Shoulder Archives - Functional Performance Center

The Importance of Multi-Plane Movement

We live in a multi planar world! We rarely move in just one plane of motion. Yet, when we
go to the gym or train, we tend to get stuck in the same positions time and time again. Just think
about the position you squat in or lunge. Is it always with the same foot position? Always in the
same direction? This is a friendly reminder to break out of single planes and help prevent injury
by doing so.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, when squatting, vary your foot position
every set. Utilize staggered stances, wide and narrow stances, toes in and out. Then, combine
these things in as many ways as you can think of. There are many options. This will help
prepare your legs for any position they might land in during functional tasks, such as walking,
hiking, or housework. When you train your body for all directions of load, you reduce the risk of
injury when you get into those positions in daily life. Below is a picture of some of the stances
mentioned earlier for you to try. Start with body weight or light weight and work up to heavier
weights or maybe start with just the first line and add more as you are able. Safety first!

This same concept can be applied with most exercises, no matter the difficulty level or
intensity. For instance, if you like to walk, try walking sideways or backwards (safely). This will
work different muscle groups and help improve balance in those directions. If you are lifting
upper extremities, try punching in direct directions, not just overhead. Remember, if you want
your body to work in multiple planes, you should train it to do just that!

New Year, New Routines

Where to start?

It’s the beginning of a new year! It’s time to set new goals, make a plan to meet them, and then go after them. If any of these goals involve increasing your physical activity or continuing an established physical routine, there are several things to keep in mind. The first is, are you safe to begin physical activity. If you have had a major illness or injury in the past year, you should get clearance from a medical professional before starting regular physical activity. Do you have a nagging ache or pain, that you are worried will worsen with activity? Getting an evaluation from a physical therapist to identify specific deficits and make a personalized plan for you could be the answer!

Things to consider.

Before starting physical activity, it is important to warm-up the body properly. This can be done with active stretching. By making stretches active, you begin to promote motor memory to the muscle, which in turn allows for proper functioning of the muscle during exercise. It is vital to stretch the areas that you are going to be working. So lower extremities, for leg work-outs, and upper extremities for arm work-outs. It does not hurt, however, to stretch both areas, even if you aren’t working those areas out on a particular day. Below are some pictures of basic stretches for the upper and lower body.

Another thing to keep in mind when beginning a new physical activity is moderation. For example, if you haven’t been doing a certain exercise or activity in awhile or ever, do just 10-20 minutes to start. Then, build onto your time as your body gets used to it. Don’t add a lot of new activities all at once, if something bothers you, then you won’t know which thing caused the issue. Start with one or two things and add more on each day or week. Start with low weights or repetitions and increase slowly. This way, you don’t strain or stress any tissues in excess. Lastly, don’t get worried if you are very sore after starting a new activity. It takes time for the muscles to get used to being used in a new way. Soreness is a good sign that you worked the muscles well.

Make it personal!

Whether you are beginning a new physical routine or continuing a previous one, injuries can occur. The best way to treat an injury, is prevent it from happening in the first place. Having a professional, such as a physical therapist, evaluate your movement could do just that! Here at Functional Performance Center, we can analyze your movement, to determine areas that may need more mobility or strength. Then, we can create a plan to address any findings, that is personalized to you! We look forward to helping you in 2020. Happy new year to all!

Let’s get active!

Start with thumb on end of stick/bat/golf club, with same foot forward. Shift weight onto front foot and use bottom arm to push lead arm up to ear, keep elbow straight. Return to starting position, repeat 15-20 times, then switch arms. Perform 2-3 sets per side. This will help improve shoulder mobility and shoulder blade rhythm.

Standing in doorway, put arm on frame at shoulder height, with same foot forward. Shift weight forward, driving chest straight ahead, until stretch is felt in front of shoulder and chest. Return to starting position, repeat 15-20 times, then switch to other side. Perform 2-3 sets per side. This will help to improve muscle length and improve mobility in shoulder and shoulder blade.

Begin with one foot on edge of chair or bench. Then, drive hips forward, keeping weight in back leg, going forward until you feel a stretch in the front of your hip. Return to starting position and repeat. Perform 15-20 times, 2-3 sets on each leg. This will stretch the lower extremities and improve hip mobility. Remember, safety first. If your balance is compromised, stand at edge of counter or at wall for upper extremity support.

Sitting or standing at edge of bed, leg straight out in front of body, lean forward until stretch is felt in back of leg, then rotate entire leg back and forth (like a windshield wiper). Rotate 20 times, switch legs, performing 2-3 set per leg. This will actively stretch your hamstring muscles. Do not progress to standing stretch until confident balance is adequate to maintain position without falling.

With hands on wall, bring one leg forward and rotate it from side to side, keeping knee in line with belly button. Rotate 20 times, switch legs, and repeat. Perform 2-3 sets on each leg. This will stretch the muscles in the calf. If you don’t feel a mild to moderate stretch, move stance leg back farther from wall.

Sweet Summertime, Not So Sweet Shoulder Injuries

Overview

Summertime brings several things to mind; sunshine, barbecues, and baseball. Whether it is tee ball, club ball, little league, or major league, games are happening almost every day. One thing every player learns to do at a young age is throw the ball. Unfortunately, even with perfect mechanics, injuries occur. This can be due to many different things. One problem is overuse of the throwing arm. Another is improper warm-up, resulting in strains, sprains, and tears of upper extremity structures. These types of injuries don’t only happen when throwing. For example, swinging a bat, tennis racquet, or golf club can result in injury to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. The best idea is to avoid such injuries before they occur!

Shoulder Injury at a Glance

There are several simple things you can do to help prevent upper extremity problems during throwing and swinging activities. The first is maintaining adequate scapulothoracic range of motion and rhythm. That’s right, our bones have rhythms! That is, bones have certain patterns they are meant to move through, and when that rhythm is off, problems can arise. So, making sure that we incorporate exercises and stretches that improve the motion of the entire shoulder complex, both scapulothoracic and glenohumeral, are very important. By doing this, one can also take stress away from the elbow. Secondly, you should always strengthen your body in its full range of motion. If you want your body to function properly in all positions, then you have to train that way too. With throwing and swinging sports in particular, this means strengthening in overhead planes and at end points of reaching and pulling.

How to Treat

The stretches and exercises listed below are a good start to improving upper extremity mobility and strength. While performing them, make note of differences from side to side, and ranges of motion that are most difficult. These are indicators of areas that might need additional work. If you feel you may benefit from a more thorough evaluation and individualized exercise program, please contact our office, at (480) 968-2020 or to email us click here. We are happy to help get you back onto the court or field!

Stretches & Exercises

Start with arm extended fully out, opposite foot forward. Stand tall and pull band back to hip, keeping elbow straight throughout. Return to starting position, repeat 15-20 times, then switch to other side. Perform 2-3 sets per side. This exercise with help strengthen the muscles in the shoulder complex.

Start with dumbbell or light weight at shoulder, same foot forward. Step up onto step, pushing weight straight overhead, and then back, with thumb facing back the whole time. Return to starting position, repeat 15-20 times, then switch to other side. Perform 2-3 sets per side. If balance is limited, do not use step, safety first. This exercise will help strengthen the muscles in your shoulder.

Rehabilitating Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder is one of the most commonly injured areas of the body. Rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingements, and adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) are just a few of the many injuries that can occur at this complex joint. The shoulder joint consists of several bones, many muscles and their associated tendons, multiple ligaments, bursa, and a joint capsule. Injury to any one of these structures can cause significant pain and subsequent dysfunction of the shoulder. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain and limited use of the arm.

Whether you’ve had a shoulder injury in the past, or you’ve recently endured a shoulder injury, there are things you can do to help improve functioning of your arm and prevent permanent damage to the joint. It is very important to maintain the range of motion of the shoulder complex. This includes the shoulder joint and the shoulder blade. It is vital to include stretches and exercises that involve increasing the mobility and strength of the shoulder blade muscles, as well as the shoulder joint, to maximize function. The shoulder blade provides 1/3 of the total motion of the shoulder joint. Failure to address shoulder blade range of motion and strength can result in prolonged pain and activity limitations.

Listed below are several basic stretches and exercises to increase the range of motion and strength of the entire shoulder complex. If you are currently suffering from shoulder pain or dysfunction, come see a therapist at Functional Performance Center today (call us to schedule), for a full examination and personalized exercise program! Shoulder pain does not have to be permanent!

Forward Flexion with a Stick

Start with your thumb on the end of the stick, with the same foot forward. Shift your weight onto the front foot and use your bottom arm to push the forward arm up to your ear, keeping your elbow straight. Return to starting position, repeat 15-20 times, then switch sides. Perform 2-3 sets per side. This will help to improve shoulder mobility and shoulder blade rhythm.

Doorway Stretch

Standing in doorway, put arm on frame at shoulder height, with same foot forward. Shift weight forward, driving chest straight ahead, until you feel a stretch through the front of the shoulder and chest. Return to starting position, repeat 15-20 times, then switch to other side. Perform 2-3 sets per side. This will help to improve muscle length in the front of the arm and allow more mobility for the shoulder and shoulder blade.

Scapular Retraction with Resistance Band

Start with arm fully forward, with your thumb facing down and the opposite foot forward. Shift your weight back, pulling the band back to armpit, your thumb should end facing up. Return to starting position, repeat 15-20 times, then switch sides. Perform 2-3 sets per side. Make sure to let arm go fully forward and fully back to maximize benefits of exercise. This will help strengthen the shoulder and shoulder blade muscles.