You Can Shrug Off Shoulder Injuries
Behold the shoulder: By design, this
flexible joint offers a wide range of
motion. But this flexibility also makes the
shoulder prone to pain and injury.
To protect these important joints, learn the proper technique if you play a sport that’s hard on the shoulders. For instance, swimmers can help save their shoulders by placing their fingers or pinkies in the water first — not their thumbs — during freestyle stroke.
Another way to prevent shoulder pain is stretching. One shoulder stretch to try: Lace your fingers together. Then push your arms up over your head with your palms facing upward. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds.
Strengthening your shoulders also helps. Grab a soup can in each hand. Point your thumbs to the ground, and keep your elbows straight. Raise your arms to your waist and slowly lower them, like a butterfly. Repeat five to 15 times. Try doing two or three sets.
