Unlock your shoulder potential: Why shoulder resilience matters 

By Alex Barr – BeachLife Physiotherapy

As active gym members and fitness enthusiasts, you rely heavily on your shoulders to help you achieve your training goals. 

Whether you’re lifting weights, practising rings and stallbar work, or participating in reformer Pilates classes, your shoulder joint is central to your ability to move and perform. 

We also need good shoulder health to help us perform normal daily activities and to sit at a desk for long periods without pain.

Due to the shoulder’s unique structure and versatility, it’s one of the more vulnerable joints in the body. 

Shoulder pain is more than just a minor inconvenience. It can have a serious impact on your quality of life, both physically and mentally. In fact, a 2019 study found that shoulder pain has a greater impact on quality of life than even lower back or knee pain. For anyone suffering from persistent discomfort, the effects can be debilitating.

If you’ve ever dealt with shoulder discomfort, you’re not alone.

This is why we ran our recent Shoulder Resilience Workshop at Movement HQ.

A meaningful joint 

Your shoulder is involved in most fundamental activities of daily life. From reaching overhead to lifting objects, nearly every upper body movement you make requires your shoulders to be working optimally. 

This is why when you experience shoulder pain or discomfort, it can quickly affect your ability to function normally – not only during your workouts but also in everyday life.

It’s crucial that shoulder pain is taken seriously. It’s not just an injury to “push through.”  Persistent shoulder problems can lead to vast negative consequences if left untreated, potentially limiting not just your athletic performance but also your quality of life.

The widespread issue of shoulder pain 

Shoulder pain is incredibly common. In fact, it’s the third most common musculoskeletal problem seen in clinics, right behind low back and neck pain. 

Consider these statistics: 

• Up to 50% of the population will experience an episode of shoulder pain each year
• The lifetime prevalence of shoulder pain is as high as 70%
• At any given time, there are approximately 1.8 billion people worldwide suffering from shoulder pain
• Each year, 1 in 50 adults will seek care for new onset shoulder pain
• Despite treatment, 40-50% of people with new shoulder pain will continue to experience symptoms 6 to 12 months after onset. 

One of the key contributors to shoulder pain is the rotator cuff, which is involved in 80% of shoulder pain presentations. 

Unfortunately, persistent shoulder pain accounts for 80% of the total economic cost associated with shoulder issues. In the US alone, shoulder pain costs approximately $3 billion annually and accounts for 4.5 million clinic visits. 

However, despite these staggering statistics, only 8-11% of patients who visit their GP with shoulder pain are referred for physiotherapy, which is often the most effective form of treatment. 

Why shoulder resilience matters

Shoulder resilience means building a strong, stable, and mobile shoulder joint that can withstand the demands of your daily activities and workout routine. 

Mobility, strength and stability: A fine balance 

While the shoulder joint is incredibly mobile, this flexibility comes with a price – it’s more prone to injury. 

But mobility alone isn’t enough; it must be complemented by adequate stability. Without stability, your shoulder is vulnerable to strain, injury, and discomfort.

The role of the kinetic chain 

Your shoulder doesn’t act in isolation. The rest of your body – particularly your core and lower body – plays a crucial role in your shoulder health. A stable kinetic chain can help prevent shoulder injuries and improve overall function. This is especially important for athletes and active individuals who rely on dynamic, full-body movements. 

Addressing weaknesses or movement imbalances in the kinetic chain can lead to more efficient and powerful shoulder movements, helping you perform at your best. 

Addressing your specific deficits

Every body is different. Having a physiotherapist or Personal Trainer assess your individual mobility or stability deficits will help you target specific areas of improvement. 

Whether you’re recovering from a past injury, dealing with current discomfort, or looking to prevent future issues, this personalised approach will give you the tools to enhance your shoulder health and performance.

TALK TO US AT BEACHLIFE PHYSIO ABOUT SHOULDER RESILIENCE AND REHAB