We often do not appreciate the importance of our shoulder until it starts hurting. Our shoulder joint helps us do so many things; such as, holding and maneuvering the hairdryer at just the right angles, rotating the steering wheel when driving, reaching for an item on a shelf and so much more. It is the most flexible joint in the human body with the greatest range of motion.
Although it is nearly impossible to completely prevent a shoulder injury or to avoid developing certain health conditions, such as arthritis, there are some things that you can do to help maintain the health of your shoulder and to keep it as pain-free as possible. Let’s talk about a few simple things you can incorporate into your lifestyle to help keep your shoulder flexible and limber, and where you can go across Maryland to see an outstanding shoulder specialist.
Maintain Proper Posture
Here are some tips to follow to help reduce pressure on your shoulders in various situations:
- While sleeping- lie down on your back or on your side. Try not to sleep on your stomach.
- While sitting- keep your back straight, your shoulders back and your head up as much as possible.
- Avoid working with your arms above your shoulders for long periods of time. If you must work this way, be sure to take frequent breaks and let your arms rest.
- Use a ladder or footstool to help reduce the need to strain your shoulders when reaching.
- While carrying large or heavy objects, keep the object close to your body.
- When reaching for something with your arms, keep your thumbs upward.
Keep Moving Your Shoulders
It is important to stay active to reduce shoulder joint stiffness. Many people who have arthritis think they should avoid physical activities because it may worsen their pain or damage the joint, but this is untrue; keeping the shoulder in one position for a long time will stiffen the joint and increase pain.
That said, while it is essential to keep the shoulder joint moving, it is also necessary to take regular breaks. The key is to balance activity and rest.
Do Exercise to Strengthen and Stretch Your Shoulder
Doing exercises will help strengthen the muscles that support your shoulder and thereby reduce the susceptibility to shoulder injury. Low-impact exercises that can help to strengthen your shoulder include:
- Gentle arm rotations
- Arm reaches
- Wall push-ups
Shoulder Joint Treatment in Maryland
Here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our arm specialists and shoulder surgeons treat a full range of shoulder joint problems, from rotator cuff injuries to a dislocated shoulder. Because we are orthopedic doctors, we handle all injuries and conditions involving the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and arms with a preventive approach and with the least-invasive treatment possible that will still work to address your musculoskeletal issue.
To schedule an evaluation with one of our excellent shoulder surgeons, contact us today by calling (410) 296-6232 or by filling out our appointment request form online. We look forward to serving you!
