5 Tips For Keeping Your Shoulders Healthy As You Age

5 Tips For Keeping Your Shoulders Healthy As You Age post

After reaching the peak age range of late twenties to early thirties, the body starts on the path of degeneration. Muscles start to feel weaker, and joints seem to lose their mobility. One of the most common joints that deteriorate with age is the shoulder. While the process of aging can’t be stopped, your trusted team at Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay will teach you ways to help keep your shoulders healthy as you age.

What Happens to Your Shoulders As You Age?

A deteriorating shoulder can exhibit a few common symptoms. Weakness and loss of movement are a couple of clear indicators, and those are often associated with pain. As aging progresses, these untreated symptoms can trigger conditions and disabilities in the shoulder with a higher risk of injuries like a tear in the rotator cuff. These are all valid reasons to take care of your aging body and seek professional care.

We suggest the following recommendations to help keep your shoulders healthy as you age:

1. Seek Physical Therapy For Optimal Shoulder Mobility

Regular physical therapy (or manual therapy) can help keep the shoulders prepped for regular use with minimal strain. Stretches and movement in this area prevent muscles from weakening at a faster rate or limiting the flexibility of the joint. Your physical therapist may also demonstrate proper posture to use around the home or in the car to contribute to a healthy back and shoulders.

2. Get Into the Habit of Performing At-Home Shoulder Exercises

There are plenty of exercises and other activities that you can do at home to maintain your shoulder health, including:

  • Shoulder rolls
  • Side shoulder raises
  • Overhead elbow extensions
  • Resistance band exercises

These are just a few examples that are doable in the comfort of your living room or bedroom. You can ask your orthopedic doctor for more recommendations on types of activities that can improve your shoulder health.

3. Practice Decent Posture at All Times

Posture plays a significant role in shoulder health. Poor posture, especially when sitting for long periods, can lead to muscle imbalances and strain. Be mindful of your posture by keeping your shoulders back and your head aligned with your spine. Consider ergonomic adjustments to your workspace, such as using a chair that supports your lower back and positioning your computer screen at eye level. Take regular breaks to stand, stretch, and reset your posture to alleviate tension.

4. Avoid Overworking Your Shoulders

It’s easy to overdo physical activity that puts strain on the shoulders to the point of injury. Be mindful of how much weight you lift, how far you reach, or what angle you’re positioning your arms. Many accidents and injuries occur unexpectedly because we don’t pay much attention to the actions we perform on a regular basis.

5. Be Proactive In Treating Shoulder Pain and Injuries

No matter how careful you are, accidents are always a possibility. The longer you wait to address shoulder-related injuries, the harder it will be to recover from them. Preserving shoulder health means managing risks like chronic conditions or traumatic impacts.

Learn more about how we treat shoulder conditions.

Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay Promotes Healthy Shoulders!

Visit Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay for services that support optimal shoulder health. We can treat shoulder injuries and assist you with lifestyle changes and accommodations that can keep your shoulder joints healthy as you age. Contact your nearest location today to get started with a consultation.

By: Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay