Shoulder Injuries In Throwing Athletes

For some throwing athletes, shoulder injuries can be all too common. Once the pain begins to rear its head, it may have you running to the internet to search for “sports physical therapy NYC.”  If this is the case with you, look no further than Dr. Neil Roth at New York Sports Medicine Institute. A well-experienced sports medicine doctor, he’ll be able to diagnose the root of the problem and come up with a plan for treatment most suitable for your specific needs.  Trusting Dr. Roth can help you avoid a lengthy recovery time and any potential long-lasting effects of the injury.   

Common Injuries Of The Throwing Shoulder

Due to the complexity of the joint, the shoulder is susceptible to an array of different injuries.  Dr. Roth is a sports medicine specialist and can help treat athletes suffering from any of the following injuries:

  • SLAP Tears: A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) tear affects the superior part of your labrum, which attaches to your biceps. This specific tear occurs in front and the back of this attachment point.  Symptoms of SLAP tears can include a catching or locking feeling in the shoulder, as well as pain.
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinitis And Tears: Overhead throwing lays the perfect groundwork for rotator cuff tendinitis to develop.  This condition causes inflammation to the joints, leading to pain that starts in the shoulder and radiates down the side of your arm. Continuing to throw when your rotator cuff is damaged can lead to this tendon beginning to fray before completely tearing. A tear will only further the symptoms of pain and also limit the joint’s range of motion.
  • Instability:  Pressure placed on the shoulder from overhead throwing can lead to the joint becoming unstable. This instability is caused by your humerus slipping out of the shoulder socket. Continued dislocation of this area is known as chronic shoulder instability. A loss of velocity will be one of the initial symptoms experienced, as this condition is sometimes referred to as “dead arm syndrome.”
  • Internal Impingement:  When throwing, the tendons located in the back of the shoulder may become pinched. Referred to as internal impingement, this condition can materialize as a result of a tear in the rotator cuff.  

Treating Shoulder Injuries

After sustaining an injury, athletes want to return to the game as quickly as possible. Some will play through the pain, but this can aggravate the injury and have it become worse.  Even if you avoid any additional damage, playing hurt often impedes your athletic ability. Visiting Dr. Roth will be the solution to your problem. Depending on the severity of the injury, different forms of treatment will be administered. For persistent irritation, our doctor may recommend a program of rest, ice, and heat to soothe the pain. In the case of tears and more pertinent structural damage, Dr. Roth may need to perform surgery. During the operation, he will repair any tears and reconstruct the damaged parts of your joint. 

Sports Physical Therapy NYC

Even after undergoing an operation, you will not be out of the woods yet.  You’ll still need to go through a rehabilitation program to help your joint fully recover.  If you’re looking for sports physical therapy, NYC is the perfect location. You won’t even need to find a new team of professionals, as New York Sports Medicine Institute offers physical therapy as a supplemental form of treatment for all injuries!  Through the use of various stretches and exercises, we’ll be able to help you achieve the following:

  • Regain strength in the injured shoulder.
  • Increase the range of motion of the joint.
  • Correct any issues with stability.

Can These Injuries Be Prevented?

Though there are times where an injury is unable to be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate this risk. Dr. Roth wants every athlete to complete the entirety of their season without injury, which is why he’d like to offer the following advice on ways to both stay healthy and stop injuries from reoccurring:

  • Staying conditioned year-round will help your body prepare for the rigors of the start of each coming season.
  • If you’re a pitcher, implementing a pitch count can help stop the overuse of the shoulder.
  • Take the time to warm up before each game to ensure the shoulder is loose and limber before throwing.

Sports Physical Therapy NYC

Shoulder injuries are nothing to be scoffed at.  After sustaining one, you should not assume you can play through it.  Requesting an appointment with Dr. Roth at the New York Sports Medicine Institute will be your best bet, as he will properly diagnose and treat your injury.  End the constant online searches for “sports physical therapy NYC” and choose the team at New York Sports Medicine Institute today!         

NYSMI