Health+Fitness N E W S L E T T E R
Protecting Your Shoulders From Injury
If you have been researching those first troublesome aches and pains about your shoulder, then you have probably realized by now the sheer number of injuries that befall the shoulder area. That’s because this large joint is the connecting point for so many crucial daily actions. Among the most common types of shoulder injuries are biceps tendonitis, rotator cuff tears and sprains, arthritis, and shoulder impingement. Injury Causes Many shoulder injuries result from tasks requiring heavy lifting or repetitive reaching motions. Along with manual labor jobs, work around the house such as cleaning gutters orhanging upwet clothes are common culprits. In addition, athletic pursuits likeweight-lifting, swimming, baseball, and tennis can unfortunately lead to shoulder injuries. Along with these activities, passive movements can also be a problem. Ifyouhavecontinuouspoorposture,the improperpositioningofyour shoulders can make you extra vulnerable to scapula (shoulderblade) and rotator cuff injuries. Staying Safe During Sports Manyofouryoungerathletescome inwithshoulderandelbow injuries from playing baseball or softball. While upper extremity injuries are common in these sports, they can be prevented by following some simple techniques. Firstandforemost, it is importantforathletestomakesuretheywarm up properlybefore each game.This includes stretching, running, and practicing easy throws, gradually easing your body into the tougher pitches you’ll be doing during the game. Pitching injuries account forthe most shoulderand elbow injuries, so it would also be helpful to rotate playing different positions besides pitcher every time. If possible, it is also best to avoid pitching on
multiple teams, especiallywhen seasons overlap. Taking “rest days” from pitching, instead ofpitching multiple consecutive days in a row, can also help to avoid injuries. Most importantly, athletes must always communicate if something feelswrong, and to avoid pitching orparticipating in the game if any pain is felt. Contact your athletic trainer immediately if you believe you may have sustained an injury during the game, in order to treat the issue before it becomes worse. Know The Warning Signs All ofus experience occasional aches and pains from doing too much, which does not necessarily mean a chronic problem is emerging. However,whenthosepainsdon’tgoaway,orwhentheuncomfortable feelings have certain characteristics, it’s important not to ignore them, and to seek help. Ifyou keep experiencing shoulderclicking or“popping,” forexample, youmayhavea ligamenttear inyourshoulderarea.Sharppainshould also be checked out with your physical therapist, as this means the shoulder joint is not moving in good alignment. Therearealsomoreeasily-ignoredsymptoms, likeadullpainthatruns along the side of your arm, or sudden arm weakness whenever you try to carry something or reach for an object. These are symptoms you should definitely not ignore. Call Iberia Sports & Rehabilitation at 337.367.3331 to schedule your appointment today!
Sources http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00327 http://www.moveforwardpt.com/symptomsconditionsdetail.aspx?cid=95bd746b-b25f-46f5-8373- fb56c9f6b46a
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