Blog
13 Jun 2016
Shoulder pain got you down?
Attention anyone that uses their arms!
Not you? No need to keep reading.
Yes you? Better read up. This information is important especially if you groom dogs and have shoulder pain, or even if you don’t groom dogs but do have shoulder pain.
This blog consists of some information we sent out to groomers about how to care for their shoulders. We thought every dog owner should read it as well. Really, anyone with shoulders should read it!
Do you have a rotator cuff problem? Do you have shoulder pain? Do you have difficulty lifting your arms? Then keep reading!
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis (shoulder):
The Rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles that surround, stabilize and help to move the shoulder joint. With normal day-to-day movements the rotator cuff muscles help us to lift, carry, reach, support, push, pull, etc. with no problem. When the rotator cuff muscles and tendons are subjected to increased stresses of grooming (repetitive movements, prolonged positions –especially with elevated arms, poor posture, excessive loading and lifting, etc.), then the muscle or tendon can become strained. Before you know it, you’ve got a muscle strain or a tendonitis.
Ugh!
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tendonitis in the Shoulder:
- Pain in and around the shoulder and pain with moving the shoulder – especially with using one or both arms at or above shoulder level
- Weakness in the shoulder muscles
- Limited arm movement
- Sometimes a ‘clicking’ noise in the shoulder
Does any of that sound familiar? Well hold tight, we’ve got a suggestion for you! We want to show you our favourite exercise to help your shoulders and help get you started on the path to wellness!
Quick Shoulder Exercise for the “Rotator Cuff”:
Shoulder blade squeezes:
Standing or sitting, gently use the muscles between and below your shoulder blades to draw the shoulder blades ‘back and down’ into a ‘V’ shape (i.e. left shoulder blade toward right hip, and right shoulder blade toward left hip). Hold 2-3 seconds, repeat 10X several times per day. You can also think about holding your shoulder blades in this position whenever you lift your arms (i.e. when grooming, when brushing your teeth, when sipping coffee, etc.). This might turn it into a postural habit instead of just an exercise your do when you think about.
Poor shoulder posture: Good shoulder posture:
Need more help?
Don’t let injuries affect your ability to enjoy your arms! (Seriously!)
Physiotherapy can help, and Two Hands Physiotherapy is specifically geared toward treating dog owners and people working with dogs. We’re dog lovers too! We do ‘dog things’ in our spare time, and we ‘get’ where you’re coming from!!! Just to emphasize that point, our treatment room is conveniently located within The Canine Fitness Centre (Calgary’s premiere physical rehabilitation facility for dogs!)
A physiotherapist at Two Hands Physiotherapy can examine and assess your shoulder (or other problem area), and give you specific exercises and treatment based on your specific issue. Best of all, you don’t need a doctor’s referral. You know your body! Just give us a call!
Find out more at www.TwoHandsPhysiotherapy.ca
Two Hands Physiotherapy
4515 Manhattan Rd SE,
Calgary, AB
403-860-0058
--- --- --- --- ---
