How My Hobbies Prove The Value Of A Healthy Shoulder & Elbow

It’s easy for me to talk about the complex anatomy of the shoulder and elbow joint: the rotator cuff tendons, the glenohumeral articulation, and the surgical techniques – that’s my job. But understanding what a healthy joint means to a person goes far beyond the clinic.

For me, sports and hobbies are absolutely vital to achieving balance in my life, and I know the same is true for so many of my patients in Dorset. Whether it’s gardening, playing golf, lifting weights, or chasing grandchildren, our passions require our arms to perform.

My own passions, running and kitesurfing, have given me two key lessons that shape how I approach every consultation.

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Lesson 1: Running – It’s All in the Arms

You often hear the phrase, "You run with your arms, not just your legs." This couldn’t be more true! When I’m out for a run, the rhythmic drive of my arms sets my pace, conserves my energy, and maintains my balance. The shoulder and elbow act as critical levers and pivots for the entire kinetic chain.

It may seem surprising, but minor shoulder or elbow issues can put a major stop to running. Why is this?

• Painful Arm Swing: If your elbow or shoulder hurts, you unconsciously restrict your arm swing. This throws off your gait, causing compensatory strain in the hips, back, and knees, quickly leading to a frustrating stop.

• Grip and Stability: Holding your arm correctly, or even just holding a water bottle, relies on elbow stability and forearm strength.

I have personally dealt with running injuries, and the frustration of not being able to do the one thing that clears your head and keeps you fit is immense. That awareness, that empathy for being sidelined, is what drives my commitment to swift, effective diagnosis and treatment for my patients.

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Lesson 2: Kite Surfing - The Ultimate Test of Shoulder and Elbow Function

If running requires rhythmic endurance, kitesurfing requires explosive power, control, and resilience. For those who aren't familiar, kitesurfing involves holding onto a bar connected to a powerful kite, using the wind to skim across the water. It can be a lot of fun, especially when the weather is just right!

This is where the joints are really tested. To "tear it up on the water" and handle the forces of the wind, I need:

• Rotator Cuff Strength: To hold the kite bar steady against heavy, sudden gusts and prevent the shoulder from dislocating under load.

• Elbow Flexor Endurance: Sustained grip and the strength to pull the bar in require the muscles around the elbow to work non-stop.

• Shoulder Mobility: Quick, powerful movements are needed to steer the kite, which demands perfect, pain-free range of motion.

There is no hiding a shoulder or elbow problem when kitesurfing. If the joint fails, the hobby stops. This constant, personal reminder of the mechanical demands placed on the upper limb reinforces the critical need for a fully functional, stable, and strong shoulder and elbow joint for all high-demand activities.

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The Takeaway: Your Passion is My Priority

When you come to my clinics in Dorchester or Poole, I want to hear about more than just your pain. I want to know what you can't do, what hobby, sport, or activity your shoulder or elbow is preventing.

For me, the goal isn't just to repair a tendon; it's to repair your ability to achieve life balance. It’s about getting you back to the trails, the water, the garden, or simply back to a pain-free night's sleep.

If shoulder or elbow pain is frustrating your balance and keeping you from the activities that matter most, let's talk. I understand the drive to get back to what you love, and I have the expertise to get you there.

Ready to get back to your hobbies? Book an initial consultation with me.