Simple Tips to Prevent Shoulder Pain Before It Starts

Stop It Before It Starts: Simple Tips to Prevent Shoulder Pain

If you’ve ever suffered a shoulder injury, then you know how debilitating it can be. Not only are you experiencing persistent pain, but most shoulder injuries also restrict the range of motion in the joint, making day-to-day tasks — from grabbing a cup off the high shelf to brushing your hair — feel nearly impossible.

At ProTailored Physical Therapy, our team of physical therapists will work with you to identify and resolve the underlying causes of your shoulder pain. We offer acute pain relief and can guide you through complete shoulder rehabilitation regardless of whether or not you require surgery, and often, you can resolve a shoulder injury with physical therapy alone!

But that process can take a while, and we want to help you avoid shoulder injuries, too. While we do incorporate injury prevention information into our rehab programs, it’s never a bad time to start incorporating small changes into your routine that can help prevent shoulder pain.

If you’d like to learn more about how we help prevent and alleviate shoulder pain, call us to schedule an appointment today!

What Causes Shoulder Pain and Injury, Anyway?

Your shoulder is an incredibly complex ball-and-socket joint with several moving parts, including:

Three separate bones: the humerus (arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone)
Cartilage that wraps and protects these bones from rubbing against each other
The three main ligaments that connect your shoulder’s bones
A collection of muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff that wrap and support the shoulder joint
Bursae: small fluid-filled sacs that protect your tendons

Damaging any of these structures can lead to shoulder pain, weakness, and immobility. Some people injure their shoulders through sudden, acute injuries, especially if they’re active — a hard fall on the football field could tear their rotator cuff or dislocate the arm bone out of their shoulder socket.

However, many shoulder injuries are actually overuse injuries, meaning the pain and immobility symptoms occur due to repeated micro-injuries in your shoulder’s tissue. Often, sports-related shoulder injuries are actually due to overuse, as repeated overhead motions (such as throwing a ball or certain swimming strokes) put stress on the shoulder joint, leading to symptoms.

Using improper form can also contribute to overuse injuries, such as improper posture — a weak upper back strains your shoulder muscles, making them do more work than needed.

Preventing shoulder pain is really about preventing these overuse injuries. By making small changes, you can keep your shoulders strong, healthy, and pain-free!

5 Ways You Can Help Prevent Shoulder Pain

Strengthen your upper body: Strong upper back and shoulder muscles are better able to provide the shoulder joint with the support and stability it needs, meaning you’ll be less likely to suffer an injury. Not sure how to get started? Our PTs can walk you through some appropriate exercises.
Keep your mobility: We can show you simple range of motion exercises that will get the blood flowing to your joints, keeping them healthy. Reaching overhead, across your body, or behind your back are all basic stretches that can do wonders — just make sure you never force a movement!
Don’t forget to warm up first: Many popular recreational activities put you at risk for a shoulder injury, including swimming, pickleball, and tennis. It’s crucial that you warm up your shoulder before you dive in. Try some quick cardio paired with active shoulder stretches (like arm circles).
Maintain proper posture: Proper posture isn’t about standing up straight all the time; it’s about maintaining postural awareness and keeping your spine in alignment no matter what you’re doing. And if you have a sedentary job, move around regularly. Both habits will help keep your upper back and shoulders strong.
Pay attention to ergonomics: If your workspace isn’t shoulder-friendly, you might wind up with an overuse injury. Simple changes — like adjusting the height of your computer monitor or maintaining good posture when using hand tools — will reduce repetitive stress and lower your chances of developing shoulder pain.

Need A Little Help? We’ve Got You

The ProTailored Physical Therapy physical therapists can help you prevent shoulder injuries as easily as we can treat them! Whether you’re looking for a shoulder stretch and strengthen routine, postural corrections, or some simple ergonomic adjustments, we’re here for you.

Call us today to get started!

Little Changes, Lasting Relief!

Ready to feel your best again? Come back to ProTailored Physical Therapy and let us help you achieve your wellness goals — book your appointment today!

Click Here to Schedule Your Appointment!

Therapist Spotlight:

Dr. Chelsea Jones, PT

Favorite way to spend a day off?

Spending time with my husband and traveling to new places!

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

The Show – Niall Horan

Favorite local spots?

Black Forest Cat Cafe

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

WARNING- WILL REFERENCE A PODCAST OR A MUSICAL ABOUT ALMOST ANY TOPIC!

Healthy Recipe:

Summer Watermelon Feta Salad

4 cups watermelon, cubed and chilled
1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
Grilled shrimp or chicken for protein
Avocado slices for healthy fats

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, red onion, and mint. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil. Toss gently to combine. Top with crumbled feta. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Why It’s Great:

Super hydrating for hot days
Packed with electrolytes and vitamins
Quick and easy to make for BBQs, post-run recovery, or light lunches

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Exercise of the Month

DUMBBELL FRONT RAISE

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart holding dumbbells at your sides. Raise both arms straight in front of you to shoulder height, keeping elbows slightly bent. Lower slowly and repeat to strengthen the shoulders.

July 4th Celebrations: Prioritize Health and Safety

July brings 4th of July celebrations, and while enjoying fireworks and picnics, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Here are some expert tips from ProTailored Physical Therapy:

Stay Hydrated: With the summer heat, dehydration is a concern. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during outdoor activities.

Firework Safety: If you plan to handle fireworks, follow safety guidelines strictly. Mishandling can lead to burns and accidents.

Healthy Picnic Choices: Choose nutritious picnic options like salads, grilled veggies, and lean proteins. Limit sugary drinks and snacks that can lead to energy crashes.

Mind Your Posture: Whether watching fireworks or dining at a picnic, maintain good posture to prevent back and neck strain. Sit upright and use cushions for support if needed.

By focusing on safety and making healthy choices, you can have a memorable and healthy 4th of July celebration!

Our Patients Get Great Results

“I have been a patient at the Tonkel Road location for a little over a year. My experience has been outstanding! Dr. Landon Pence, my PT, and Lisa Douglas, my OT, are kind, compassionate, supportive, professional and extremely knowledgeable!! They have addressed several issues plaguing me and I am very pleased with my progress! The entire staff is friendly and helpful. If you are in need of therapy, I highly recommend ProTailored! You won’t be disappointed!”

– Diana P.

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