Are you at risk for a Rotator Cuff Injury

YOU DON’T HAVE TO SHOULDER THE PAIN

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the socket of the shoulder. When the rotator cuff is healthy and working well, the arm has both flexibility and strength, but when these muscles become damaged or inflamed they can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness. Our shoulder joints allow us to lift, climb and throw with ease. To stabilize them, there’s a network of 4 muscles that surround each shoulder; this muscle network is the “rotator cuff”.

TIPS TO HELP YOU PREVENT SHOULDER PAIN

#1 ALTERNATE SIDES

If you carry a heavy purse/bag, switch the shoulder that bears weight every other day. This will go a long way toward preventing one shoulder from dipping lower than the other & help maintain your posture.

#2 STRAIGHTEN UP

When you carry items, there is a tendency for your shoulder to collapse. This will cause your shoulders and upper back to round down and in toward your chest, restricting your breathing and decreasing the space in your shoulder joint. Pull your shoulders down and back as well as pulling your head backwards. Tighten your abdominals to protect your lower back. Stand tall. Breathe deeply.

#3 LIGHTEN UP

Do you really need everything that’s in that hefty pack? What can you replace with a much lighter option?

#4 MOVE

Stretch, resistance train…and stay active!