|
Exercises For Shoulder Pain.Com
|
 |
Expert Advice... |
 |
....From Top Physio To Great Britain's Elite Athletes |
Left Shoulder Strain
Left shoulder strain – Causes, Prevention and Help
As you’re getting a moment of well deserved relaxation, you reach for your drink and your left shoulder shoots pain through your whole arm and neck; you have a left shoulder strain.
Strains involving the left shoulder are common and are treated in a variety of ways. Shoulder strain is defined as a micro-tearing of the tendons or cartilage that holds the joint that is made up of the shoulder blade and upper arm bone. This connection point of bone and muscle is called the rotor cuff. Because of the numerous right-hand dominated people, the left shoulder is often strained simply because lack of use. In addition to this, the shoulders are used in most of the movements of a person’s day to day life. People working at a keyboard, (and that is most of the people in the modern world) and people active in sports that use the shoulder for throwing, swinging, or propelling oneself are most often affected by this shoulder strain.
According to the Spring 1987 International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health journal “keyboard work consists mostly of dynamic contractions of the small muscles of the forearms and hands. This is accompanied by continuous activity in the arm, shoulder and neck muscles keeping the head and hand in the correct position.” In addition, a person at a desk will usually reach and stretch from the same position without moving from their seat. These repetitive motions are equal to the same motion of those that use their shoulders for sports and weight lifting. After constant use, the tendons and muscle break down, as well as the protective covering of the bone called synovium, and the nerves are exposed causing pain. The injury can be something as small as a tear to full blown osteoarthritis.
Left shoulder strain Treatment
The best way to get rid of the pain is to apply alternating heat and ice, gentle mobility, and finally strengthening and stretching exercises.
Shoulder Strain Prevention
The best way to prevent shoulder strain and rehabilitate you shoulder is to warm up before engaging in repetitive or strenuous activity. For those that are interested in Yoga or Tai Chi, both of these activities will keep your joints and muscles limber, usable, and have been proven to reduce stress and pain.
There are a couple of simple stretches one can do at their desk before work. With all stretches, use them for both sides, even if you’ve only injured one.
Shoulder Strain Exercises
1) Cross your arm across your chest. Grasp your elbow and pull towards the opposite side. You should feel your shoulder muscles stretching along the outside of the shoulder.
2) Make a 90 degree angle with your arm where your fingers are pointing up. Grasp your elbow and push it up towards the top your head. Try to get it as far up as possible.
3) Shrug your shoulders. Roll your shoulders back and then forward. For extra benefit and strengthening, use a small weight in your hand.
In addition to the warming up and stretching, change positions or take frequent breaks so that you are not repeating the same motion over and over again. If you take care of your left shoulder, it will take care of you.
Further information:
