Understanding and easing shoulder issues

I've recently been addressing some common shoulder concerns among our clients. I would like to share insights from two informative videos that shed light on understanding and easing shoulder issues. Let's dive into it!

**Shoulder Health: It's More Than Just the Ball and Socket**

There is an interconnectedness of shoulder problems with the lower neck and upper back. Often, when our posture leans forward, it misaligns the shoulder joint, which makes movements like flexion and abduction of the shoulder challenging. This forward-leaning posture can strain the rotator cuff and ligaments, potentially leading to an impingement syndrome.

It's crucial to understand that while focusing on the ball and socket joint is essential, assessing the lower neck and upper back's role is equally vital. At The Chiropractic Domain, we pay attention to this holistic approach to ensure comprehensive shoulder health assessments.

**Self-Help Exercises for Shoulder Relief**

Here are two simple yet effective exercises for at-home shoulder relief. These exercises are aimed at easing discomfort associated with lifting, tightness, or even pain while lying on the shoulder. However, it's essential to note that these exercises are complementary and not substitutes for professional assessment.

Exercise 1: **The Outward Circles**

- Using a hand weight or a substitute with a half-filled bucket of water, kneel on a bench or chair with a straight back, and then let the weight hang down.

- Gradually perform small outward circles with the weight to create traction and a gentle stretch in the shoulder joint.

- Increase the circle's size if comfortable, maintaining a straight back and braced core throughout the exercise.

Exercise 2: **Shoulder Blade Retraction**

- While stabilizing your hand and knee, maintain a straight back , engage your core and grasp the weight.

- With a straight arm, focus on moving only the shoulder blade back towards the ceiling by retracting it toward the spine without bending the elbow.

- This exercise aims to strengthen the shoulder girdle and promote a retracted position, crucial for shoulder health.

In summary; our shoulders function best when in a sitting-back, retracted position, as discussed in the earlier video. However, if these exercises don't alleviate your shoulder issues, don't hesitate to reach out to us.  At the Chiropractic Domain we are dedicated to assisting you in your journey toward improved shoulder health.

We hope these insights and exercises provide a helpful starting point for your shoulder wellness. Take care of your shoulders, and if you need any further assistance, feel free to get in touch via patients@thechiropracticdomain.com.au or message our social pages.