So many people develop problems with the shoulder joint. I have had my share of shoulder pain myself a few years ago. I know the shoulder is a multidimensional joint and very delicate in many ways, but it should not be THE reason for so many injuries.Is it just me or are the shoulder issues more and more prevalent nowadays? And if yes, why is that?
I have a few wild guesses that I listed below:
1. Sitting! Sitting in the office, sitting in the car, sitting on the couch, sitting and eating. Honestly, how many hours did you sit today?
When we sit, we tend to slump forward and the whole body rounds into the "human shrimp" posture including the shoulder girdle and neck. As a result, the shoulder joint "learns" to sit anteriorly pulled by the tight muscles in the front of the body, such as pectoralis major and minor.
Now when we ask the shoulder to perform a function, it is not at its optimal position and friction occurs. That could lead into all kind of issues in the shoulder. So, join the revolution against the sitting position!
2. Poor movement nourishment. Heavy weight does not cause shoulder problems, push-ups do not cause shoulder problems, golf does not cause shoulder problems!
The lack of multidirectional movement causes shoulder problems!
Shoulder joint is a pretty mobile joint. In fact it moves pretty much any direction. When we utilize only 2 degrees on its capacity (by only doing chest press and incline chest press) we are underestimating the movement ability of our bodies.
Do you believe that sometimes exercise can actually be harmful? Poorly designed resistance programs might cause some long-term issues and imbalances.
For example, if I decide to perform bench press in different forms several days a week without balancing it out with other joint angles, directions, resistance etc, I could end up doing more harm than good to my body in a very short time. Same goes obviously for any other exercise when it is used in excess on the expense of other movements.
3. Stress!
Really?
Do you ever feel your neck and shoulders tighten up when your schedule gets tight and pressure builds up? I do.
Have you noticed what happens when you embark on a nice vacation somewhere warm? As your stress leaves you, the shoulders automatically relax and the Hunchback of Notre Dame is gone for a while.
A tight neck and upper back can cause your shoulder joint to be more vulnerable for impingements and itis-ending situations.
SOLUTION:
1. Quit your job!
2. Go on a vacation tomorrow.
3. Play every kind of sport and never do the the same exercise routine twice.
Well, you get the idea. Sometimes it is more of a mindset than an actual realistic plan.
;-)
Tommi
PS: "Help others get ahead. You will always stand taller with someone else on your shoulders. Bob Moawad.
