LIFE+ Blog

How it happens

The normal daily routine starts once again. You wake up, get the day started by getting dressed, grooming, and then off to work or school you go. You get into your car and then realize you have to put your briefcase or backpack into the back seat, as you are picking up a friend, on your way to your destination. Then, without warning, you have a nice sharp sting in your right shoulder while you are placing the bag into the back seat. The rest of the commute and most of the work day your shoulder is aching and it doesn’t let up until you take a couple pills to alleviate the pain and then life is good again. That is until the same thing happens the next day; only the pain is worse!

Protect your shoulder

Sound familiar? Throughout the day our lives require us to perform a lot of reaching, lifting, and carrying during our normal routines. Yet, these very same activities can result in shoulder pain due to impinging your rotator cuff. How can one avoid this as best as possible? Keep these next 5 steps in mind to protect your shoulder.

1. Shoulder blades

Pinch your shoulder blades together when reaching overhead. This helps maintain better posturing and can alleviate impingement on your rotator cuff.

2. Change how you lift

Keep lifting heavy weight (> 10 lbs) to below shoulder level as much as possible to avoid straining your rotator cuff.

3. Be aware of how you lift things

When lifting, keep the item as close to your body as your can.

4. Avoid sleeping on your shoulder

Try not to sleep on your shoulder if it is painful. Your body weight can agitate an already angry shoulder.

5. Plan

Plan ahead. If you know you will have to put something in the back seat during your ride, place it there before you get into the car.

Take the Next Step

If you’re experiencing any pain in your shoulder, contact us at 714-256-5074 to schedule an appointment or fill out the form below!  A representative will contact you shortly.