A Lead in the Right Direction: Dog Walking, Shoulder Pain and Musculoskeletal Health
By Lucy Osborne-Kirby, M.Ost., Principal Osteopath at The Ashfield Practice
Between Chlöe and me, we have four dogs, so it is fair to say that The Ashfield Practice is a thoroughly dog-loving clinic.
National Dog Day, celebrated on 26 August, gives us the perfect excuse to introduce the four-legged members of our extended practice family — while looking at something that comes up surprisingly often during both osteopathic and chiropractic consultations: the relationship between dog walking, shoulder pain and our wider musculoskeletal health.
We regularly hear variations of:
“It started when the dog suddenly pulled…”
Or:
“It feels fine until I’ve held the lead for half an hour.”
Dogs can be wonderfully good for our health, but anyone who shares their life with an enthusiastic puller will know that walkies can sometimes become an unexpected upper-body workout.
Why dog walking is so good for us
Dogs are very good at turning our good intentions into a routine. Rain, cold or a distinct lack of enthusiasm make little difference to a dog waiting expectantly beside the front door.
The updated UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidance recommends that adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. A brisk dog walk counts towards that total, while even shorter or gentler walks are beneficial compared with being inactive.
Regular walking can help us:
Maintain cardiovascular fitness and stamina
Keep muscles, bones and joints accustomed to regular movement
Build lower-limb endurance
Break up long periods of sitting
Maintain balance, mobility and confidence
Spend more time outdoors
Establish a sustainable daily routine
One UK study of dog ownership and physical activity found that dog owners were approximately four times more likely to meet the recommended 150 minutes of weekly activity than people without dogs.
Dog walking appeared to provide additional activity rather than simply replacing other forms of exercise. The frequency of those regular walks was particularly important — a helpful reminder that movement does not need to be dramatic to be worthwhile.
The scientific benefits of our best friends
The benefits may extend beyond the musculoskeletal system.
Research brought together by the American Heart Association associates living with pets with increased physical activity, reduced stress, improved mood and greater social interaction.
Dogs can give us:
Companionship and emotional support
A reliable daily structure
A reason to get outside
More opportunities for informal social contact
A welcome distraction from stress
Motivation to remain active
This does not mean that owning a dog is a medical prescription or that it guarantees better health. However, our everyday habits matter enormously, and dogs are remarkably effective at making movement, fresh air and companionship part of daily life.
Can walking a pulling dog cause shoulder pain?
A dog lead can act as a surprisingly efficient way of transmitting force into the human body.
If a dog suddenly reaches the end of its lead while your arm is stretched away from you, that force may travel through the hand, wrist and elbow into the shoulder and neck. You may also twist through your back or lose your balance while trying to remain upright.
Even without one dramatic incident, repeated lower-level pulling can aggravate an already sensitive shoulder, elbow, wrist or neck.
A 2023 study of dog-walking injuries found that 51% of recorded injuries involved the upper limb, while 55% occurred when somebody was pulled or tripped by the lead. Shoulder sprains and strains were among the three most commonly recorded injuries.
The study concerned people attending emergency departments, so it does not represent the ordinary dog walk. Nevertheless, it demonstrates how much force a dog — particularly a strong or excited one — can generate.
How to protect your shoulders, wrists and back
A few simple changes can help you enjoy the benefits of dog walking while reducing unnecessary strain:
Never wind the lead around your fingers, hand or wrist.
Keep your elbow softly bent rather than holding the arm rigidly in front of you.
Try to keep your hand reasonably close to your body.
In busy areas, avoid giving a strong dog enough lead to build up speed before reaching the end of it.
Use appropriately fitted equipment that suits your dog.
Consider positive, reward-based lead training if pulling is persistent.
Wear stable footwear and pay attention to slippery or uneven ground.
Avoid walking while distracted by your phone.
Build longer distances and faster walks gradually.
Allow both yourself and your dog appropriate recovery time.
Good lead training benefits both ends of the lead. If you are uncertain about the most suitable equipment or training approach for your dog, seek guidance from your vet or an appropriately qualified, reward-based dog trainer.
What if dog walking is already aggravating something?
If your discomfort repeatedly appears during or after dog walking, it can help to consider exactly what is happening:
Which hand holds the lead?
Is your arm usually straight or bent?
Does your dog consistently pull towards one side?
Did the pain begin after one sudden jolt?
Are you twisting, bracing or leaning backwards?
Does changing your grip or walking position alter the symptoms?
These details can help an appropriate musculoskeletal practitioner understand what may be loading or irritating the area.
Seek prompt medical attention following a significant injury if you experience severe pain, considerable swelling, deformity, sudden weakness, numbness, loss of movement or an inability to use the affected limb normally.
For persistent or recurring problems, an osteopath, chiropractor, physiotherapist, GP or other suitably qualified MSK clinician can assess the wider picture and help you return to walking confidently.
At The Ashfield Practice in Neston, near Corsham, we provide both osteopathic and chiropractic care. Good musculoskeletal healthcare is not about one profession owning the answer; it is about understanding the individual, identifying relevant contributing factors and helping people continue doing the things that matter to them.
Walking is excellent exercise, although it does not replace every other form of movement. Strength work remains important for keeping our muscles, bones and joints resilient.
So, this National Dog Day, give your canine companions an extra ear scratch and enjoy those miles together — just let them lead you towards better health rather than clean off your feet.
Happy National Dog Day from all four dogs and the human team at The Ashfield Practice. 🐾
If dog walking is repeatedly aggravating a shoulder, wrist, neck or back problem, you can book an appointment online with The Ashfield Practice in Corsham.
