Shoulder Sports Injuries and Treatment

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. These muscles and tendons work together to lift the arm. A rotator cuff tear is a common overuse injury in older individuals and athletes that perform overhead motions of the arm, such as in golf, tennis or baseball.

Shoulder impingement (also called swimmer’s shoulder) occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become trapped or impinged as they pass near the shoulder blade. This condition is also often seen in athletes who participate in overhead sports. If left untreated, shoulder impingement can lead to a rotator cuff tear, bone spurs and prolonged inflammation.

The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint. The “ball” is the top of the upper arm bone, and the “socket” is a cup-shaped indentation in the shoulder blade. The socket is shallow, which makes the shoulder more susceptible to dislocation. A dislocated shoulder occurs when the ball pops out of the socket. This injury is most often seen in contact sports, such as football or hockey.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect any joint in the body, including the shoulder. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, which is the cushioning material between joints. Though not technically a sports injury, osteoarthritis is often seen in athletes due to the repetitive motions of their sport causing a faster breakdown of cartilage.