Shoulder question

[KissMyHuman]

Now I've had some problems with my right shoulder being injured a few years ago and aggravated by my guitar playing. I don't really feel comfortable with lateral raises and I think my bench press is suffering a little. Would dumbbell shoulder shrugs help me strengthen that particular group of muscles or what would you guys recommend? Thanks.

 

[Steve]

Now I've had some problems with my right shoulder being injured a few years ago and aggravated by my guitar playing. I don't really feel comfortable with lateral raises and I think my bench press is suffering a little. Would dumbbell shoulder shrugs help me strengthen that particular group of muscles or what would you guys recommend? Thanks.

Nobody is going to be able to offer advise to you based on that information. No, shrugs are not going to help you. I suggest going to see a sports med doc or a chiro that is ART certified.

 

[Steve]

Here is a great article (multi-part) from one of the best in the business when it comes to preventative and corrective exercise.

Testosterone Nation - Shoulder Savers: Part I

Testosterone Nation - Shoulder Savers: Part II

Testosterone Nation - Shoulder Savers: Part III

 

[corndogggy]

Now I've had some problems with my right shoulder being injured a few years ago and aggravated by my guitar playing.

Assuming you're talking about your strumming arm, seems to me that you should work on your guitar playing form, as your shoulder shouldn't have much to do with it. If you're sloppily playing with your biceps and triceps and making your whole forearm go up and down, your shoulder will be affected and will get sore, but picking and proper strumming by twisting your forearm instead of flexing it back and forth is tons easier on your shoulder, shouldn't really affect it much at all. When I first started I had shoulder problems, but now I can play for hours with no problem other than boredom, which is what beer is for.

 

[KissMyHuman]

Well I guess I should explain myself a little more. I do think it tends to stem from an injury to my rotator cuff that I need to get checked out eventually. I know exercises won't help it feel better but I was looking for some alternate exercises for the neck/shoulder area with a range of movement that wouldn't put me in too much pain.

As far as guitar playing, practicing isn't the problem, I've been playing for years. It's just when I play live, any band I'm with has a very physical presence. If you've seen video of bands like UnderOath or Finch, we tend to move around like that. Not really important to the exercises I'm looking for, but I mentioned it as part of the back story.

I will be checking out those links though.