Final answer:
Strengthening the shoulder muscles does not increase the risk of developing a rotator cuff injury; it can actually help prevent such injuries by supporting the glenohumeral joint.
Step-by-step explanation:
Repetitive overhead throwing motions, like those performed during baseball pitching or swimming, can cause the rotator cuff to become pinched, inflamed, and possibly tear away from the bone because of the constant motion of bringing the arm overhead. Poor posture can also contribute to increased risk by compromising the optimal anatomical position of the shoulder structures. Aging naturally leads to wear and tear, potentially contributing to degenerative changes in tendon strength and resiliency, which could increase injury risk.
In contrast, strengthening the shoulder muscles, particularly the four rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis), can provide better support for the glenohumeral joint and reduce the risk of injury. These muscles serve as dynamic ligaments, constantly adjusting their contraction to stabilize the shoulder and resist forces acting upon it, helping to maintain the position of the head of the humerus within the glenoid cavity.