What common condition can result from repetitive overhead activities?

Shoulder bursitis is a common condition that can arise from repetitive overhead activities. This occurs due to inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between the bones and soft tissues in the shoulder joint. Repeated motions, such as those involved in sports like swimming, baseball, or activities such as painting or lifting overhead, can irritate the bursa and lead to inflammation.

The symptoms of shoulder bursitis typically include pain and swelling in the shoulder, especially when raising the arm or during specific movements. As these repetitive activities create stress on the shoulder's soft tissues, the risk of developing bursitis increases, making it one of the most prevalent conditions linked to overhead use.

In contrast, other shoulder conditions such as frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tear, and shoulder separation may also result from overhead activities but are typically associated with different mechanisms and risk factors. Frozen shoulder is more related to stiffness and reduced mobility rather than inflammation, while a rotator cuff tear involves a rupture of the shoulder muscles or tendons. Shoulder separation typically refers to an injury at the acromioclavicular joint and is often due to trauma rather than repetitive motion. Thus, shoulder bursitis is the most directly associated with repetitive overhead activities due to