Tips for Avoiding Shoulder Injury
Shoulder injuries are all too common. They can happen during a game, a move, a quick movement, and even ordinary tasks at work. That’s why so many people suffer from shoulder pain- it can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. You can’t anticipate every injury, but you can definitely try to avoid them as best you can by being intentional.
Tips for Avoiding Shoulder Injury
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A keyboard tray hangs below your work surface to keep your arms at a downward angle.
If you’re playing a sport like football, try to eliminate tackling. It may not be as fun, but it’s not as rough either.
- Never reach awkwardly for anything. A good rule of thumb is to never reach to the point that you can no longer see your hand. This includes reaching around the driver seat for your purse, brief case, or even a dropped toy for your toddler.
- At work, be careful to follow the same principles, never reaching awkwardly for out-of-reach objects. Rearrange your work space so that they’re within reach or stand up and move to reach them properly.
- Additionally, make sure you keep your keyboard at a downward angle, sloping away from you as you type. This will relieve strain on your neck and shoulders. A keyboard tray is an easy way to keep this positioning.
The main idea is to protect your shoulders by changing how you move them. Instead of taking seeming short cuts by over-extending your reach, take the extra time to move your whole body. It may take a little extra effort and even time, but avoiding an injury is always the most efficient use of your time. The same is true for major body movements, such as sports and heavy lifting. Just by rethinking how you use your shoulders, you can avoid a lot of undue strain. Your shoulders will thank you and so will your boss- no one wants you to miss work.