Fix Your Pain: Shoulders

Bad posture and lack of movement can lead to pain in the shoulders (and neck). Try this.

Like your hips, your shoulders are ball-and-socket joints that allow many different types of movement. Also like your hips, your shoulders act as an important hub that connects different parts of your body—in this case, the neck and rib cage.

The problem: Bad posture and lack of shoulder movement can lead not only to pain in the shoulders, but also in the head and neck.

In this Fit for Life Challenge video, fitness expert David Jack guides you through three exercises to fix neck and shoulder pain. “We’re going to do some simple head movements to get our neck to move along with the head,” Jack says. “The last exercise will help the shoulders get stronger and open our posture.”

As always, follow any instructions from your doctor, especially if you’re recovering from an injury. Focus on smooth, controlled motions. If any of these exercises cause pain, adjust or stop.

What You’ll Need

All you need is a chair and some safe, clear floor space next to a wall.

What You’ll Do

You’ll start with the seated head turn and seated head tilt. You’ll finish with the wall-supported reach.

Time to Talk to Your Doc?

If you continue to experience pain, checking with your doctor can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment. To make a conversation with your doctor easier, jot down your symptoms:

• Where you are experiencing the pain
• When the pain started and how often it occurs
• Any other symptoms you are experiencing

Bring these notes along with a list of all your medications to your appointment.

Did you miss yesterday’s SilverSneakers Fit for Life Challenge posts? Find them here and here. Plus, be sure to connect with us on our Facebook page.

Note: The exercises in this workout may be different or more advanced than those you’ll experience in a SilverSneakers class. Please consult your physician before beginning a physical activity program to make sure it’s safe for you.