Overhead, Under Control: Shoulder Health For All Ages
Keep Your Shoulder Strong at Any Age
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which makes it powerful—but also vulnerable. Whether your child is a baseball pitcher, you enjoy weekend pickleball, or you want to stay active, keeping your shoulders healthy at any age is key to performing well and avoiding injuries.
Common Shoulder Challenges:
- Rotator cuff strains or tears
- Shoulder impingement
- Labral injuries (SLAP tears)
- Instability from repeated overhead activity
For Youth Athletes (Under 18)
Young athletes are still growing, and repetitive overhead motions can put stress on their shoulders.
Watch for:
- Pain during or after practice/games
- Loss of throwing or hitting power
- Clicking, popping, or a “loose” feeling
Tips for Prevention:
- Warm up before every practice or game
- Strengthen the rotator cuff, scapular, and core muscles
- Focus on proper throwing, serving, or swimming mechanics
For Active Adults (18–50)
Whether it’s tennis, volleyball, baseball, or weekend workouts, adult shoulders can suffer from overuse and poor mechanics.
Watch for:
- Shoulder stiffness or reduced mobility
- Achy or sore muscles after activity
- Trouble lifting overhead or behind your back
Tips for Prevention:
- Include shoulder stability and mobility exercises in your routine
- Take breaks from repetitive movements
- Address minor aches early before they become injuries
For Adults 50+
Shoulders naturally lose strength and flexibility with age, increasing the risk of impingement/pinch, tears, and arthritis.
Watch for:
- Pain reaching overhead or behind your back
- Weakness when lifting objects
- Difficulty with daily activities like dressing or carrying groceries
Tips for Prevention:
- Gentle stretching in all directions to maintain range of motion
- Focus on the scapular and rotator cuff muscle strengthing
- Seek professional guidance if pain persists
QUICK TIP FOR ALL AGES:
A few minutes of shoulder warm-ups—arm circles/relaxed overhead stretching, rotator cuff exercises, and scapular squeezes—before activity can protect your joint and improve performance.
Here’s a quick, three-move warm-up that everyone should do!
How Physical Therapy Can Help:
- Strength & Stability: Focused exercises for the shoulder, back, and core to protect the joint.
- Mobility & Flexibility: Keeping your shoulder moving properly to prevent strain.
- Movement Coaching: Teaching proper mechanics for sports, lifting, or everyday movements.
- Injury Prevention & Performance: Exercises and strategies to keep you active, confident, and pain-free.
Keep your shoulders strong, healthy, and ready for anything—at any age! Schedule a FREE Shoulder Assessment Today → www.hqpt.com/request-an-appointment