Thrower's Shoulder

Athletes that perform overhead throwing activities are susceptible to a myriad of shoulder injuries, which can affect multiple structures within the shoulder.  Baseball is where throwing injuries are most commonly seen, but they can occur in football, tennis, volleyball, or some track and field event.  Repetition, coupled with extreme ranges of motion and the production of significant forces are usually what cause the changes to tissue structures over time. The joint capsule (thick connective ligaments), rotator cuff (muscles and tendons), biceps tendon, and labrum (fibrous cartilage) are all structures that are at risk for injury with repetitive overhead throwing. Damage to these structures can cause instability, pain, and weakness.  The biomechanics of the scapula (shoulder blade) also plays an important role in throwing.  If you have shoulder pain when throwing, or following throwing activities, you should get assessed by the physical therapist.  Our staff at Portland Physical Therapy will perform an extensive evaluation to determine which structures are involved, and what biomechanical flaws are causing the problem.  They will then develop an individualized program to address/correct the issues so you are able to return to your activities symptom free.

Associated Symptoms:

  • Shoulder pain
  • Shoulder instability (looseness)
  • Shoulder/arm weakness
  • Neck pain
  • Scapula pain
  • Thoracic pain
  • Shoulder swelling

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