A standing dumbbell overhead press effectively works out the shoulder joints and elbow to some extent. Trainers mainly participate in this exercise to enhance shoulder strength and core stability. However, as you hold the dumbbell directly above the head, lower back muscles are targeted more to maintain this position. Shoulder and elbow joints receive muscle-building pressure when you raise and lower the dumbbell. In addition, the sacroiliac joint positioned at the very bottom of the back sustains use during a standing dumbbell press.
Shoulder Joints
Two specific joints constitute the shoulder: the glenohumeral joint and acromioclavicular joint. The glenohumeral is a ball and socket-type intersection located atop the arm bone and shoulder blade socket. The acromioclavicular assists the glenohumeral in allowing the shoulder to be fully functional. Bones involved in the construction of these two joints are the humerus, scapula and clavicle. The scapula piece that partially forms the glenohumeral is referred to as the glenoid, which is a shock-absorbing cartilage that meets the humerous at the top of the shoulder blade. A portion of the shoulder blade, called the acromion, becomes the acromioclavicular joint where it is attached to the collarbone.
Elbow Joints
The point at which the ulna, radius and humerus connect is the main elbow joint. In all, three joints comprise the elbow: the humeroulnar for straightening and bending; the humeroradial for extension and flexion, and the proximal radioulna joint allows for pivoting. Elbow joints require ligaments and muscles in order to work properly. Necessary for preventing dislocations of bones, ligaments are tough, elastic strands of tissue that attach one bone to another. Because they are involved in so many different kinds of intense movements, ligaments often suffer injury, such as tears or sprains.
Sacroiliac Joint
Two sacroiliac joints flank the bottom part of your spine, comprising the back area of the pelvic girdle between the hipbones (ilia) and sacrum (vertebrae S1-S5). These joints facilitate torso twisting when your legs are in motion. If the SI joints were not in place, your pelvis would be prone to fractures whenever you moved in a way other than sitting or standing. Most common lower back pain experienced emerges from the SI joints, usually from excessive straining or pressure. Pain originating from SI issues may be felt in the buttocks and even the groin area in men. SI pain is generally categorized as being one of four types: hormonal, traumatic, inflammatory or biomechanical.
Total Body Exercise
Although the above are the primary joints utilized by the standing dumbbell overhead press, this exercise is still considered a "total body" exercise and requires the attention of the rest of your body's joints and muscles. Well-choreographed execution of this exercise prevents injuries from occurring to the minor as well as the critical joints involved, so make sure you are doing it properly. In addition, remember to perform warm-up stretches before participating in an intense exercise such as this to decrease risk of ligament straining or tearing.
