Sports Injury Treatment (Shoulder)
Specialized care for shoulder injuries in athletes and active individuals
What are Shoulder Sports Injuries?
Shoulder sports injuries are common in athletes participating in overhead activities like baseball, tennis, swimming, and volleyball. These injuries can range from acute trauma to overuse conditions that develop over time. Our sports medicine specialists provide comprehensive treatment to get athletes back to peak performance safely and effectively.
Athletes at Risk: Overhead athletes have a 35% higher risk of shoulder injury, with rotator cuff problems being the most common, affecting up to 40% of overhead athletes.
Common Shoulder Sports Injuries
Athletes commonly experience various shoulder injuries:
- Rotator Cuff Tears: Acute or chronic tears from overhead activities
- Shoulder Impingement: Compression of soft tissues during overhead motion
- Shoulder Dislocation: Complete separation of the shoulder joint
- Labral Tears: Tears in the cartilage ring around the shoulder socket
- AC Joint Injuries: Separation or arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint
- Biceps Tendon Injuries: Tears or inflammation of the long head of biceps
- Throwing Injuries: Overuse injuries specific to throwing athletes
- Frozen Shoulder: Stiffness and pain limiting shoulder movement
Treatment Approaches
Conservative Treatment
Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modification for minor injuries.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Arthroscopic procedures for rotator cuff repair, labral repair, and impingement treatment.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation
Sport-specific therapy and gradual return-to-play protocols for optimal recovery.
Treatment Process
Injury Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation including sport-specific testing, imaging, and biomechanical analysis.
Treatment Planning
Personalized treatment plan considering sport demands, timeline, and athlete goals.
Active Treatment
Conservative therapy or surgical intervention based on injury severity and athlete needs.
Return to Sport
Gradual return-to-play protocol with sport-specific training and injury prevention.
Return to Sport Timeline
Recovery timelines vary by injury and treatment:
- Conservative treatment: 2-8 weeks for minor injuries
- Arthroscopic repair: 4-6 months for rotator cuff or labral repair
- Shoulder stabilization: 6-8 months for dislocation surgery
- Sport-specific training: Final 4-6 weeks before competition
- Maintenance program: Ongoing injury prevention exercises
Return to sport depends on achieving strength, range of motion, and functional goals.
Get Back in the Game
Don't let a shoulder injury end your athletic career. Our sports medicine specialists understand the unique demands of your sport and will help you return to peak performance.
Sports medicine specialists available. Expedited appointments for athletes.