Shoulder Problems

In training clients and my own observation, the shoulder is the most fragile joint in the body. While non-weight bearing (like the knee or hip), the shoulder is the only joint that can go in any direction, making it very versatile and sensitive at the same time.
There are several common problems with the shoulder. Here's a look at a few.
1. Rotator Cuff injuries: the Rotator Cuff is a band of tendons that stretch over the back muscles and cross the shoulders to keep them in place. Tears are common (particularly amongst baseball pitchers, quarterbacks, and seniors!). Pain is usually felt in the front and side of the shoulder and is at its worst in bed.
2. Bursitis: the common symptom of bursitis is an achy pain that gets worse with overhead movements (shoulder presses, or putting away dishes!). Bursas are small disks located between tendons and bones, and are designed to lessen tension when tendons glide across the bone. Worn bursas can cause the chronic pain of bursitis.
3. Impingement syndrome: This involves compression of tendons between bones. Causes a throbbing type of pain.

These are some of the many things that can go wrong with a shoulder. The key is keeping it supple with stretching, not over-doing it if you feel pain, varying your exercise choices, and sometimes, just plain luck!