The goal in the gym should never be to just move more weight from point A to point B. HOW we move in the gym matters. We want the journey to our fitness goals to be a positive one and not plagued with shoulder impingement or a rotator cuff tear. But how do we know that the way we are moving our shoulder is optimal?
Many would assume that we first need to start looking at the ball and socket glenohumeral joint for answers. The main reason for this is that the glenohumeral joint has been simplified as being “the shoulder”, when in reality the shoulder is a complex interaction of joints. These joints synchronize in a way to do a very important function.
Keep the ball on the socket
* The glenohumeral joint is similar to a golf ball on a tee. When it comes off course it causes trouble.
If someone manifest painful symptoms at the glenohumeral joint, it is most likely because we have violated this ever so important rule. However, you would not want to just look at the glenohumeral joint if you have pain there. It would be like checking the fire alarm and not dealing with the fire.
Let’s look at the fire.
Not where many people would think!. In order to put out the fire of shoulder dysfunction, we need to work from the centre of the human body. I am going to help break down a very important principle of shoulder health. This principle is the Proximal to Distal Concept.
The thoracic(upper) spine tells the ribs how to sit ->
The ribs tell the shoulder blade(scapula) how to sit ->
The scapula tells the glenohumeral joint(ball and socket) how to sit
In the next article we will take a look at different spine and shoulder blade positions. It will help us come to an understanding that not everyone should be doing the same exercises for shoulder health or have the exact same coaching cues.
Stay Strong,
Jason Rudy - (Bsc.Kin CSCS, CEP)
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