The shoulder has a large range of motion and often performs repetitive movements, which make it more susceptible to injury. Common shoulder injuries that occur at the gym include rotator cuff strains, tendonitis, bursitis and impingement. These injuries might occur due to overtraining or improper technique during gym activities such as weight lifting, yoga, swimming and recreational sports such as basketball. Many shoulder injuries are preventable, but in the case of acute injuries, conservative treatments often include rest and ice.
Rotator Cuff Strain
The rotator cuff muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis. These muscles help stabilize the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff strain is when the muscle is overstretched and sustains either a partial tear or complete rupture. A strain might occur if muscles are not properly warmed up, overstretched or excessively overloaded, which can be caused by improper weight lifting techniques. Symptoms are shoulder pain, joint stiffness and instability, and muscle weakness. To prevent a strain, warm up, do not excessively stretch the shoulder joint and increase weight increments slowly. Immediate treatment, if a strain does occur, is ice and rest. Consult a physician if symptoms worsen.
Tendonitis
Tendons connect muscles to the bones, and tendonitis is inflammation of these tendons. Tendons of the rotator cuffs and biceps are most commonly affected, although tendonitis can develop in any tendon. Causes of tendonitis are over-stretching or pulling, overloading and compression of the tendons. Symptoms are shoulder pain, tenderness over the affected tendon and stiffness. To prevent tendonitis, warm up, increase weight increments gradually and stretch following exercise. Due to the chronic nature of tendonitis, physical therapy might be necessary to aid recovery.
Impingement Syndrome
Impingement syndrome is when the subacromial bursa, supraspinatus and bicep tendons are compressed. Over time, these structures become inflamed. Impingement may occur due to repetitive overhead movements of the shoulder. Examples of activities that might lead to impingement include swimming and overhead or military presses in weight lifting. Symptoms are anterior shoulder pain and increased pain with overhead shoulder movement. Prevention of impingement syndrome includes strengthening the rotator cuff muscles and allowing adequate recovery between activities. Consult a physician for a diagnosis and treatment if impingement syndrome is suspected.
Bursitis
Bursae are sacs of fluid located around joints. They provide a cushion between bones and soft tissue as well as reduce the friction between these structures. Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa sac. Acute bursitis around the shoulder might occur if the shoulder is hit or you fall on it. Chronic bursitis is often secondary to tendonitis or impingement, which causes excessive friction or pressure on a bursa sac. Symptoms include tenderness over the inflamed bursa and pain with movement. To prevent bursitis, warm up and cool down before and after exercise, and allow adequate recovery between workouts. For treatment, consult a physician.
