Your shoulder is always in use during your regular tasks. It is present in practically every action you take. Your shoulder is involved in lifting, reaching, and throwing a ball. It enables you to pick up objects from lofty areas or from the ground. It consists of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments working together to facilitate various arm movements.
However, this complexity also makes the shoulder vulnerable to injuries and conditions. According to the best Shoulder injuries surgeon in Mumbai at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, it is the joint with the highest incidence of injury in the human body.
Before we discuss how to maintain healthy shoulders, let's first understand the basic structure. The shoulder is an important part of our body that allows us to move our arms in different directions. It has three main bones: the upper arm bone, called the humerus, the shoulder blade, known as the scapula, and the collarbone, called the clavicle. These bones work together to help us lift and rotate our arms.
To keep the shoulder stable and working properly, there is a group of tendons and muscles called the rotator cuff. They help us move our arms smoothly and without pain. Ligaments, which are like strong rubber bands, also support the shoulder joint.
Inside the shoulder joint, there is soft and flexible cartilage that covers the bones. This cartilage helps decrease friction when we move our arms. It acts like a cushion, protecting our bones and allowing them to move easily.
Shoulder injuries are common and can result from various causes such as sports activities, accidents, or repetitive motions. Here are some of the most common shoulder injuries:
The rotator cuff is a set of muscles that surround and support the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff tears are a common injury that often occurs as a result of a sudden traumatic incident or repeated overhead movements. Sports like tennis, cricket, and baseball can potentially contribute to the development of rotator cuff injuries.
The best Shoulder injuries doctor in Mumbai at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital says, they can also be caused by natural aging wear and tear. Certain movements, such as attempting to lift a large object with an outstretched arm, catching something in a quick motion, or falling, can also result in rotator cuff injuries.
They can range from mild strains to complete tears, affecting the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles.
The upper arm bone may sometimes pop out of its normal position in the shoulder socket, causing severe pain. According to the surgeons, this injury is common in scenarios such as falls or high-impact sports, and it can also result in ligament or labrum tears.
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common issue that causes shoulder pain. It occurs when the tendons in the shoulder rub against a bony part called the acromion when you raise your arm. This rubbing can make the tendons swollen and inflamed, leading to more discomfort. The symptoms of shoulder impingement include pain when you lift your arm up or try to reach behind your back, a constant dull ache that might get worse at night, weakness in the shoulder, and difficulty moving your arm fully. You may also feel pain in a specific range of motion when raising your arm.
People often develop shoulder impingement from doing activities that involve raising their arms repeatedly, like swimming, playing tennis, painting, or working in construction. Certain factors in the shoulder's structure, like having a hooked acromion shape or bone growths, can also play a role in causing impingement. Past shoulder injuries and getting older can make someone more likely to experience this issue.
Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder, resulting in a limited range of motion. The connective tissue capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, leading to restricted movement. According to the surgeons at the best Shoulder injuries hospital in Mumbai, this condition develops gradually and can persist for several months or even years.
Prevention is key when it comes to shoulder injuries. By following these preventive measures suggested by our shoulder injury surgeons in Mumbai, you can reduce the risk of developing shoulder pain causes.
Before doing any exercise, it's important to get your body ready by doing some movements that help warm up your muscles and increase blood flow. Dynamic stretches like arm circles and shoulder rotations are good because they make your joints more flexible and reduce the risk of injury. You should also gently stretch your shoulders, neck, and back to get them ready for the workout. So basically, warming up is like getting your body ready to move and exercise safely.
Maintain proper posture and body mechanics throughout the day. Slouching should be avoided. Our best Shoulder injuries surgeon in Mumbai says there will be more stress on your shoulders if try to move heavy objects, so utilize your legs instead of putting too much strain on your shoulders.
Give your upper body time to rest and recover after exercising. It is suggested to take 1-2 days off from upper body workouts each week. you should pay attention to how your body feels and cut back on how much you exercise if you have ongoing shoulder pain or discomfort. This way, you can avoid injury and keep your upper body healthy and strong.
If you experience shoulder pain or suspect an injury, it's crucial to seek consultation from the best Shoulder injuries doctor in Mumbai at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital. Treatment options may vary depending on the specific injury or condition, but common approaches include.
At our best Shoulder injuries hospital in Mumbai, the surgeons will assess your condition through physical examination, imaging tests (X-rays and MRI), and a review of medical history. This evaluation helps determine the best course of treatment.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in shoulder injury rehabilitation. It includes targeted shoulder injury prevention exercises, manual therapy techniques, and modalities to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore shoulder function.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain-relieving injections may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation. These can provide temporary relief while other treatment methods take effect.
In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, especially for severe injuries or conditions that do not respond to conservative treatments. Surgical procedures range from arthroscopy to repair torn tissues to joint replacement for chronic conditions. We at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital provide minimally invasive surgery options for shoulder injuries.
After receiving medical treatment at our best Shoulder injuries hospital in Mumbai, the surgeons suggest having proper rehabilitation for a successful recovery. Here are some key aspects of the rehabilitation process.
Engage in specific exercises recommended by our Shoulder injuries surgeon in Mumbai or a physical therapist. Some examples of these exercises include things like lifting your arm in different ways and using stretchy bands to help your shoulder move better. These shoulder injury prevention exercises help make your shoulder stronger.
It's important to do these exercises correctly and slowly increase the difficulty. If any exercise hurts, it should be stopped. It's best to do these exercises with guidance from a doctor or a physical therapist. By following a good exercise plan and making lifestyle changes, you can improve your shoulder's health and avoid problems in the future.
Physical therapy is important for helping your shoulder get better after an injury or surgery. Here are some reasons why it's so helpful:
Here are some ways to help your shoulder feel better:
Maintaining a shoulder-friendly lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and conditions. Consider the following tips:
Ensure your workspace is ergonomically designed, promoting proper posture and minimizing strain on the shoulders. Adjust your chair height, desk position, and computer screen to maintain a neutral shoulder position.
It is advised by the best Shoulder injuries surgeon in Mumbai to avoid repetitive shoulder movements, particularly when engaging in sports or work-related activities. Taking regular breaks and incorporating varied actions can help prevent excessive strain on the shoulder joint and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can put additional stress on the shoulders. Incorporate a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep to promote overall well-being.
Shoulder injuries and disorders can have a substantial impact on your everyday life, but you can reduce their impact by adopting preventive steps and seeking treatment as soon as possible at the best Shoulder injuries hospital in Mumbai.
Warm-up activities, maintaining appropriate posture, and combining strength training can all assist to protect your shoulders.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, it is important to consult with our best Shoulder injuries doctor in Mumbai at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital . You may live an active and pain-free lifestyle by taking care of your shoulders.
