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    Sep 17
    Blog: Shoulder Issues

    The shoulder joint is the most complex in the human body—and it’s also the one most frequently injured. But that makes sense when you consider that your shoulder moves just about every time you do: brushing your hair, eating lunch, typing on a computer, throwing a ball, and reaching for the adult snacks hidden at the top of the pantry all require a healthy shoulder. shoulder

    Because those activities are things we do each day, sometimes multiple times a day, many common shoulder problems come from repeated motion. That makes the solution a bit harder since you cannot just stop brushing your hair or eating lunch, but there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk:

    • Stay in shape. The Mayo Clinic recommends all healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Along with a nutritious diet, exercise is important to staying well and avoiding injury.
    • Exercise the right way. And there is a right way—namely, warm up before you start. Whether you’re lifting weights, going on a run, or taking a kickboxing class, spend approximately 5-10 minutes warming up, and don’t skimp on the cool down.
    • Listen to your body. Because of the complex muscle activity required whenever you use your shoulder, ignoring any soreness or pain may only make things worse. Reach out to your primary care provider if the pain doesn’t go away.

    The good news is that physical therapy can often solve the problem. As licensed experts in movement, physical therapists can assess your specific symptoms and create an individualized program to strengthen the joint and prevent future injury.

    “The shoulder is a simple ball and shallow socket joint, which is optimal for function but can easily get out of whack due to overuse or injury,” says Joseph Battiste, MS, PT, COMT, Manager of Performance Improvement and Safety at the Regional Therapy Center. “Expert advice is essential for effective rehabilitation.”

    With the specificity of a professionally-guided program, most people see improvement if they are proactive in seeking treatment. If you’re struggling with pain in your shoulder, ask your primary care provider for a referral to the Regional Therapy Center. Please call 518-583-8383 for more information.