Shoulder Injuries in Sports

Shoulder injuries are among athletes’ most common setbacks, affecting everyone from weekend warriors to elite professionals across many sports. This page will explore common shoulder injuries, how they’re caused, and treatment options so you can make informed decisions about your health and recovery and return to full shoulder function.

If you’re dealing with persistent shoulder pain or suspect a sports-related shoulder injury, Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon in Austin and Georgetown, Texas, is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Topic at a Glance

Shoulder injuries in sports are common due to the shoulder joint’s wide range of motion.
Common injuries include rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, SLAP tears, impingement, and fractures.
Treatment options range from rest and physical therapy to advanced surgical procedures, depending on severity.
Early evaluation by a shoulder specialist can help restore full shoulder function and prevent long-term complications.

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What Patients Are Saying

“Got checked in and into my appointment on time. Dr. Szerlip was prompt and very informative, while allowing any questions I may have had to be addressed while explaining my condition. He explained both a rotator cuff repair and a replacement for me to choose what will be best for me. He wasn’t trying to pressure me to choose without looking at both options. He was very supportive of the procedure I decided on and very supportive.” — Dale C.

What Causes Sports Shoulder Injuries?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that allows a wide range of motion. However, the flexibility also makes the shoulder joint more vulnerable to injury. Activities like throwing, swimming, tennis, and weightlifting place high demands on the shoulder muscles, tendons, and ligaments, sometimes leading to overuse injuries or acute trauma.

Sudden movements, repetitive strain, falls, and collisions are all common triggers for sports shoulder injuries. Athletes who push their limits, skip warm-ups, or use improper technique face a higher risk. Those participating in contact sports are especially vulnerable. Shoulder injuries range from mild sprains to serious tears or dislocations.

Common Shoulder Injuries

Athletes can experience a variety of shoulder injuries, but some are more prevalent than others. The most common shoulder injuries in sports include:

Rotator cuff tears: This occurs when one or more of the rotator cuff tendons are torn, leading to pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. Torn rotator cuffs are particularly common in baseball, tennis, and swimming.
Rotator cuff tendinitis: This refers to inflammation of the tendons surrounding the rotator cuff due to repetitive stress. Athletes who perform repetitive overhead motions, like volleyball players, often experience this.
Shoulder dislocations: A forceful impact or sudden twisting can dislocate the upper arm bone from its socket, leading to instability and intense pain.
Shoulder impingement: When the rotator cuff muscles get pinched between the bones of the shoulder, it can cause pain and a reduction in range of motion.
SLAP tears: Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior tears refer to damage to the cartilage around the socket of the shoulder joint. It is often seen in overhead-throwing athletes.
Fractures: Direct trauma can break the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), or upper arm bone (humerus), resulting in severe pain and loss of function.

Shoulder Conditions Treated by Sports Medicine Physicians

Sports medicine specialists, like Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip, diagnose and treat injuries specific to athletes. When it comes to sports-related shoulder injuries, some of the key conditions treated include:

Rotator cuff injuries: Including both rotator cuff tears and rotator cuff tendinitis.
Shoulder instability: This can be caused by recurring shoulder dislocations or chronic looseness in the joint.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): This can cause stiffness and pain that restricts shoulder movement. Frozen shoulders often occur after an injury.
Biceps tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon that connects the biceps to the upper arm and shoulder joint.
Arthritis: Wear-and-tear arthritis in the shoulder joint can develop after repeated sports injuries.
Labral tears (SLAP tears): Tears in the labrum can be caused by falling, a direct blow, or throwing or pulling injuries. Labral tears often require advanced surgical intervention.

These conditions require expert care from a shoulder specialist to ensure a safe and effective return to sports activities.

How Are Sports-Related Shoulder Injuries Treated?

Treatment for sports shoulder injuries depends on the severity of the injury and the athlete’s specific needs. Treatment plans may include a combination of non-surgical and surgical options. Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip works closely with patients to create personalized treatment plans.

Non-Surgical Treatments

For many athletes, conservative treatments can resolve the problem without surgery. These may include:

Rest and activity modification: Taking a break from high-impact sports or modifying movements to prevent further injury.
Physical therapy: Strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving the range of motion is often key to recovery. Physical therapy also addresses movement patterns to prevent future injuries.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce pain and swelling in the shoulder joint.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce pain and inflammation in chronic conditions.

Surgical Treatments

If non-surgical approaches aren’t effective, surgery may be necessary. Some of the most common procedures include:

Rotator cuff repair: The orthopaedic surgeon reattaches torn tendons to the bone.
Labrum repair: Cartilage tears, such as SLAP tears, are repaired to restore stability.
Shoulder stabilization surgery: This helps prevent repeated dislocations.
Fracture repair: Required for fractured upper arm bones or other bones in the shoulder that require stabilization.
Shoulder replacement surgeries: For severe arthritis or irreparable rotator cuff injuries, learn about Shoulder Replacement, Total Shoulder Replacement, and Reverse Shoulder Replacement options.

Dr. Szerlip is a highly skilled shoulder surgeon who offers both minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures and traditional open surgeries as needed.

When to Call a Sports Medicine Healthcare Provider

If you experience persistent pain, limited motion, or signs of a serious injury, it’s essential to seek medical treatment sooner rather than later. While some soreness after intense exercise is normal, severe or lasting pain in the shoulder joint could signal a serious issue.

Signs to watch for include:

Swelling or bruising around the shoulder
A “popping” or “clicking” sensation during movement
Weakness or loss of strength in the upper arm
Inability to lift or rotate the arm

Ignoring early signs of sports injuries can result in long-term damage or the need for more invasive treatments. Early intervention is key to a faster recovery.

Get Expert Care for Shoulder Injuries in Sports

Shoulder pain doesn’t have to sideline you from the activities you love. Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of sports-related shoulder injuries. Whether you’re dealing with rotator cuff tears, a dislocated shoulder, or inflammation from rotator cuff tendinitis, we offer expert care to get you back on track.

Don’t let a shoulder injury hold you back. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Szerlip’s office in Austin or Georgetown, TX, today and take the first step toward recovery!

What are the most common shoulder injuries in sports?

Some of the most common shoulder injuries include rotator cuff tears, rotator cuff tendinitis, shoulder dislocations, shoulder impingement, SLAP tears, and fractures. These injuries often occur due to repetitive overhead movements or sudden trauma.

What causes shoulder injuries in athletes?

Shoulder injuries in sports are often caused by repetitive strain, overuse, falls, collisions, or improper technique. Activities such as throwing, swimming, tennis, and weightlifting place high demands on the shoulder muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?

You should seek medical care if you experience persistent pain, swelling, weakness, limited range of motion, or difficulty lifting your arm. Early treatment can help prevent more serious injury and speed up recovery.

How are sports-related shoulder injuries treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and may include rest, physical therapy, medications, injections, or surgery. A personalized treatment plan helps restore mobility, reduce pain, and allows you to return to sports safely.

Who treats shoulder injuries in sports?

Sports medicine specialists and shoulder surgeons, such as Benjamin W. Szerlip, provide expert diagnosis and treatment for athletes experiencing shoulder injuries. Patients can receive specialized care in Austin and Georgetown to help restore shoulder function and return to activity safely.

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