Fortis Orthopedic surgeon lists 4 ways seniors can protect their shoulders: ‘Do low-impact activities like…’

With age, bones become old, and activities become challenging. Joints, in particular, are responsible for all small and big activities. But as a person ages, once-easy movements may feel painful. Of all the joints, there is one that does not get as much attention as the knee or hip joint.

Also read: Orthopedic surgeon shares 5 tips to protect spine if you have a desk job: Don’t sit cross-legged, get up every 45 minutes

Dr Manit Arora, orthopedics and sports medicine surgeon at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, shared with HT Lifestyle that the shoulder joint is one of the weakest joints. Dr. Arora said, “The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which makes it prone to breakage.”

Activities become severely limited, reducing the person’s ability to move independently. Even small tasks start seeming heavy. He further added, “Ignoring the shoulder joint and its related problems can make even simple tasks like dressing, cooking or reaching objects difficult.”

That’s why your shoulder joints need as much attention as your knee or hip joints. Incorporating simple exercises that strengthen and stretch the shoulders can help improve flexibility, prevent stiffness and keep you independent as you age.

Dr. Arora listed 4 things that older people need to do, including what exercises they can and should not include in their daily routine:

1. Gentle stretch

• During your daily walk, incorporate light stretches and strengthening exercises, such as arm raises or resistance band stretching.
• They can help keep your shoulders flexible and strong.

2. Viewing posture

• Maintain good posture while sitting and standing.
• They prevent excess stress on the shoulder joints.

3. Be active safely

• Do low-impact activities like walking, swimming or yoga.
• They maintain overall mobility while being gentle on the shoulders.

4. Avoid repeated overhead activities

• Lifting heavy objects or performing repetitive overhead movements can increase the risk of injury.
• Rearrange your home so daily necessities are within reach, or ask for help with heavier tasks.

Your shoulders take care of most of the upper body movements, from lifting to pulling. As the doctor said earlier it is the most dynamic; Stiffness may appear in the shoulders. However, with a little daily care, including limiting certain types of activities or incorporating light exercise, you can keep your shoulder joints safe and prevent long-term pain and limited mobility.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.