No matter your job title, chances are you will experience shoulder pain at some point in your life.

The shoulder joint is the most mobile in the human body but also the most complex and prone to injury.

Whether your job is labour intensive or sedentary and spent sitting at a desk, your shoulder health is important and deserves care. Specifically, ensuring your shoulder is mobile with an adequate range of motion will prevent injury and can reduce any current pain. 

Did you know that the shoulder isn’t really a joint, but a complex structure comprised of four joints, over 30 muscles and six major ligaments which work together to provide ranges of motion to the upper extremities?

As a result of the shoulder’s ability to move excessively, its stability may sometimes become compromised. It is these competing mobility and stability demands, combined with an intricate structural and functional design, which make the shoulder complex highly susceptible to injury.

Common shoulder injuries include fractures, rotator cuff tear, dislocation, frozen shoulder, impingement and bursitis. Shoulder pain rarely resolves on its own. Chronic shoulder pain often stems from prolonged, repetitive, or awkward movements. Pain may develop over time so sometimes it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. 

Some simple prevention tips at work can go a long way: develop a better posture, optimize your workspace, work systems and processes for optimum function.

There are also specific stretches and exercises that you can do to support shoulder health. Exercises targeting the shoulder can help build strength, lead to greater flexibility and benefit mobility. Otherwise, we can sometimes overwork our shoulders and we need to give them a break. (see more information in the infographic found below this article.)

During the month of March as part of our workplace wellness program with one of our clients, our Health Coaches are conducting range of motion assessments of the shoulder joint using a goniometer. A goniometer is a tool for measuring the range of motion of various joints in the body. The aim of this test is to measure the flexibility of a joint, which is important for injury prevention and execution of many work and sports-related movements. Our Health Coaches then will recommend a series of exercises to improve the range of motion of the shoulder.

 Is shoulder pain a common complaint in your workforce? Inquire about how our workplace wellness program can address this problem and help to create a happier, healthier and more productive workforce. Email coach@mediwell.ca.

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