Overused Shoulder

An overused shoulder can be painful and requires a lot of rest. Moving your arm or shoulder often increases the pain. Fortunately, this can be improved with the right exercises and supportive aids. Want to know more about an overused shoulder? Read on.

What is an overused shoulder?

An overused shoulder, also known as an overuse injury, often affects athletes due to repeated motions that strain the shoulder. Overuse can cause significant pain, and this can occur either suddenly or develop gradually as the shoulder becomes increasingly stressed.

What causes shoulder overuse?

There are several causes of shoulder overuse. The most common is repetitive movement or poor technique, especially during sports. Other contributing factors include:

• Poor posture or ergonomics (e.g. working at a computer)
• Inflammation of the tendon
• Shoulder bursitis
• Mental stress
• Overtraining (especially weightlifting)
• Lack of sleep
• Gender
• Age

What are the symptoms of an overused shoulder?

Pain is the most common symptom. However, other complaints may arise that can interfere with your daily life, such as:

• Stiffness in the shoulder
• Reduced range of motion
• Loss of strength
• Pain radiating to the arm or neck

If you experience tingling or severe pain, it’s important to consult a doctor.

Treatment options

There are several ways to reduce shoulder strain. One of the best approaches is to visit a physiotherapist, who can create a personalized treatment plan. In addition, you can:

• Rest and allow time for healing
• Apply ice or heat
• Use pain relief medication
• Improve posture and ergonomics
• Wear a supportive shoulder brace

Haven’t seen a physio yet?

If you haven’t had the chance to visit a physiotherapist, make sure to rest your shoulder and avoid straining movements. You can also start with simple exercises at home. There are many videos online with routines to help strengthen your shoulder. It’s also important to stretch properly before exercise and to use correct technique.

Ready to recover from shoulder overuse?

Pay attention to the type and severity of pain you're experiencing. Treatment varies from person to person depending on which shoulder structures are affected. Always focus on proper movement, rest, and support.

At Podobrace, we offer a wide range of shoulder braces that can provide relief and support throughout your recovery. Do you have questions about one of our products or shoulder pain in general? Feel free to contact us — our team of specialists is happy to help you get back on track with the right support.