Skip to main content
Read about

Repetitive Strain Injury of the Upper Arm or Shoulder

Tooltip Icon.
Last updated May 24, 2024

Repetitive strain injury of the upper arm or shoulder quiz

Take a quiz to find out what's causing your repetitive strain injury of the upper arm or shoulder.

What is a repetitive strain injury?

Repetitive strain injuries are extremely common. Upper arm and shoulder strains commonly occur in athletes or laborers who use their arm and shoulder muscles in the same way every day.

Causes of a repetitive strain injury include fast and repetitive movements, working in cold conditions, and not allowing the body to properly recover after strenuous activities. Repetitive strains can be caused by simple tasks such as reaching for objects high on shelves, cleaning, or throwing a ball.

The muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves in the arm can all be damaged with a repetitive strain injury. It’s important to treat it early so it doesn’t get worse. When left untreated, pain can become permanent.

Symptoms

Repetitive strain injury of the upper arm or shoulder quiz

Take a quiz to find out what's causing your repetitive strain injury of the upper arm or shoulder.

Take a diagnosis quiz

Treatment

The first step is to avoid further strain on the area. You can use over-the-counter pain medications for the pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can also help reduce swelling and inflammation.

A physical therapist may be recommended to help regain a full range of motion. Warm water soaked in Epsom salts can also help reduce stiffness and ease the pain of arm and shoulder strains.

Share your story
Once your story receives approval from our editors, it will exist on Buoy as a helpful resource for others who may experience something similar.
The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider.
Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP...
Read full bio

Was this article helpful?

8 people found this helpful
Tooltip Icon.