Did you know the shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in your body? Having such a great range of motion, it is used pretty much every time your body moves, particularly when throwing, lifting or reaching. As a result, it can be highly prone to injury, which is why it’s important to be mindful of your shoulder movements to avoid any potential injuries.
Common Shoulder Injuries
With the shoulder having such a wide range of movement, it easy to injure through a sudden jolt, twist or from repetitive use. While shoulder injuries are more prevalent through athletic activities, they can also occur during everyday activities such as hanging out laundry, lifting boxes, and even sitting at a poor workstation setup. Some of the most common shoulder injuries include:
- Shoulder instability
- Overuse/strain
- Rotator cuff tear
- Frozen shoulder
Most shoulder injuries stem from problems in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the bones in the shoulder. However shoulder pain can also stem from a neck injury, and similarly, can have a flow on effect to the elbow and wrist.
How to prevent a shoulder injury
With the shoulder being used so frequently in daily life, it is important to be conscious of your movements and know your limits in order to prevent pain or injury. During these times of isolating at home, you are probably finding yourself doing more around the house to fill in time such as some spring cleaning, or picking up projects around the house that have been put off for months (or years). Below are some helpful tips to in keeping your shoulder healthy and pain-free:
- Know your limits – whether you are lifting a box, reaching for a book, or lifting weights at the gym, be aware of your body’s strength and limits to avoid unwanted pain or strain in the shoulder.
- Prioritise ergonomic setup – poor workstation setup can lead to strain in the neck, shoulder and wrist due to bad posture and positioning of the body. Ensuring your workstation is set up correctly for you, especially during these times of working from home, will avoid any unnecessary pain.
- Stay Healthy and Active – regular exercise and a good diet will do wonders for your body, including preventing injury. When exercising, ensure to do a warm up beforehand and learn how to perform exercises properly.