Let’s move those shoulders!
One of the best ways to get to know your shoulder movement, is through Shoulder CARs. (Controlled Articular Rotations).
Basically this movement aims to move your shoulder in it’s full range of motion. This will achieve 2 big goals:
Lubricate the joint - motion is lotion
Check in with your current pain levels & restriction.
Lubrication makes movement easier and more comfortable. The fluid that lubricates our joints (synovial fluid), also provides nutrients to keep our joints healthy and strong. It’s a small and powerful step in creating safe and functional movement.
Checking in with your current mobility and pain levels isn’t something we normally do. We can lose full range of motion 2 ways.
Through injury. If we have pain, our bodies find a way to move away from that pain. Unfortunately, we don’t go back to that full range of motion naturally. Our bodies adapt to stop feeling pain and keep the injured area “safe”, and we continue that pattern even after the injury has healed.
Not moving into that range. When was the last time you sat on the floor and got back up? It’s not as easy as you remember, right? That’s because we’ve lost the lubrication and muscle strength to do that “naturally” even though it is something our bodes could do. A daily example could be reaching to get something behind your car’s seat. One day that movement feels easy, and then it doesn’t. Unless you’re moving in that range regularly and with intention, it gets harder. And that’s where injury happens.
So what can we do about it? - Enter Shoulder CARs -
It is important to move with curiosity and not into pain. If you have pain, change the range of motion, rather that pushing into that spot. That’s not what this is about. You want to gently lubricate around any injury so it feels safe and gets those great nutrients to help it heal.
This is a great tool to help you get to know your body and how it shows up day to day. Follow the link and try this movement. In order to have the movement in the shoulder joint (the top of your arm where it meets your shoulder), notice if you’re shifting your torso or lifting your shoulder.
If you need any support - send me a message and I can help you get to know this great movement so you can stay mobile, safe and pain free!
Please move mindfully and with care. Body Love Fitness is not responsible for injury. This is for education purposes only. If you need more support - please reach out!