Coping With Shoulder Strains From Repetitive Work or Sports

You don’t need to be an athlete to experience repetitive strain shoulder injuries. It’s the most complex joint in your body and capable of an extensive range of motion. It’s also susceptible to a variety of unique injuries. 

Shoulder specialist Michael J. Bercik Jr., MD, knows how repetitive strain takes a toll on this joint, and he’s built a practice treating people with all types of shoulder disorders. 

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to simply rest your shoulder until a problem heals. You need your arms for daily tasks like dressing as well as tasks around the house and at work. 

Coping with shoulder strains from repetitive work or sports requires an understanding of repetitive strain injuries and body mechanics. Fortunately, there are ways to help your shoulder injury heal. 

How repetitive strain injuries (RSI) develop

RSIs are soft tissue injuries involving ligaments, muscles, nerves, or tendons. Irritation and inflammation of these tissues may develop from the overuse of single motions over long periods. 

Common causes are tasks, jobs, or hobbies with repetitive motions or from exercising, training, or playing a sport. Your shoulders need to work through their entire range of motion, not narrow subsets of it. 

Repetitive motion places force on localized regions of shoulder tissue, causing a concentration of micro-injuries rather than spreading them around. Common RSI injuries in the shoulder originate from tasks like: 

• Awkward postures
• Hand and arm vibrations, such as from power tools
• Holding muscles in fixed positions (static loading)
• Tasks or activities above shoulder height
• Postures like curling the shoulders forward or slouching

Even exposure to temperature extremes can contribute to RSIs. 

Coping with shoulder RSI

When you first feel the effects of an RSI, discontinue the activities causing the symptoms. Most soft tissue injuries respond to the RICE protocol: 

• Rest: stop the activity and rest your shoulder in a comfortable position 
• Ice: cold compresses ease inflammation and pain
• Compression: wrap the shoulder if possible
• Elevate: choose a resting position with your upper body raised so your shoulder is above your heart

Once you begin RICE, take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce swelling. When you must use your arms, modify movement away from painful motions. 

Physical therapy helps build shoulder strength, while occupational therapy aids you in finding new ways to perform common tasks. Together, these treat the issue and reduce the risk of it recurring.

When home care isn’t enough, contact Dr. Bercik. Call or click to schedule an examination today.