subject: How To Prevent A Shoulder Injury [print this page] If you have ever wondered about how different people can participate in sports without sustaining much injury, while displaying flexibility that you can only dream of? The shoulder is considered to be the most flexible and mobile joint in the human body and can easily become injured from all of the stress that it endures on a daily basis.
Many people tend to hurt themselves by doing things that are considered to be excessive motions. Activities such as swimming, playing tennis, and other sports are just as likely to cause just as many injuries as normal activities such as lifting laundry, washing walls, and even gardening. The most common symptom that people tend to complain about when they hurt this part of their body is pain. Stiffness and soreness can set in and cause great difficulty when it comes time to use your arm. In some cases, some people experience sudden locking upon trying to do certain movements.
In order to minimize your chances of sustaining a shoulder injury, you need to be careful about doing any movements that you don't normally do on a regular basis. You may have to limit your activities in order to reduce further damage if you have already encountered some resistance in movement. Avoid lifting heavy objects. If you must lift something that weighs more than you can comfortably handle on your own, see if someone can help you with lifting the object. If help can't be found, learn how to lift properly to reduce your chances of getting hurt. When you pick up items, lift them in close proximity to your body. Never lift objects above your neck. If you play sports, preserve your strength and flexibility by throwing with an underhand or side toss. When sitting, try to always use good posture to reduce the amount of stress you put on your spine and joints.
There are exercises you can do to increase flexibility and further reduce your chances of sustaining a shoulder injury. You should exercise on a regular basis. Stretch before starting any exercises to help loosen and strengthen your joints. If you happen to have sore joints and still want to stay fit, apply a heat compress to your shoulder at least an half an hour before you start exercising. A hot shower would work just as well in place of a hot compress.
If your arm feels a bit stiff while you are working out, do not raise your arm above your neck while stretching. You do not want to further hurt or stress the muscles. The move comfortable you feel while you are working out, the more you can slowly incorporate larger movements such as twists, rolls and squeezes to increase flexibility and help get rid of any soreness and stiffness.
If you ever suspect that you have a shoulder injury, the best way to resolve the matter is to be seen by a sports medicine specialist. They can assess your condition and provide you instructions on how to use your joint without increasing the amount of injury or discomfort. In some cases you may need to get physical therapy to regain full use and function of your arm.
