Preventing Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder joint is one of the most flexible and widely used joints in the human body. The reason for the incredible amount of flexibility and motion of the shoulder is due to the limited stability of the joint by ligamentous, capsular, and muscular structures. For this reason, the likelihood of injury to the shoulder joint is higher than other joints in the body. Something as simple and lifting heavy groceries, or playing too much softball on the weekend can stir up a host of reactions in the shoulder, leading to overuse or irritation to joint structures. By following  a simple regimen of stretching, gentle strengthening, and being mindful of posture and safe lifting strategies, the likelihood of developing a shoulder injury may be decreased.

The shoulder joint is an articulation, or gliding, of the upper bone in the arm, “the humerus,” and the bone of the upper back, the scapula or “shoulder blade.” The shoulder joint is similar to a golf ball resting on a golf tee; the top of the humerus is very large and round, whereas the section of the scapula is shallow and concave. Surrounding these two bones is a fibrous capsule and many ligaments which aid in keeping the bones of the shoulder relatively stable.

There are four muscles surrounding the capsule of the shoulder that are referred to collectively as the “rotator cuff.” These muscles include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles work to reinforce the stability of the shoulder along with the ligaments and capsule, but also provide mobility that allows for motions such as throwing a baseball, starting a lawnmower, or stacking dishes in a top cabinet.

To protect and preserve all of the structures of the shoulder joint, it is important to warm up the shoulder prior to any physical activity, especially sports. This can be achieved by moving the arms in big circles slowly 10-15 times each direction, moving the arms while lightly jogging or walking, or applying a hot pack or heating pad to the shoulder area prior to participating in activity.

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Meet our Clinic Director: Mark Jamantoc PT

We are pleased to introduce you to TAI Sutherlin's Cinic Director, Mark Jamantoc PT. Mark has over 13 years of hands-on experience in Manual Therapy, Sports Rehab and general orthopedic conditions. Having lived in the Philippines, the US Territory of Guam, Washington and Oregon, his approach supersedes the typical Physical Therapy approach. He has a special interest in treating the Shoulder Complex and the Spine. His techniques combine New Zealand and Australian based Manual Therapy techniques.

Mark is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, The Orthopedic Section of APTA and the PT Oregon Association. Mark has specifically sought out some of the best Therapists to work with in the Pacific Northwest and was exposed to intensive training on the Mulligan Concept, Muscle Energy Techniques for the Spine and Extremities and Strain-Counterstrain for the Spine and Shoulder. Mark continues to take courses to further his skills as a clinician. He is an avid hiker, and loves the outdoors, which is what attracted him to live in Southern Oregon.