Shoulder Pain When Running
Of all the forms of exercise, running is one of the most accessible and provides many health benefits. Though it primarily works the legs, some runners unexpectedly experience discomfort in their upper bodies, especially their shoulders.
If you've been feeling pain in your shoulders while running, it's time to get to the bottom of it. Understanding what might be causing the discomfort can help you correct the issue and keep your running routine enjoyable and injury-free.
Why Do You Have Shoulder Pain When Running?
Shoulder pain when running can occur due to the following reasons;
Poor Posture
Poor posture is one of the main reasons a runner might experience shoulder pain in Merrick. When running, a person should have proper alignment of their shoulder joints; not too far in front of the body and not behind it either. If a person were to run in a manner where the shoulder joints were not in good alignment, then the person would definitely be at risk for shoulder pain.
Upper Body Tension
Running takes energy, but sometimes we expend it in just the wrong places. A common place that many of us waste energy is in the upper body. Running with tension in the upper body—notably the shoulders—can not only sap your strength but also lead to injuries. Like with the lower body, maintaining good form and a relaxed carriage in the upper body can keep you running without pain and also help you conserve energy.
Incorrect Arm Swinging
Arm movements that are too far out of line can be a real problem because they can cause misalignments that affect body balance and running form. If your arms are not returning in the correct alignment along your body’s side, and if they’re not going back with the right amount of force and energy, then your shoulders can become sore.
Previous Shoulder Problems
If you have had shoulder troubles in the past, like a rotator cuff injury or shoulder impingement, you may be more likely to experience discomfort while running. That's because the repetitive motions and the impact of running can worsen these pre-existing conditions, causing them to flare up.
How to Treat Shoulder Pain When Running
If you experience shoulder pain when running, the following treatment techniques may help relieve tension;
Rest
If your shoulder pain occurs from overusing your muscles, the first thing you need to do is to back off. Give your body some time to rest and let the tissues recover. This doesn't mean you have to completely stop all of your activities. You can still do some low-impact exercises, as long as they don't hurt.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy, especially deep tissue or sports massage, works wonders for releasing tension held in the shoulders and upper back. Receiving regular massages promotes better circulation, helps alleviate tightness in the muscles, and aids in overall recovery.
Ice and Heat Therapy
Reducing inflammation is half the battle in achieving shoulder pain relief. Whether your shoulder issue is an old injury that refuses to heal or a tear, tendonitis, or bursitis, ice and heat can help. Using ice right after the first signs of shoulder pain can really help and is good to continue in the immediate couple of days after the onset of pain. After that, using heat on the shoulder is a good follow-up step.
How Can Physical Therapy Help Shoulder Pain When Running?
Shoulder pain when running can often benefit from physical therapy. This is an especially good option when home remedies don't bring relief. At your first appointment, a physical therapist will perform a detailed assessment to identify the source of your pain. After that, they will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you recover.
This plan will most likely contain not only exercises but also modalities that are geared toward resolving your problem. The therapist will work with you to improve your posture, strengthen your shoulder musculature, and reduce your pain. Merrick physical therapy also involves an analysis of your running form to help you identify any movement patterns that might be causing or worsening your shoulder pain.
Conclusion
Running while experiencing shoulder pain can be aggravating, but it’s frequently avoidable with good running form. To achieve and maintain that form, be mindful of how you move your arms when you run. When your arm swing is smooth, your running will be smoother, too, and your shoulders will be far less likely to ache.
If you seek expert guidance or a solution to shoulder pain when running, contact our physical therapy clinic to make an appointment for an evaluation. We will work with you to keep you moving and help you overcome your pain!
