Shoulder Pain: Two Things To Know

There are a million things to know about shoulder pain, and the shoulder in general, but here are two that are indispensable.

1 – It could be your biceps: The biceps consists of two heads and both of the tendons to those two heads run up into the shoulder. Why this matters is that if you are having shoulder pain, it might not be enough just to lay off shoulder exercise. Anything that is working the biceps could exacerbate the problem.

2 – The rotator cuff is not a cuff-like structure: The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that help to rotate the shoulder and, very importantly, stabilize the shoulder. A rotator cuff tear is a tear of one (or multiple) of these muscles.

In order to keep shoulders healthy and to avoid any issues it is important to have good form when exercising, good posture in life, and a workout program that does not overtax muscular systems. Posture is important because it keeps the muscles of the rotator cuff balanced and free from pinching and grinding. To help understand how to maintain good shoulder mechanics learn about things like retraction, depression, elevation, and depression as well as internal and external rotation. A well balanced workout program ensures that tendons, especially highly used tendons like those of the biceps, are not overworked to the point of inflammation and tendonitis. To balance your program learn about periodization.

As always, if you are having shoulder pain or any other ongoing pain seek out the help of a doctor and/or physical therapist. When you get in there early you are likely to have a much faster and better recovery.

RELATED:

Retraction, Protraction, Elevation, Depression, and Scapulohumeral Rhythm

Mayo Clinic – Rotator Cuff Injury

Tendonitis of the Long Head of the Biceps

PHOTO: Jason Woodhead (JasonWoodhead23) – x-ray of shoulder: License