Importance of Shoulder Stability

The shoulder joint and surrounding musculature plays a key role in many of our simple and often taken for granted movements of every day life, not to mention the aggressive use in sport. Unfortunately the shoulder joint by design is one of if not the most unstable joints our bodies are comprised of. The shoulder essentially is a golf ball placed upon a tee, and for anyone who knows golf from time to time that ball tends to fall off the tee for one reason or another, not too unlike human shoulders. In order to maintain our way of living in everyday activities as well as the ability to excel in sport, shoulder strength and stability must be a sought after and tended to part of a training program.

An often overlooked factor to shoulder stability and mobility is Scapular (shoulder blade) function and thoracic spine mobility. Proper flexion, extension and rotation of the thoracic spine as well as the Scapula having good Range of Motion (ROM) in all the necessary planes act as a guide to promote a healthy shoulder. In other words performing the "popular" shoulder exercises such as the presses and raises are great for general strength and hypertrophy of the deltoid muscles however neglecting the smaller muscles responsible for Scapular function can lead to shoulder tightness and inability to properly go through a full ROM.Whether you are a current athlete, weekend warrior, or even an individual looking to stay in shape and maintain function and ease of everyday living, no one is above proper shoulder mechanics and shoulder health in which some simple exercises can aid you in. Although these exercises may not be the most popular or fun to do in the eyes of some because they do not show you the typical gains individuals like to see from their workouts, they do allow you to stay healthy and give you the best ability of all to help reach those goals and obtain those gains and that would be AVAILABILITY. If you are not available to workout because of shoulder pain or injury you will not be able to benefit from your training. 

Stop in to APEX at Gillette Physical Therapy to discuss your shoulder health and shoulder health program today, 1013 E Boxelder RD or call at (307)-682-4900.