Dog walking is possibly the most enjoyable part of pet ownership for many dog owners. It offers great exercise for both you and your dog. However, many dog owners, especially those with energetic or large breeds, are often prone to shoulder injuries. These injuries can be sudden, from a strong pull or tug, or cumulative, from repetitive stress, which sometimes are not so easily associated with the pain. In this blog article, we’ll explore common shoulder injuries related to dog walking and how to prevent and treat them.
Common Shoulder Injuries from Dog Walking
Muscle tensions and/or strain. Not all injuries involve serious damage to tissues. Some are just accumulated tensions and/or trigger points in muscles. Muscle tension refers to a condition where muscles remain in a semi-contracted state for extended periods. Muscle strain, often referred to as a "pulled muscle," occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. They can be very limiting but difficult to identify (and treat) despite seeing different health care professionals.
Rotator Cuff Strain or Tear The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. When a dog pulls suddenly or frequently on the leash, it can cause stress to these muscles, leading to a strain or even a tear. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder.
Shoulder Dislocation or Subluxation A powerful tug from a large or energetic dog can sometimes force the shoulder out of its socket. While a full dislocation is rare, subluxation (a partial dislocation) is more common. This can cause severe pain, swelling, and an inability to move the arm normally.
Tendonitis Repeated stress on the shoulder from walking a dog that constantly pulls on the leash can lead to tendonitis—chronic inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder. Tendonitis is often caused by overuse and results in pain, especially during movement.
Bursitis Bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion your shoulder joints become inflamed due to repetitive strain. This can result in shoulder pain, tenderness, and swelling.
How to Avoid Shoulder Injuries
Preventing shoulder injuries while walking your dog is all about maintaining control, proper technique, and investing in the right equipment. Here are some tips to help:
Use the Right Leash and Harness A shorter, sturdy leash (4-6 feet) allows better control of your dog and reduces the chance of sudden lunges. A no-pull harness can also help distribute the pulling force more evenly across your dog’s body, preventing shoulder strain for you.
Train Your Dog to Walk Properly Teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash without pulling is the best way to prevent shoulder injuries. If you are facing difficulties, there are many resources available to help.
Strengthen Your Shoulder Muscles Strengthening your shoulder muscles through exercises like shoulder presses, rotator cuff exercises, and stretching can help make them more resistant to injury. This also helps improve overall mobility and joint health.
Maintain Good Posture, Switch Arms Frequently Walk with a straight back, engage your core, and avoid holding your arm in a stiff or extended position. Keeping your elbows slightly bent and relaxed can reduce tension on the shoulder joint.To avoid repetitive strain on one shoulder, switch the leash between your left and right hand throughout the walk if you can.
What to Do If You Experience Shoulder Pain
If you do experience shoulder pain after walking your dog, it’s important to address it promptly:
Rest: Avoid any further stress on your shoulder to allow it to heal. This might mean taking a break from dog walking or changing the way you handle your dog.
Apply Ice or Heat Compress: If you experience pain after an acute event, place an ice pack on the affected area, and place heat compress if it is chronic pain. To know more when to use cold and heat compress, click here.
Seek Medical Advice and Consult an Acupuncturist: In certain situations, immediate medical attention is needed. For acute injuries and persistent pain, acupuncture is a safe, natural and effective therapy. It can effectively relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, release muscle tension, and accelerate healing.
Walking your dog is an enjoyable and beneficial activity, but it’s important to take steps to avoid or address shoulder injuries. With the right leash, proper training, good posture, and awareness, you can reduce the risk of pain and keep both you and your dog safe and happy. Should an injury occur, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice and make changes to your routine to protect your shoulder health in the future.
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