As you aware that Changes in weather affect a person’s health. In orthopedics, the winter can lead to problems with muscles, bones, and joints. As you know that, Your shoulder is one of the most used muscles and joints in your entire body, and the same the shoulder most Vulnerable when the seasons change. Know, how the weather can hurt your shoulder, and what precaution you should take to avoid it.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Cold Weather and Shoulder Pain

During the winter, the number of people who suffer from shoulder pain dramatically increases. This isn’t exclusive to your shoulder either. Cold weather causes pre-existing shoulder pain to get worse, which means it’s not a quick fix.

Many people think shoulder pain is only caused from overuse, injury, or sleeping on it funny. In fact, many cases of shoulder pain are caused by your circulatory system and a dramatic change in blood supply. This tends to be the cause for more chronic pain. Poor circulation stiffens muscles and tendons which can lead to some severe pain and even degenerative shoulder issues in seniors.

Keeping your environment warm is a good way to avoid some pain this winter.

Winter Activities Lend Themselves to Shoulder Pain

Winter Sports – When people think of injuries, specifically sports injuries, people jump to summer. Winter sports are just as physical, if not more, as any other season. A lot of indoor sports can actually be more dangerous because there’s less of a padded surface on the ground; falling on grass is much better than rubber cement. Additionally, sports like hockey are extremely physical.

Shoveling/Plowing – For the shoulder, shoveling is one of the leading causes of shoulder pain or injury. On top of the weather making your muscles tense, you’re putting extreme stress on your rotator cuff and surrounding muscles. The problem too is that many people can’t really feel the warning signs due to the numbness of the cold until after they’re done. Scraping ice and snow off of your car is another cause of straining your shoulder.

Car Accidents – In addition to walking on ice, driving on ice is even more dangerous. Even just a minor fender bender can lead to a shoulder injury.

Avoiding Shoulder Injury and Pain This Winter

You can avoid a lot of pain this season by adjusting a few things in your lifestyle.

• Get a longer reaching ice scraper or one that’s heated so it takes less effort.
• Use a sturdy shovel and lift with your legs
• Wear proper equipment when playing sports, even recreational
• Wear appropriate footwear with good grip and walk more carefully
• If you start to notice shoulder pain, put a heating pad or take warm showers to help relax your muscles
• Stay inside in a warm environment as much as possible

Here are some simple exercises to try:

Sleeper stretch:

• Lay on your side with the painful shoulder down. Similar to the position you might be in when sleeping on your side (hence the name).
• Place the affected arm directly in front of you, with the elbow bent 90 degrees.
• Using your other arm, push your hand down toward your feet, internally rotating your shoulder.
• Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 3 times.

Scapular stabilizing exercise:

• Lay face down on the floor or exercise mat with a large pillow under your stomach. Rest your forehead on the floor.
• Bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle, and place your forearms on the floor.
• While keeping your forehead on the floor, slowly raise your arms as high as you comfortably can and hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds as you continue to breathe. Slowly return to the starting position.
• Build up to 8 to 10 repetitions.

You can perform these exercises either with dumbbells or wrist weights, or without weights. Start by using very light weights.

This winter, keep Dr.Nataraj H M in mind if you start to experience shoulder pain. If shoulder pain is consistent and persists for more than a couple months, you should schedule an appointment to get it checked out.

You can also call 9380443139 with any questions.

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