From Pain to Performance - Smart Training to Beat Shoulder Injuries

In episode 320 of "The Sound of Movement - The Unity Gym Podcast," hosts Yani and Rad Burmeister discuss what makes strong and healthy shoulders, and share how they both overcame debilitating shoulder injuries during their health and fitness journey.

Today’s topic is close to our hearts, literally and figuratively: achieving healthier, stronger shoulders, even after severe injuries.

If you've struggled with shoulder injuries like SLAP tears or torn infraspinatus, this post will resonate with you. Our founder, Rad, shares his personal journey of recovering from these exact injuries - one in each shoulder - over the past two years. Without opting for surgery, Rad successfully rehabilitated his shoulders. The process even led to the creation of our Shoulder Rehab Program, which has helped hundreds worldwide.

Let's dive deeper into the root cause of Rad's shoulder issues. At 21, while performing one-handed handstand moves, he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. Like many young, eager athletes, he didn't want to admit injury. So he kept quiet and continued with his activities. This led to a decade of avoiding movements that caused pain. Eventually, this approach only exacerbated his shoulder issues.

In his 30s, weightlifting triggered more shoulder pain. When he started calisthenics, his "good" shoulder succumbed to a SLAP tear. Why? Because his "weak" shoulder couldn't hold the weight, putting too much pressure on the right side.

Years later, his left shoulder experienced a SLAP tear too. After rehabilitation and closer work with professional physiotherapists, Rad realized the importance of balanced, bilateral strength rather than relying solely on one side.

So, how can you avoid such injuries? Here's the key: Identify weak links and convert them into strengths. Instead of resting an injury, recognize it as an insight into your body. Use appropriate exercises to strengthen the area, turning weaknesses into strengths.

Our Unity Gym approach emphasizes prevention. We're devoted to helping you enhance your shoulder strength and flexibility. If you've already experienced injury, don't worry. We're here to guide you through recovery too.

Through our five-step program, we help level up the health of your shoulders. Our program focuses on flexibility, strength, and the right way to train your shoulder. Remember, the shoulder joint is incredibly versatile. When trained properly, it's capable of extreme flexibility and power.

We understand the frustration that comes with shoulder injuries. We've been there ourselves. But remember, it's not about where you start, but where you're headed. No matter where you are on your fitness journey, Unity Gym is here to help you optimize your strength, flexibility, and fitness.

Ready to take your next step? Why not try our 20-Minute Stretching Routine? Not only will it further your progress, but it also includes targeted exercises to increase your shoulder flexibility. 

Your journey to better shoulder health starts here!

For a deeper understanding of these subjects, listen to the full podcast episode here.