Shoulder pain is a common concern, with an estimated two-thirds of the population experiencing it at some point. Most shoulder pain occurs on the dominant side.
The shoulder is a complex ball-and-socket joint supported by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Because it moves through a wide range of motion in many directions, it is highly susceptible to strain and injury.
Understanding Risk Factors
You may be more likely to experience shoulder pain if you have:
- Age-related changes – incidence increases with age
- Gender influences – more commonly reported in women
- Lifestyle factors – being overweight can contribute to shoulder strain
- Occupations requiring repetitive overhead work or heavy lifting
- Athletic demands – sports such as swimming, tennis, volleyball, or baseball
- Contact sports exposure – increased likelihood of shoulder injuries
- Previous shoulder injury – increases risk of recurrence
- Poor posture – particularly rounded shoulders.