Overuse and Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (RCT)
The muscles of the shoulder and arm can become inflamed and damaged from overuse. It can also result in muscle ache and exhaustion, however a person may not feel these symptoms until several hours after overworking their muscles.
According to a 2018 analysis [1], massage therapy may be the best option for tired muscles. Compression clothing and cold water immersion are two other methods that could reduce muscular inflammation and tiredness.
Rotator cuff tendinitis [2] refers to irritation or inflammation of the rotator cuff. This condition is mostly common among elite athletes and people who engage in sports regularly.
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles surrounding and supporting the joints in the shoulder. Together they help hold the upper arm bone firmly in the shoulder socket. Some causes of RCT include:
- poor overhead throwing technique in sports such as baseball and javelin
- falling on a straight arm
- direct trauma to the rotator cuff