Overuse injuries
An overuse injury is a type of injury that occurs when tissues in the body, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, or other soft tissues, are subjected to more stress or strain than they can handle. This type of injury most often occurs as a result of repetitive motion, overuse of a particular body part, or lack of recovery between activities.
When the body is not given enough time to recover from physical exertion, overuse injuries can develop gradually over time. These injuries can be insidious, starting with mild symptoms such as pain or tenderness in the affected area. If the overuse is not addressed, the injury can worsen and lead to more serious problems, including inflammation, weakness, or loss of function.
It is important to listen to your body’s signals and give it sufficient rest and recovery to prevent overuse injuries. Training with proper technique and gradually increasing the intensity of your training can also reduce the risk of such injuries.
Cause & common symptoms of overuse injuries
Common causes of overuse injuries
Sedentary work with poor ergonomics
Prolonged sitting with the neck or shoulders bent forward can create tension and inflammation.
Repetitive movements
Repeated movements, such as when using a computer or working in industry, wear down tissues over time.
Lack of rest and recovery
If the body is not given a chance to rest between periods of strain, the risk of injury increases.
Incorrect technique when exercising or lifting
Exercising or working without the right technique and posture can put strain on the wrong structures.
Stress and tension
Mental stress can contribute to muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders, which in turn leads to pain.
Common Symptoms of Overuse Injuries
Nagging pain in the neck or shoulders
The pain often comes on gradually and gets worse during or after activity.
Muscle fatigue and stiffness
A feeling that the muscles are ”locking up” or tiring quickly.
Tenderness with pressure or movement
Certain points may be particularly sensitive to touch or activation.
Radiating pain
In some cases, the pain may spread to the shoulders, arms, or upper back.
Reduced mobility
Tightened muscles can limit your ability to turn or bend your neck.
Headaches and difficulty concentrating
Long-term muscle tension in the neck and shoulders can lead to tension headaches.
How is treatment for overuse injuries carried out?
To treat overuse injuries, we focus on reducing the load, restoring mobility and strengthening the postural muscles. An initial thorough examination helps us identify which structures are affected and why.
Common treatment steps include:
Soft tissue therapy and trigger point therapy
To reduce tension and improve circulation in affected areas.
Joint adjustments and mobilization
To restore mobility and reduce pain in joints that have become stiff from prolonged strain.
Exercise programs
Individually adapted exercises to strengthen weak muscles, improve posture and prevent future injuries.
Ergonomic advice
Help to improve your work environment and movement patterns in everyday life.
Relaxation and stress management
To break the vicious cycle between muscle tension and stress.
By combining manual therapy with exercise and lifestyle changes, good and lasting results are often achieved.
