June 2017  
What's one way to decrease the risk of shoulder injuries?  Start at the beginning with good posture and normal functional range of motion.  
"Gee, I wonder if the way I sit at home and work is causing my neck and shoulder pain....?"
Last month we discussed your spine and body mechanics.  But how does posture affect your shoulder?

In the picture you see a person with forward head and rounded shoulders. This position causes the spine to be in the shape of a forward "C" and puts tremendous stress on the spine.  This forward head and shoulder position also affects the shoulder (glenohumeral joint) as it places stress and can "pinch" the rotator cuff muscles (specifically the supraspinatus muscle), bursa, and other structures.  Prolonged sitting in this position can cause the muscles on the front of the chest and shoulders to become tight and the muscles of the neck and posterior shoulder to become overstretched.  The long term effects are muscle imbalance - which can cause decreased shoulder range of motion, stiffness, discomfort, and decreased in upper extremity functional abilities. 
 
Proper posture basics for the shoulder:

1.  Pull shoulder blades back and down when at rest and performing functional tasks
2.  Tuck the chin so the earlobe is over the shoulders as seen from the side
3.  Pull abdominal muscles in and stand tall.

Will you have soreness if you change your posture from "poor" to "good?"  Yes, you may feel some muscle fatigue and discomfort around the middle of the spine to the shoulder blades.  This discomfort is normal and will subside as your body accommodates to the good posture position.  Good posture is a HABIT and needs to be reinforced continually  until the position becomes natural and slouching becomes uncomfortable.  You also may need shoulder and neck range of motion exercises and upper neck and shoulder strengthening in order to maintain your new, awesome posture.  Give it a go!
Stop by and see us at the NATIONAL ERGONOMICS CONFERENCE in Las Vegas, Aug 22-24, 2017
We are working on innovative products to help you and your employees with ergonomic issues as well as assisting with early intervention of sprain/strain discomfort.   TelePrevention - telemedicine injury prevention is coming soon!  For more details, call or email us! 

info@onsitesolutionspt.com or 866-763- 6561. We would love to help your employees feel better on and off the job.
On-Site Solutions Physical Therapy | 866-763-6561  | www.onsitesolutionspt.com