Shoulder Pain Relief Exercises

There are three types of arthritis you can get.

Osteoarthritis: Caused by "wear and tear", overuse of a joint. This is a degenerative arthritis which destroys the outer covering of the bone. This is generally most common in people 50 and over.

Rheumatoid arthritis: this particular arthritis in not age bias. Affecting the lining of your joint, the joint becomes inflamed. Rheumatoid usually affects more than one joint in the body.

Posttraumatic arthritis: a very close relative to Osteoarthritis caused after some injuries. Possible injuries to be aware of are fractures, dislocated shoulder, or even a tear in your muscles can cause this brand of arthritis.

Arthritis in the shoulders is less common than hip and knee arthritis. However, arthritis in the shoulder can be just as sever and may need joint replacement.

Common symptom is pain in your shoulder brought on by activity which gets increasingly worse.

Common treatments for shoulder pain include Ice and Hot treatments. Using both alternatively 5 to 10 minutes each there are of course creams you can use such as ICY/HOT, Bengay, Tea Tree Mineral Gel, etc... anything to reduce inflammation and stiffness in the body.

Stretching your muscles is very important with any injury. The shoulder in this case has several exercises and stretches to help you heal or lessen then pain.

Before you begin

1. Warm up your muscles
2. Start with SLOW movements
3. Know your limits do not push it
4. Hold the stretch
5. Remember to work both sides (you do not want to be lop sided)

1. Reach for the Sky
   1. Lay down somewhere where you can reach above your head and grab a solid object. Scoot down slowly until you are stretched out to your tolerance level.

1. Arm Propeller
   1. With your arm out to your side slowly begin to rotate your arm in small circles. Increasing the size of your circle until it is maxed out. Keep your movements slow and gradual.

1. The Horn Salute Stretch
   1. Using the door jam again Bend your elbow like you are asking a semi truck or train to sound their horn. Place your arm on the outside of the frame. While standing in the door way, turn your body outward. This will stretch the front of your shoulder.

1. Flap your Wings
   1. Standing with your arms at your sides and two light weights in each hand. You can use soda cans or something similar. While holding these weights at your sides begin by raising your arms up as if you were doing a jumping jack. Remember to do this slowly it's not a race.

Aside from exercised there are anti-inflammatory medications, either over the counter or prescribed from your doctor. Shoulder pain can be prevented by taking care of your body. Healthy eating, exercising, and taking vitamins these will help you heal faster. To avoid body aches in general remember to stretch before heavy labor. This includes before work, chores, exercising, recreational activities, and yes shopping. Anything which is going to tax your muscles significantly needs preparation. Check with your doctor to find the best treatment for you.