Stretches to Combat Repetitive Stress on Your Shoulders

As we age, the effects of repetitive stress on our bodies become increasingly apparent, particularly on our shoulders. Repetitive stress occurs when we perform the same motion over and over again, causing strain on our muscles, tendons, and joints. 

In today’s fast-paced world, we’re constantly on the go, lifting, carrying, and reaching for things. Our shoulders are often the unsung heroes of our daily lives, bearing the brunt of these repetitive tasks. It’s like they’re the Atlas of our bodies, holding up the weight of the world, or at least our backpacks and grocery bags.

Shoulder pain and stiffness can significantly impact our quality of life as we get older, making it difficult to carry out daily tasks and participate in activities we once enjoyed. It’s a bit like being in a constant game of “Simon Says,” but Simon only ever says, “touch your shoulder,” and it’s not nearly as fun as it used to be.

Fortunately, there’s hope! By incorporating some simple stretches into your daily routine, you can help combat the effects of repetitive stress on your shoulders and keep them feeling strong and flexible. 

So, please put down your phone, step away from your computer, and let’s dive into the world of shoulder stretches! Your shoulders will thank you, and you might even find that you’re able to give Simon a run for his money.

Why Keeping Your Shoulders Flexible Matters?

Having flexible shoulders is essential because we use them in almost everything we do with our arms. This includes simple tasks like getting a cup from a cupboard or playing sports like golf. As we age, our shoulders can get stiff and more likely to get hurt. This can make our daily lives harder.

Flexible shoulders allow us to do everyday tasks easily and enjoy physical activities without pain. Flexible and robust shoulders also help prevent injuries because they can handle the stress we put on them.

Good shoulder flexibility also helps us have better posture. When our shoulders are tight, we might slouch and have poor posture. This can lead to pain in our back, neck, and shoulders. By keeping our shoulders flexible, we support a healthy posture that is good for our overall health.

How Does Repetitive Stress Affect Aging Shoulders?

As we get older, we might notice that repetitive stress affects our shoulders more. Years of doing the same movements, like lifting and reaching, can make our shoulders stiff, painful, and less mobile. Aging also makes our bodies less flexible and less able to recover from stress.

Repetitive stress can cause problems like rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, and bursitis. These problems can make our shoulders hurt, swell, and move less easily. This can make daily tasks harder and lower our quality of life.

3 Stretches to Help Your Shoulders Feel Better

To combat the effects of repetitive stress on your shoulders, try incorporating these stretches into your daily routine:

1. Pec Stretch

2. Upper Trap Stretch

• Begin in an upright position, either sitting or standing.
• Stretch one side of the neck at a time.
• If you plan to stretch the left upper trapezius muscle, bend your head to the right.
• Place your right hand on the left side of the head to give a gentle overpressure into the stretch.
• Hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds.
• Slowly release the pressure and return to your starting position.
• Repeat the stretch on both sides for 3 sets.

3. Levator Scapulae Stretch

• Begin in an upright position, sitting or standing.
• Bend your head to one side to stretch one side of the neck at a time.
• Turn your head down and to the same side.
• Place your hand on the side of your head for gentle overpressure.
• Hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds.
• Release the pressure slowly and return to the starting position.
• Repeat the stretch on the other side.
• Perform 3 sets of the stretch on both sides.

Bonus: Use a Lacrosse Ball to Tackle Trigger Points

Conclusion

Incorporating these stretches into your daily routine can make a world of difference for your shoulders, helping to alleviate the effects of repetitive stress and keep them strong, flexible, and pain-free. As we get older, it’s important to prioritize our shoulder health so that we can continue enjoying an active lifestyle and maintain our independence.

So, go ahead and give these stretches a try! Your shoulders will thank you, and who knows? You might find yourself doing the “chicken dance” at the next family wedding without a care in the world.