Do you have shoulder pain that comes and goes?
This is actually quite common. The shoulder joint is very mobile, and because of that it is quite easy to lift from an unstable shoulder position. The instability is what can open you up to injury and shoulder pain.
So how can you avoid shoulder pain altogether?
Try this quick fix – foam roll your lats.
The lats are a long thin muscle that goes from your arm pit to the lower back. If you have trouble pressing overhead or holding your hands overhead, your lats are most likely tight.
This is by no means applicable to everyone, but is a good place to start if the pain is not too serious. If you’re unsure, better safe than sorry. Contact us for an evaluation today!
Check out this video from Runner’s World:
Stay on tender areas for 20-30 seconds and focus on deep breathing – 2 second inhale followed by 3 second exhale. The discomfort should subside.
Try foam rolling before and after exercise. Foam rolling is great for everyone regardless of the presence of pain.
Why would this work? One of the jobs of the lats is to help support your shoulder(think pushing your chest out). The lats do this by tilting your scapula back which pushes the chest out. (Note: There are also other muscles that work together to do this.)
Foam rolling your lats can help take away some shoulder pain symptoms, but to deal with the cause you will need to learn to properly position your shoulder while working out. It is critical to use proper form in all situations.
What about those clicking noises I hear?
As with all joints, the majority of clicks or light pops you hear are normal. The absence of pain is a great way to gauge the seriousness of the sounds. It could be that your joint is lacking it’s natural lubrication and rubbing together in a strange way. You can minimize the clicking by supplementing with Fish Oil, glucosamine/chondroitin/msm joint supplements, and even by increasing your water intake.
If the pain is intense, feel free to contact our offices.
Need an Appointment?
If you have any questions, or want a consultation with a professional, feel free to call, or schedule an appointment online at any of our Bergen County or Passaic County offices in New Jersey. Choose from Glen Rock, Franklin Lakes, Fair Lawn, Ho-ho-kus/Ridgewood, and/or Clifton – we make it possible for you to visit any of our offices at your convenience.
Have you, or someone you know recently shoulder pain? We can help you treat it and speed up your recovery process!
