I’ve been bothered by a recurring shoulder injury the past year. It often started after picking up my laptop beside the bed. I keep it leaning against the bedroom wall. I can easily lean over from in bed to pick it up and check the news or surf the web.
The pain was at the top of the shoulder and spread across my clavicle towards my neck. It often bothered me a couple weeks. Every few months I’d somehow reinjure it.
Went to the orthopedist and discovered my mistake. Reaching straight out and picking up anything puts the most strain on our shoulders. He told me to always keep my elbow tucked in beside my ribs. He mentioned many people hurt themselves reaching straight out to pick up a full gallon of milk from the fridge.
I was lucky that my shoulder didn’t get injured any worse. I was extending my arm too far out picking up that 9 lb laptop. Keeping my elbow tucked in by my ribs makes all the difference.
Young or old we all need to protect our shoulders. Shoulder surgery isn’t always successful and many people suffer pain the rest of their lives. Patients get much better outcomes with knee or hip surgeries.