variables that go into its development, but there are a number of steps you can take to reduce your chances. Each of these tips addresses a different aspect of shoulder use, but the underlying message is that modifying and improving how you move your shoulder is the best way to prevent pain from arising. Before trying any new exercises, be sure to consult with your doctor:
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