Keep your shoulders strong to stay independent
In older age, the shoulders become vulnerable to health problems and pain that may curtail activity. Fortunately, most older adults can reduce pain and improve shoulder strength without surgery. Therapy typically focuses on three keys to restoring shoulder health: improving posture, strengthening the muscles that support the shoulder, and stretching. Posture exercises aim to reverse forward-shoulder positions. Strengthening focuses on the rotator cuff muscles and the shoulder blade muscles. The muscles that must be stretched for shoulder health are in the front of the body and on top of the shoulders.
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