Common shoulder injuries often occur in athletes due to the joint’s wide range of motion. The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints, making it more vulnerable to overuse. Sports like swimming, tennis, baseball, and weightlifting use repetitive shoulder movements. This constant use heightens the risk of common shoulder injuries. Athletes who push their limits in training are especially prone to these injuries. Proper technique and conditioning can help reduce the likelihood of injury, but the risk remains. Understanding the causes is crucial for prevention and effective treatment.

Rotator Cuff Tears

Causes of a Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff tears occur when one or more of these tendons become damaged. In athletes, this injury typically results from repetitive overhead movements, such as throwing, swimming, or serving in tennis. For instance, a study revealed that 32% of shoulder surgeries performed on a professional baseball player were due to cuff injuries

Acute injuries, like falling on an outstretched arm, can also cause tears. Over time, wear and tear from repeated use weakens the tendons, making them more susceptible to injury. Aging athletes are more prone to degenerative tears due to reduced blood supply and tendon elasticity.

Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear

• Pain when raising or lowering your arm, as well as discomfort when sleeping on the affected side
• Weakness in the shoulder, especially during overhead movements
• A clicking or popping sound when moving the shoulder
• Limited range of motion

Treatment Options for a Rotator Cuff Tear

Treatment options depend on the severity of the tear. Minor tears may heal with rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Ice and heat therapy can also help reduce pain and swelling. Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief.

For severe tears or when non-surgical treatments fail, surgery might be required. Surgeons typically perform an arthroscopic procedure to repair the torn tendon.

Recovery Time for Rotator Cuff Tears

• Non-surgical recovery: 3 to 6 months with physical therapy
• Surgical recovery: 4 to 6 months for full recovery, though it may take up to a year for athletes to return to their pre-injury performance levels

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder Impingement Causes

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become pinched between the bones in the shoulder joint. This condition often affects swimmers, weightlifters, and baseball pitchers who perform repetitive overhead motions. Thirty percent of overhead athletes suffer from shoulder injuries, with 27% of these cases being attributed to subacromial impingement syndrome. 

Impingement can develop due to poor posture, muscle imbalances, or improper technique. Overuse of the shoulder can also lead to inflammation and swelling, which narrows the space in the shoulder joint, increasing the likelihood of impingement.

Symptoms of a Shoulder Impingement

• Pain on the top and outer side of the shoulder
• Increased pain when lifting the arm, especially overhead
• Nighttime pain or aching that disrupts sleep
• Weakness in the arm

Treatment Options for a Shoulder Impingement

Rest and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition are the first steps in treating shoulder impingement. Physical therapy can help restore proper mechanics by strengthening the shoulder muscles and improving flexibility.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce swelling. Surgery is a last resort and involves removing bone spurs or inflamed tissue to create more space in the shoulder joint.

Recovery Time for Shoulder Impingement

• Non-surgical recovery: 4 to 6 weeks with physical therapy
• Surgical recovery: 3 to 6 months, depending on the extent of the surgery and the athlete’s rehabilitation program

Shoulder Dislocation

Causes

A shoulder dislocation happens when the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the shoulder socket (glenoid). This injury often results from a traumatic event, such as a fall, collision, or sudden impact. Contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball carry a high risk of dislocation.

The shoulder joint is highly mobile, but this mobility makes it more prone to dislocation compared to other joints. Athletes with previous dislocations are more likely to experience recurrent dislocations due to joint instability. One study reveals that male athletes face a higher risk of shoulder dislocations compared to their female counterparts, with 87% of sports-related shoulder dislocations happening in males.

Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder

• Visible deformity or out-of-place appearance of the shoulder
• Intense pain in the shoulder and upper arm
• Swelling and bruising around the shoulder
• Inability to move the arm or shoulder

Treatment

Immediate medical attention is required to relocate the shoulder. This process, called closed reduction, involves a healthcare provider manipulating the shoulder back into place. After the shoulder is realigned, immobilization with a sling is usually necessary for a few weeks.

Physical therapy is crucial for strengthening the shoulder muscles and restoring stability. If the dislocation caused significant damage to the ligaments, tendons, or bones, surgery might be required to repair the joint and prevent future dislocations.

Recovery Time for Shoulder Dislocation

• Non-surgical recovery: 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and the athlete’s adherence to rehabilitation
• Surgical recovery: 4 to 6 months, though contact sports may require up to 9 months before full return to activity

Labral Tears

Causes

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, helping to stabilize the joint. Labral tears occur when this cartilage becomes damaged. In athletes, labral tears are typically caused by repetitive overhead motions or trauma, such as falling on an outstretched arm or a direct hit to the shoulder. 

Sports that involve frequent shoulder rotation, like baseball and swimming, are common culprits of labral tears. There are several types of labral tears, with the most common being SLAP (superior labrum anterior and posterior) tears and Bankart lesions.

Symptoms of a Labral Tear

• Pain during specific movements, such as throwing or lifting
• A catching, locking, or grinding sensation in the shoulder
• Weakness or instability in the shoulder joint
• Limited range of motion

Treatments for a Labral Tear

Labral tears can be treated conservatively with rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Athletes should avoid activities that worsen symptoms, focusing instead on strengthening exercises to stabilize the shoulder.

If non-surgical treatments fail or the tear is severe, surgery may be necessary. Surgeons often use arthroscopy to repair or remove the torn portion of the labrum.In one study, 79% of patients who had surgery achieved a high level of function, compared to only 55% of those treated without surgery.

Recovery Time for Labral Tears

• Non-surgical recovery: 6 to 12 weeks with physical therapy
• Surgical recovery: 3 to 6 months for general use of the shoulder, though athletes may need 9 to 12 months before returning to their sport

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Understanding the Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, limiting its range of motion. While the exact cause is unclear, it often develops after prolonged immobilization due to injury or surgery. Athletes recovering from shoulder injuries are at higher risk. Adhesive capsulitis affects up to 5% of the population. Women are four times more likely to develop it than men, and it tends to occur more frequently in the non-dominant shoulder.

Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages: freezing (pain and stiffness increase), frozen (stiffness persists but pain lessens), and thawing (range of motion gradually improves). The entire process can take up to three years.

Symptoms

• Gradual onset of shoulder pain
• Stiffness and limited range of motion
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks, like reaching overhead or behind the back
• Pain that worsens at night

Treatment

Treatment for frozen shoulders focuses on managing pain and improving range of motion. Physical therapy is essential in restoring flexibility, and exercises are often aimed at stretching the shoulder capsule. NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation.

In some cases, corticosteroid injections are used to relieve symptoms. Surgery is rarely needed, but in severe cases, arthroscopic surgery can release the tight tissues around the shoulder joint.

Recovery Time for Frozen Shoulder

• Non-surgical recovery: 6 months to 2 years, depending on the stage of the condition
• Surgical recovery: 3 to 6 months, though full recovery may take up to a year

Preventing Shoulder Injuries in Athletes

Although it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of common shoulder injuries, athletes can take these steps to reduce their chances:

• Proper warm-up: Always warm up the shoulder muscles before activity.
• Strengthening exercises: Build strength in the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles.
• Good technique: Use proper form in your sport to avoid unnecessary strain on the shoulder.
• Rest: Allow adequate time for rest and recovery, especially after intense training sessions.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Eric Heiden

If you’re dealing with common shoulder injuries or shoulder pain, seeking professional care is essential. Dr. Eric Heiden, an experienced orthopedic surgeon, specializes in sports-related injuries and can guide your recovery. Schedule an appointment at our Salt Lake, Park City, or Heber City offices today. Don’t let common shoulder injuries hold you back—contact us now to book your consultation.