Injuries always seem to happen at the worst possible time. Whether you have a trip coming up or you’re just trying to make it through your work week, an injury can put a damper on things.
Unfortunately, almost everyone at some point in their life will experience a shoulder injury. It can be very frustrating, keeping you from doing the things you love. This article will look at some of the best ways to avoid a shoulder injury to help you reduce your chances of this happening to you.
Stretch The Muscles In Your Shoulders Each Morning
A good shoulder stretch in the morning can help prevent injuries during the day. The shoulder is a weight-bearing joint, so it’s important to keep it healthy and strong. Stretching the muscles and joints in the shoulder area helps increase range of motion and flexibility. Stretching can help reduce the risk of strain or other injuries when performing activities that require overhead movement.
One excellent morning shoulder stretch to do is the doorframe stretch. Start by standing in a doorway with your arms outstretched at shoulder height. Next, lean forward until you feel a gentle stretch in the front of your shoulders and chest. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds before returning to starting position.
Build Strength In Your Shoulders
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that is incredibly versatile. However, this also means that it is susceptible to many injuries. It is important to build strength in the muscles around the joint to help prevent shoulder injuries. A few simple exercises can help to achieve this.
For example, dumbbell lateral raises target the muscles on the side of the shoulder, while front raises work the muscles in the front of the shoulder. Another effective exercise is the overhead press, which works all of the muscles around the shoulder joint. By incorporating these exercises into your workout routine, you can help to keep your shoulders healthy and strong.
Correct Your Sleeping Position
Improper sleeping position is a common cause of shoulder pain and stiffness. Because of its range of motion, your shoulder is more prone to injury than other joints. The best way to avoid shoulder pain caused by the way you sleep is to sleep on your back with a pillow under your head and another pillow under your arm. Put a pillow between your knees if you must sleep on your side.
Sleeping on your stomach can cause neck and back pain and numbness in your arms. Correcting your sleeping position is an easy way to prevent injuries and pain, especially in your shoulders. If you have shoulder pain, talk to your doctor or physical therapist about other ways to sleep that can relieve your pain.