Your shoulder is a complex structure that contains two separate joints. When you perform certain types of exercise, pressure on these joints or repeated use of your shoulder can trigger soreness and inflammation. There are several potential underlying sources of these symptoms, including bursitis, tendinitis and a form of arthritis called osteolysis.
Basics
Three bones meet inside your shoulder: your clavicle, or collar bone; your scapula, or shoulder blade; and your humerus, which forms your upper arm. One of your shoulder joints, called the acromioclavicular or AC joint, is formed where your clavicle meets a part of your shoulder blade called the acromion. The second joint, called the glenohumeral joint, is formed where your humerus meets your shoulder blade's glenoid socket. Your shoulder also contains a supporting group of muscles and tendons known collectively as the rotator cuff, as well as cushioning, fluid-filled sacs called bursa.
Osteolysis
If you lift weights for exercise, you can eventually develop osteolysis, a form of wear-and-tear arthritis that affects your AC joint and produces both pain and inflammation. You are especially susceptible to this type of arthritis if you regularly perform an exercise called the bench press. You can also develop osteolysis if you regularly perform an exercise called the military press. In addition, you can develop osteolysis if you engage in any exercise or activity that damages your rotator cuff.
Tendinitis and Bursitis
If you regularly engage in an exercise or activity that requires repeated overhead arm motions, you can irritate or damage the tendons in your rotator cuff and develop a painful condition called rotator cuff tendinitis. Athletes who swim or play tennis or baseball are especially susceptible to this type of shoulder injury. Shoulder overuse can also trigger a painful inflammation of your shoulder's bursa called bursitis. In some circumstances, you can develop simultaneous cases of tendinitis and bursitis. In addition, you can develop bursitis as part of a larger condition called shoulder impingement, which occurs when inflammation in your rotator cuff causes abnormal restrictions in your shoulder's range of motion.
Treatments and Considerations
If you have soreness in your shoulder, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Common treatments for exercise- and activity-related shoulder problems include rest, modification of your exercise routine, use of nonprescription painkillers and the application of ice or another cold source to your affected shoulder. In some cases, your doctor may also ask you to wear a sling to temporarily immobilize your shoulder. In addition, your doctor may recommend a cortisone shot if more conservative treatments don't work. If cortisone proves ineffective, your doctor may also recommend surgical repair.
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