Shoulder throwing Injuries

Overhead throwing activity can produce great loads on the shoulder. When performed repeatedly, this stress can cause damage to structures of the shoulder.

Types of Shoulder Injuries Caused by Throwing

As the arm is thrown outward and backward to generate speed. This action forces the head of the humerus forward, stressing the surrounding ligaments and tendons.

This stress can lead to injuries, causing pain and inflammation.

Common injuries include:

• Tears of the labrum
• Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) and tears of the rotator cuff
• Tendonitis and tears of the biceps tendon
• Impingement of the rotator cuff tendons between the humeral head and glenoid
• Partial dislocation of the joint (instability)

Pain and instability of the shoulder can result in reduced throwing velocity and accuracy.

How are these shoulder injuries diagnosed?

Your doctor will assess your shoulder injury by reviewing your pain and the movements that produces it, performing a thorough physical examination and Imaging studies such as X-rays and MRIs may be ordered.

What are the treatment options?

Most shoulder injuries involve soft tissue structures which can be treated by a period of rest, ice application, medication and physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles and ligaments, improving and maintaining range of motion. A change in throwing technique may be suggested to reduce stress on the injured shoulder. Rarely surgery may be indicated.