If your job or hobby involves repetitive motion, you are subject to shoulder overuse injury. If you have injured a shoulder due to overuse, you likely know it causes excruciating pain.
The modern technology we use today, where we commonly use a mouse or play computer games, is a factor in shoulder overuse. Medical professionals are often affected, due to lifting, pulling and moving patients. The rotator cuff muscles are often stressed by golfers.
Shoulder Structure
The shoulder is the area where the humerus (the bone in the upper arm), the clavicle (the collarbone), and the scapula (the shoulder blade) are joined together.
The shoulder consists of two joints. The glenohumeral joint is the joint between the scapula and the humerus. The acromioclavicular joint is the joint between the scapula and the clavicle. The rest of the shoulder is made up of tendons, ligaments and muscles.
Rotator cuff injury is a common consequence of overuse or repetitive motion involving the shoulder(s). Three rotator cuff conditions are possible: tendonitis, tearing and rotator cuff impingement syndrome.
The Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff refers to a group of four muscles that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles work in unison to give stability to the joint. There are also four small tendons, which join together to form the rotator cuff tendon. The rotator cuff tendon is joined to the upper arm bone.
The rotator cuff tendon runs through the subacromial space, which is a gap under the acrominon. The acrominon is the highest point of the scapula or shoulder blade.
Impingement of the Shoulder
Pinching, or impingement, in the shoulder joint can occur if you strain the joint, or subject it to repetitive movements over an extended period of time.
If your tendons get inflamed via pinching you will experience tendonitis. The rotator cuff can develop impingement if the rotator cuff tendon gets trapped in the subacrominal passage.
Another injury of overuse results in bursitis. This happens when a bursa, or sac filled with fluid to protect tendons and bones, is pinched.
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Overuse
If your rotator cuff is damaged, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
1) Shooting pains affect the front or back of the shoulder. 2) The muscles in the shoulder and upper arm, or those on the outside of the upper arm, hurt. 3) Pain in the shoulder hinders sleeping. 4) Moving the shoulder is painful.
Shoulder overuse injury tends to develop over time, and the symptoms will become progressively worse if the condition is left untreated. Symptoms of shoulder overuse injury include:
- Sore shoulder when you get up in the mornings - Front and top of shoulder manifests pain - Pain heightens when lifting or reaching higher than shoulder level - Most pain experienced when arm is extended - Swelling/Numbness and/or tingling - Restricted range of motion - Shoulder muscles weaker
How are Shoulder Injuries Treated?
The first stage of treatment is normally to try non-invasive methods. Sufferers should try to avoid repetitive motions, and rest the shoulder. NSAID drugs, which are steroid-free, anti-inflammatory preparations may be prescribed for 6 to 8 weeks. Cold compresses can also be helpful, but never apply ice directly to the skin.
Improving blood flow to the damaged tissue by means of ultrasound might also be recommended by your doctor. Physical therapy given by a qualified therapist can be beneficial, and your doctor may suggest cortisone injections.
If the condition persists after using these methods, it may be necessary to have surgical treatment.
The modern technology we use today, where we commonly use a mouse or play computer games, is a factor in shoulder overuse. Medical professionals are often affected, due to lifting, pulling and moving patients. The rotator cuff muscles are often stressed by golfers.
Shoulder Structure
The shoulder is the area where the humerus (the bone in the upper arm), the clavicle (the collarbone), and the scapula (the shoulder blade) are joined together.
The shoulder consists of two joints. The glenohumeral joint is the joint between the scapula and the humerus. The acromioclavicular joint is the joint between the scapula and the clavicle. The rest of the shoulder is made up of tendons, ligaments and muscles.
Rotator cuff injury is a common consequence of overuse or repetitive motion involving the shoulder(s). Three rotator cuff conditions are possible: tendonitis, tearing and rotator cuff impingement syndrome.
The Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff refers to a group of four muscles that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles work in unison to give stability to the joint. There are also four small tendons, which join together to form the rotator cuff tendon. The rotator cuff tendon is joined to the upper arm bone.
The rotator cuff tendon runs through the subacromial space, which is a gap under the acrominon. The acrominon is the highest point of the scapula or shoulder blade.
Impingement of the Shoulder
Pinching, or impingement, in the shoulder joint can occur if you strain the joint, or subject it to repetitive movements over an extended period of time.
If your tendons get inflamed via pinching you will experience tendonitis. The rotator cuff can develop impingement if the rotator cuff tendon gets trapped in the subacrominal passage.
Another injury of overuse results in bursitis. This happens when a bursa, or sac filled with fluid to protect tendons and bones, is pinched.
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Overuse
If your rotator cuff is damaged, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
1) Shooting pains affect the front or back of the shoulder. 2) The muscles in the shoulder and upper arm, or those on the outside of the upper arm, hurt. 3) Pain in the shoulder hinders sleeping. 4) Moving the shoulder is painful.
Shoulder overuse injury tends to develop over time, and the symptoms will become progressively worse if the condition is left untreated. Symptoms of shoulder overuse injury include:
- Sore shoulder when you get up in the mornings - Front and top of shoulder manifests pain - Pain heightens when lifting or reaching higher than shoulder level - Most pain experienced when arm is extended - Swelling/Numbness and/or tingling - Restricted range of motion - Shoulder muscles weaker
How are Shoulder Injuries Treated?
The first stage of treatment is normally to try non-invasive methods. Sufferers should try to avoid repetitive motions, and rest the shoulder. NSAID drugs, which are steroid-free, anti-inflammatory preparations may be prescribed for 6 to 8 weeks. Cold compresses can also be helpful, but never apply ice directly to the skin.
Improving blood flow to the damaged tissue by means of ultrasound might also be recommended by your doctor. Physical therapy given by a qualified therapist can be beneficial, and your doctor may suggest cortisone injections.
If the condition persists after using these methods, it may be necessary to have surgical treatment.
About the Author:
Visit Pazt Health Care for this post on shoulder surgery and prevention. 2012Pazt Health covers surgery, health, and diet issues.
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