Don't move your shoulder!

Don't move your shoulder!

It is easy to say, but in practice, it is extremely difficult because, unconsciously, we are always moving. We do this reflexively because our body needs it; it is made for that. But when we have suffered an accident or injury, we understand that all those movements we consider "natural" are the result of a complex system of bones, muscles, and ligaments. When these are not in perfect condition, moving them can become a nightmare.

Let's talk about the shoulder.

The shoulder is a very important joint that connects the arm to the trunk. It consists of the junction of the ends of three bones (clavicle, scapula, and humerus), along with a considerable amount of muscles, ligaments, and tendons that allow movement. It is important to note that the shoulder is the joint with the widest range of motion in the human body, so any type of injury to any area significantly affects a person’s ability to perform activities.

Athletes whose disciplines require constant use of the upper limbs (tennis, baseball, golf, basketball, weightlifting, etc.) are particularly affected by shoulder injuries. The ligaments, joints, and muscles wear out gradually as a result of the intense use they undergo (tendinitis). On the other hand, contact sports can cause dislocations (separation of one of the bone segments that form the joint). Due to the complexity of this joint, it is enough for one part of the system to fail to prevent its use.

Certain diseases also directly affect the shoulder, such as osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of cartilage that covers the joints. And arthritis: which is an inflammatory process that affects the joint and is generally associated with rheumatoid arthritis, a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by persistent joint inflammation.

Treatments.

For shoulder injuries, it is essential to visit an orthopedic doctor, who will precisely diagnose the damage and its extent. In the worst cases, these injuries may require complex surgeries, while in other cases, patience and the timely physiotherapy we have discussed in other articles (a health science discipline responsible for non-pharmacological rehabilitation to diagnose, prevent, and treat symptoms of various ailments, both acute and chronic) are enough.

In the case of therapeutic or post-operative rehabilitation, it is crucial to keep the joint immobile to prevent the shoulder muscles from contracting and disrupting the recovery process.

The sling always saves.

When we talk about immobilizing the shoulder, it is automatic to think of the sling, and the reason is quite evident: its use is simple and effective. This garment is used in 100% of cases of injuries or accidents related to the upper limbs: fractures, dislocations, dislocations, surgeries, among others. The simplicity of its design allows for limiting shoulder movement by keeping the arm in place and preventing unnecessary movements that could cause complications. It also provides comfort and stability to the shoulder.

It is very important to use the sling correctly. This will prevent blood and fluid from accumulating in your hand or wrist. Additionally, using it correctly can increase comfort.