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.
Our high-tech society, where we repetitively click a mouse or play games on the computer contributes to shoulder overuse. Even the medical profession isn't immune to shoulder injuries caused by years of pulling, tugging and lifting patients. Golfers consistently stress rotator cuff muscles.
Make-up of the Shoulder
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.
These bones are surrounded by tendons, muscles and ligaments that form portions of two important joints: the acromioclavicular joint is located between the clavicle and scapula; between the glenoid and humerus is the glenohumeral joint.
Rotator cuff injury is a frequent ailment that arises from overuse of the shoulder. The three most common disorders of the rotator cuff are rotator cuff impingement syndrome, tendonitis, and tearing.
The Rotator Cuff
Surrounding the shoulder joint there are four muscles, collectively known as the rotator cuff, that stabilize the shoulder joint. Additionally, four small tendons come together to form the rotator cuff tendon, which is joined to the humerus.
Underneath the acrominon of the scapula is the subacromial space, which serves as a passage for the rotator cuff tendon.
Impingement of the Shoulder
Impingement is a term that derives from the Latin, meaning "pinched". In medicine, pinching describes tissue that has become trapped or squeezed. This condition can arise in the shoulder when the joint suffers stress through over-exertion, or repetitive motion over a period of time.
If the tendons are pinched, they will become inflamed, and this is known as tendonitis. The rotator cuff tendon can become pinched or impinged if it gets trapped on its route through the subacromial space.
Bursitis is a condition that arises when a bursa becomes inflamed as a result of impingement. A bursa is a type of sac filled with fluid, and its role is to protect bones and tendons.
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Overuse
The following symptoms may be experienced as a result of damage to the rotator cuff:
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:
- You are experiencing pain that affects the top or front of the shoulder. - Your shoulder hurts when you wake up in the morning. - Your shoulder is swollen, feels numb, or there is a tingling sensation in it. - Pain worsens when you extend your arm. - You cannot move your arm or shoulder freely. - Your shoulder muscles are weaker.
Treating Shoulder Injuries
Non-invasive treatment is preferred for shoulder injuries. You should rest and avoid repetitive activities. Oral anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually taken for 6-8 weeks under doctor supervision. Cold therapy can also be beneficial.
Your doctor may also prescribe ultrasound therapy to improve blood flow to the affected tissues. You might have physical therapy and do stretching and strengthening exercises at home. Your doctor may give you a cortisone injection.
If these treatments fail to cure the condition, it may be necessary to undergo surgery.
Our high-tech society, where we repetitively click a mouse or play games on the computer contributes to shoulder overuse. Even the medical profession isn't immune to shoulder injuries caused by years of pulling, tugging and lifting patients. Golfers consistently stress rotator cuff muscles.
Make-up of the Shoulder
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.
These bones are surrounded by tendons, muscles and ligaments that form portions of two important joints: the acromioclavicular joint is located between the clavicle and scapula; between the glenoid and humerus is the glenohumeral joint.
Rotator cuff injury is a frequent ailment that arises from overuse of the shoulder. The three most common disorders of the rotator cuff are rotator cuff impingement syndrome, tendonitis, and tearing.
The Rotator Cuff
Surrounding the shoulder joint there are four muscles, collectively known as the rotator cuff, that stabilize the shoulder joint. Additionally, four small tendons come together to form the rotator cuff tendon, which is joined to the humerus.
Underneath the acrominon of the scapula is the subacromial space, which serves as a passage for the rotator cuff tendon.
Impingement of the Shoulder
Impingement is a term that derives from the Latin, meaning "pinched". In medicine, pinching describes tissue that has become trapped or squeezed. This condition can arise in the shoulder when the joint suffers stress through over-exertion, or repetitive motion over a period of time.
If the tendons are pinched, they will become inflamed, and this is known as tendonitis. The rotator cuff tendon can become pinched or impinged if it gets trapped on its route through the subacromial space.
Bursitis is a condition that arises when a bursa becomes inflamed as a result of impingement. A bursa is a type of sac filled with fluid, and its role is to protect bones and tendons.
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Overuse
The following symptoms may be experienced as a result of damage to the rotator cuff:
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:
- You are experiencing pain that affects the top or front of the shoulder. - Your shoulder hurts when you wake up in the morning. - Your shoulder is swollen, feels numb, or there is a tingling sensation in it. - Pain worsens when you extend your arm. - You cannot move your arm or shoulder freely. - Your shoulder muscles are weaker.
Treating Shoulder Injuries
Non-invasive treatment is preferred for shoulder injuries. You should rest and avoid repetitive activities. Oral anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually taken for 6-8 weeks under doctor supervision. Cold therapy can also be beneficial.
Your doctor may also prescribe ultrasound therapy to improve blood flow to the affected tissues. You might have physical therapy and do stretching and strengthening exercises at home. Your doctor may give you a cortisone injection.
If these treatments fail to cure the condition, it may be necessary to undergo surgery.
About the Author:
Some information and reviews on preventing shoulder surgery can be found at Pazt Health. 2012Pazt Health covers surgery, health, and diet issues.
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