Summer Shoulder Injuries: Don’t Wait To Seek Treatment

Summer is upon us once again. We are swimming, throwing balls, playing tennis, horseshoes, beach volleyball, and many other activities, all which involve our shoulders. These seasonal activities often result in an uptick of shoulder injuries, which require evaluation from Dr. Samuel Koo.

Start With Prevention

The shoulder joint is one of the most complex in our body. Because it can move in so many directions and is so flexible, it’s vulnerable to overuse, as well as, many injuries.

The easiest way to get ahead of injury is to make sure you don’t go from zero activity to playing a sport every day. Whatever sport you enjoy, start out by focusing on flexibility and strength training. Ask for advice from a trainer at your gym or search online for tips.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Our rotator cuff helps us to rotate our arm and is composed of a group of tendons and muscles in the shoulder socket. Injury occurs when tendons become irritated, a socket becomes inflamed, or sometimes a complete tear can occur in one or more of the tendons.

These injuries are common in those who play sports or do activities where they use their arms in an overhead motion like swimming, tennis, and baseball.

Impingement

If the rotator cuff becomes inflamed, you may find it painful to reach up and behind your back. At the same time, there will be swelling inside the shoulder which compresses the tendons. This is known as impingement.

Shoulder Strains

Shoulder strains occur when a muscle or tendon is stretched. Pain, swelling, muscle cramps, spasms, and decreased mobility are all common symptoms of a shoulder strain.

This occurs in many who play golf, tennis, or participate in rowing.

Overuse

Overuse of your shoulder can lead to many injuries like dislocation, muscle strains, and misalignment. Going canoeing for 6 hours might be too much for your shoulder if this is your first outing. Common sense is essential here.

Don’t Delay Getting Treatment For A Shoulder Injury

Enjoy the lazy days of summer, but pay attention to what can cause injury to your shoulder. If you begin to feel some tightness or pain, rest for a few days, ice the area, and take some OTC anti-inflammatory meds and see if the issue is resolved.

If that does not fix the problem, and you experience pain, a change in mobility, swelling, and redness, don’t hesitate to seek medical care. The injury can become more serious and harder to treat if you procrastinate.

If you experience an injury to your shoulder, contact Dr. Samuel Koo at (425) 823-4000 as soon as possible to schedule an evaluation at our office in Kirkland, WA.