I'm unable to take my right hand backwards as there is a strain around my shoulder I guess. Basically i'm not able to touch my back from my right hand.

Question

Regards Lybrate user. It is quite usual for people to have reduced ability to touch the back with their dominant hand (mostly right) due to the fact that we rotate the arm outwards a lot during out daily function, so the inward rotation gets reduced since it is not used much. However, if you have started to notice a progressive worsening of difficulty to get your hand to the back, it needs to be addressed. Shoulder stiffness may exhibit difficulty to move the shoulder, sometimes in multiple direction but may start off with one specific direction. People with diabetes are more prone for such shoulder stiffness. It is recommended to consult an orthopaedic physiotherapist to have the joint evaluated, and treated by stretching and mobilization to avoid worsening of the disorder. Please be aware, sometimes the shoulder stiffness may be chronic (that is progressively worsen and then get better, could take up to 12-18 months). It is essential to observe carefully and notify your physiotherapist to ensure you perform appropriate exercises at the different stages of the disorder.

Dev Anand Ramanathan · Accepted Answer

Regards Lybrate user. It is quite usual for people to have reduced ability to touch the back with their dominant hand (mostly right) due to the fact that we rotate the arm outwards a lot during out daily function, so the inward rotation gets reduced since it is not used much. However, if you have started to notice a progressive worsening of difficulty to get your hand to the back, it needs to be addressed. Shoulder stiffness may exhibit difficulty to move the shoulder, sometimes in multiple direction but may start off with one specific direction. People with diabetes are more prone for such shoulder stiffness. It is recommended to consult an orthopaedic physiotherapist to have the joint evaluated, and treated by stretching and mobilization to avoid worsening of the disorder. Please be aware, sometimes the shoulder stiffness may be chronic (that is progressively worsen and then get better, could take up to 12-18 months). It is essential to observe carefully and notify your physiotherapist to ensure you perform appropriate exercises at the different stages of the disorder.