Running can cause shoulder pain due to the repetitive arm movements involved. As you actively swing your arms back and forth while running, the tendons surrounding your shoulder can rub against the bones, leading to discomfort. This friction can result in pain that may vary in intensity.
Understanding the Mechanics of Shoulder Pain While Running
Here's a closer look at how running can trigger shoulder pain:
- Arm Movement and Tendon Friction: The primary cause, as mentioned in the reference, is the repetitive motion of your arms while running. This motion can cause tendons around the shoulder to rub against the bones, resulting in irritation and pain.
- Poor Running Form: Inefficient running techniques, such as excessively swinging your arms across your body or tensing your shoulders, can exacerbate the issue. These actions can increase the stress and friction on the shoulder joint.
- Underlying Conditions: While less common, pre-existing conditions such as rotator cuff issues, impingement, or bursitis can also contribute to shoulder pain during running.
What To Do If You Experience Shoulder Pain While Running
If you experience shoulder pain while running, here are some steps you can take:
- Rest: If the pain is new, take a break from running and allow your shoulder time to recover.
- Analyze Your Running Form: Pay attention to how you move your arms while running. Ensure you aren't tensing your shoulders or swinging your arms excessively.
- Gentle Stretching and Exercises: Once the pain subsides, incorporate gentle stretches and exercises to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder, such as:
- Arm circles
- Shoulder blade squeezes
- Light weight training
- Professional Evaluation: If the pain persists for more than a few days, it is recommended you seek professional help from a physiotherapist or doctor, according to the reference provided.
Summary
To summarize, running can cause shoulder pain mainly due to the repetitive friction between the tendons around your shoulder and the bones as you swing your arms. Improving your running form, along with some rest and gentle exercises may relieve some of the pain. If the pain is persistent then it is advised that you seek professional medical advice.
