Have you been working hard to finish a knitting project but realized your shoulders were getting sore? Knitting uses a lot of your upper body muscles, making you feel tense or even worn out if you keep going for long enough.
So, does knitting cause rotator cuff injuries? While knitting usually doesn’t directly cause rotator cuff injuries, it can lead to them. Knitting uses the same muscles repeatedly, which can cause pain from overuse, making it much easier for you to strain yourself doing other things.
If you’re an avid knitter, you’ll want to learn more about possible rotator cuff injuries and what you can do to prevent that from happening to you. Knitting can cause strain on the body, so it’s crucial you understand what to do, so you can keep doing your favorite hobby. Let’s read on!
Does Knitting Cause Rotator Cuff Injury?
Since knitting has you using the same movements constantly, it can lead to a repetitive stress injury, which is usually more likely to happen in those with arthritis. Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) can affect various joints and muscles, including those you use the most to knit.
RSI can impact your rotator cuff, so knitting can lead to a rotator cuff injury. However, you’re more likely to sustain an injury from something else. The repetitive movement makes hurting that part of your body much easier.
You can reduce the odds of getting a rotator cuff injury by taking more frequent breaks from knitting and giving yourself a few days off if you feel strained. You’ll also need to practice good posture, twisting your wrists less, and avoid keeping your joints locked while knitting. All of these techniques can reduce the likelihood of you getting an RSI.
Knitting can lead to a rotator cuff injury, among other injuries. You must stay aware of how your body feels during knitting; it will let you know if it’s time to take a break!
Does Knitting Cause Shoulder Pain?
Knitting can cause pain in your back and shoulders if you sit unnaturally or hunch over a lot. It puts a lot of strain on your back and upper body when you do that, including your shoulders. Many people also like to knit for long periods, which can lead to more shoulder pain.
You should stop and take a break if you notice your shoulder starts hurting. An icepack and an over-the-counter pain reliever can help make the strain less noticeable while taking a break. Let your body rest, so you will want to stop knitting for a few days.
Prolonged knitting sessions can also lead to tendonitis and carpal tunnel, on top of shoulder damage, so it’s essential to listen to your body. You may also feel cramps, tension, or pain in your wrists, lower arms, and fingers. All of these are signals that it’s time to stop for a bit and reevaluate your posture while knitting.
In short, knitting can absolutely cause shoulder pain. It usually happens to those who knit daily or in long sessions without taking breaks. Knitting is a very repetitive motion, so it can be easy to lose track of time. It can help to set some alarms to warn you when you’ve been at it for a few hours.
What Are Common Knitting Injuries?
The most common knitting injuries include tendonitis and tendinosis. Tendonitis is the inflammation of fibers that connect your bones and muscles, while tendinosis is when collagen in your body breaks down from overuse due to repetitive motion.
There’s also a unique form of tendonitis for knitters known as tenosynovitis. This injury occurs when the tendons near your wrist and thumb become inflamed. It’s widespread among knitters because of how they move their hands when performing their craft. Knitters often refer to it as “knitter’s wrist” or “knitters thumb” because of where the pain comes from.
You can avoid the knitter’s wrist by taking breaks, stretching your wrists before and during a long knitting session, and using lighter, more relaxed movements. A cold compress can also help if you’re already feeling sore.
While these three injuries are common among knitters, they are avoidable, so you won’t have to worry as much if you rest regularly during knitting sessions.
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Knitting and Its Effect on the Rotator Cuff
The day after a long knitting session, your shoulder might feel sore. Those with RSI in their rotator cuffs can’t move their shoulders much. It might happen gradually or all at once, although knitters usually have mild symptoms at the start.
Your shoulder would feel very stiff, swollen, and painful. Some people affected have described RSI in the shoulder as feeling numb or like their muscles, there are burning. When you have RSI, the only good cure is rest, so you’ll need to avoid using that shoulder until you feel better.
It can be frustrating to stop and take a break during a knitting project, especially if the end is in sight. However, you don’t want to feel pain while you finish up. It’s much better to take longer to finish your knitting projects than accidentally cause an RSI to your body.
Overall, knitting can cause harm to your shoulder as an RSI, although it will not tear your rotator cuff. Most knitters with severe rotator cuff injuries got it from something else. However, an RSI could’ve made them more susceptible to that injury in the first place.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, knitting can cause damage to your rotator cuff as an RSI, but you’re not going to get a torn shoulder from it. You can also reduce the chances of getting an RSI by taking frequent breaks and knitting less. It can be frustrating, but you should still be able to finish your planned projects without the added pain.
Remember to stretch your arms, shoulders, and wrists during and after knitting! You’ll feel much better if you do, and your body will thank you. It’s also good to have shorter knitting sessions, so your muscles can get some rest.
Make sure to follow my tips and recommend products to ensure your knitting project turns out amazing! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your knitting Q&A’s. Happy knitting!