Winter can be a tough season, even for those who enjoy physical activity and sports. In an interview with HT lifestyle, Dr Ayyaaz Ashai, Chairman, IAP West Zone Innovation Committee, Being Physio, said, “Cold weather coupled with repetitive movements, sudden falls and high physical demands puts extra stress on our muscles and joints, especially shoulder blades. To avoid shoulder injuries, strengthening the rotator cuff and incorporating range-of-motion exercises with isometric training is essential to minimize stress and prevent winter injuries.”
The physiotherapist also emphasized the importance of physiotherapy in treating a shoulder injury: “If you have a shoulder injury, physiotherapy can help by providing personalized rehabilitation exercises, offering pain management techniques and regaining mobility and strength to ensure full recovery and prevent future injuries.”
Here’s how physical therapy can help treat shoulder injuries, especially during the winter:
Shoulder Injuries prevention:
Physical therapy helps prevent shoulder injuries by strengthening the shoulder muscles to improve stability, correcting any poor posture or movement patterns that may cause strain, and guiding people through dynamic stretches to increase flexibility and prepare the shoulder for physical activity. Read also | Is shoulder pain keeping your parents up at night? Know the best treatment options for quick relief from shoulder arthritis
Shoulder Injuries Diagnosis and assessment:
Physical therapy provides an accurate diagnosis of shoulder injuries by determining the cause and severity, and addressing underlying risk factors, such as muscle imbalances or poor biomechanics, to prevent future injuries.
Shoulder Injuries Pain management:
Pain can be reduced with physical therapy techniques such as laser therapy, ultrasound, and IFT (interferential therapy). Once the pain subsides, mobilization techniques are used to restore joint function and improve mobility.
Shoulder Injuries rehabilitation:
Physical therapy designs individual rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and mobility, gradually increasing the intensity of the exercises to ensure safe recovery and prevent re-injury.
Back to sports:
Physiotherapy supports return to sport with individualized rehabilitation and performance enhancement programs that further help players return to activity in a way that maximizes recovery, increases performance and minimizes the risk of future injury.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
