Protecting Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Health During Long Mouse-Heavy Shifts

Many desk workers experience persistent aching in their dominant shoulder without realizing their mouse placement is the primary culprit. When a mouse sits too far to the side or ahead of your torso, your rotator cuff muscles must stay continuously engaged to hold your arm outward, leading to micro-strain and tendonitis.\n\nTo eliminate shoulder overload, position your mouse directly beside your keyboard so your upper arm hangs naturally down by your side with your elbow bent at 90 degrees. Consider switching to a compact tenkeyless keyboard to bring the mouse closer to your body’s midline. Performing gentle doorway chest stretches and scapular squeezes twice a day counteracts forward shoulder rounding and keeps your shoulder joints mobile.