Test it with your arm coming from overhead and also from below….. and test both left and right.
This is a good test of internal and external rotation of your shoulder. If you struggle with either or your left and right are significantly different, keep reading…. as you may want to improve your range of movement.
Why is having good range of movement important?
You need a healthy range of movement for comfortable everyday living. Maintaining range of movement is key to maintaining independence.
Think about these basic daily tasks:
1. Getting dressed
2. Combing your hair
3. Drinking a cup of tea or coffee
Image: Fanwer Store
These tasks all require good mobility. Putting on your underwear can be the most complex if you have poor hip and shoulder mobility. Putting on your socks can be difficult if you have poor hip mobility, hence you often see those gadgets that help elderly people pull their socks on.
Many people lose the ability to rotate through their shoulder making combing or brushing their hair challenging.
Poor movement in your shoulder can make lifting a cup to your mouth to drink hard work.
The shoulder is a highly problematic joint
if you haven’t already had a shoulder injury, make sure you do everything you can now, to prevent a future injury. Stretch and strengthen to improve mobility. Our lack of shoulder usage predisposes us to injury. Once injured, movement is dysfunctional and further weakening occurs.
Rehabbing a shoulder can be a lengthy process. So why not work on strengthening to prevent a shoulder injury rather than spend months with poor function and even more months rehabbing.
Do you need help improving your shoulder movement?
I am Sabrina Qua - Soft Tissue Therapist, Movement Coach and Personal Trainer based in Worcester Park, Epsom, who helps people resolve or significantly reduce their muscular aches and pains through an integrative approach, so they can live active, enjoyable lives. More tips and information available in my Facebook group Reduce Pain and Move Better.
If you would like help reducing pain or getting stronger and fitter, book your complimentary exploratory call now.
As a soft tissue therapist and movement coach, I help clients move better and out of pain faster. Using soft tissue releases such as EMMETT Technique, clients can feel an improvement, in most cases immediately. With a few exercises and stretches post treatment, the issue can resolve itself.
