Spring marks the return of many outdoor sports and with it, a higher risk of shoulder injuries, especially for throwing athletes and those in contact sports. From rotator cuff injuries to dislocations, athletes put one of the most mobile and complex joints in the human body at increased risk of injury due to repetitive overhead motion, collisions, or falls.
At Great Lakes Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we provide expert shoulder pain treatment and orthopaedic care across St. John, Crown Point and Lowell. Our experienced orthopedic specialists and sports medicine providers offer advanced diagnostic tools, surgical and non-surgical options, and physical therapy to restore full shoulder function. If you're an athlete experiencing shoulder pain or limited range of motion, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Below, we’ll explore 10 common shoulder injuries athletes should know about, offer prevention strategies, and share guidance on when to seek medical care.
Understanding the Most Common Shoulder Injuries in Athletes
The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the human body, and one of the most vulnerable. Athletes, especially those involved in throwing, swimming, tennis, and contact sports, are particularly at risk for shoulder injuries due to repetitive overhead motion and high-impact contact.
Here are 10 common shoulder injuries in athletes and what causes them:
1. Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears affect the group of tendons that stabilize and move the shoulder. These injuries are particularly common in overhead athletes and those who perform repeated lifting or throwing motions.
Athletes may notice:
- Sharp or aching pain, especially during lifting or overhead movements
- Weakness and loss of range of motion
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
2. SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum Tear)
This injury involves a tear in the labrum, the cartilage ring that stabilizes the top of the shoulder socket. SLAP tears frequently affect throwing athletes like baseball pitchers due to repetitive stress and sudden pulling motions.
Common symptoms include:
- Deep shoulder pain during overhead movements
- Popping or clicking sounds
- A feeling of instability or reduced power in the shoulder
3. Shoulder Dislocation
A dislocation happens when the upper arm bone (humeral head) pops out of the socket, usually the result of a fall or a direct blow during contact sports. First-time anterior dislocations are most frequent in younger athletes.
You may experience:
- Intense pain and swelling
- A visibly displaced shoulder or deformity
- Inability to move the arm
4. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons develops gradually due to repetitive use, improper shoulder mechanics, or muscle imbalances. It's often a precursor to more serious rotator cuff injuries.
Signs include:
- Dull pain at rest or during activity
- Shoulder stiffness
- Difficulty reaching behind the back
5. Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit (GIRD)
GIRD is a loss of internal rotation in the shoulder joint. It's commonly seen in athletes who perform frequent overhead movements, especially baseball players and swimmers.
This condition may present as:
- Reduced range of internal rotation compared to the other shoulder
- Shoulder tightness
- Increased injury risk due to altered joint mechanics
6. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed between the shoulder blade and the upper arm bone during arm elevation. It's often caused by repetitive overhead motions and poor posture.
Symptoms typically include:
- Pain while lifting the arm, especially above shoulder level
- Weakness during overhead activity
- A feeling of pinching or catching in the shoulder
7. AC (Acromioclavicular) Joint Separation
An AC joint separation results from trauma to the top of the shoulder, such as falling directly on the shoulder or landing on an outstretched arm.
Athletes may notice:
- Immediate pain and swelling at the top of the shoulder
- A visible bump or asymmetry
- Pain with arm movement or pressure on the area
8. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder develops when the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and tight, severely restricting movement. It can follow injury, surgery, or prolonged immobility.
Symptoms build gradually and include:
- Stiffness and a significant loss of range of motion
- Persistent dull or aching shoulder pain
- Discomfort that may worsen at night
9. Labral Tear
Labral tears affect the cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket and supports joint stability. They're common in younger athletes and those involved in sports with repetitive shoulder use or trauma.
Common indicators include:
- Clicking, locking, or popping sensations in the joint
- A feeling that the shoulder might 'give out'
- Pain with lifting, reaching, or throwing
10. Clavicle or Scapular Fractures
These fractures usually occur from high-impact trauma, like a fall or direct blow, and are more frequent in contact sports or cycling accidents.
Watch for:
- Sudden, sharp pain and swelling
- Bruising or visible deformity
- Difficulty moving the shoulder or lifting the arm
What Causes These Injuries?
Athletes rely heavily on the shoulder joint’s flexibility and strength, but that same mobility makes it prone to injury. The most common contributing factors include:
- Repetitive overhead motion, especially in sports like baseball, tennis, volleyball, and swimming
- Sudden impact or falls, often seen in contact sports or during awkward landings
- Weakness or imbalance in the shoulder muscles, reducing joint stability
- Poor throwing mechanics or posture, which can strain the shoulder over time
- Inadequate warm-up or training errors, such as overtraining or lack of proper conditioning
In younger athletes, overuse injuries tend to develop gradually due to growth plate sensitivity and continuous repetitive movements. In contrast, athletes in contact sports are more likely to experience traumatic shoulder injuries like dislocations, fractures, or separations. Proper training, technique, and recovery time are critical for preventing both types.
Prevention Strategies for Shoulder Injuries
Protecting the shoulder from injury begins with a proactive approach. Athletes can significantly reduce their risk by integrating the following strategies into their regular training routine:
- Strengthen the shoulder girdle with targeted exercises that focus on key stabilizing muscles, such as the infraspinatus and supraspinatus tendons. These muscles support shoulder movements and protect against strain.
- Start every workout with a thorough warm-up, including dynamic stretches and gentle shoulder movements to prepare the joint for physical activity.
- Allow adequate rest and recovery between practices and games. Overuse is one of the leading causes of shoulder injuries in young and competitive athletes.
- Work with a coach or trainer to fine-tune technique and ensure proper body mechanics—especially important for throwing athletes and swimmers. Poor form can overload the shoulder and increase injury risk.
- Incorporate cross-training into your schedule to strengthen surrounding muscle groups and reduce repetitive stress on the same tissues.
These injury prevention steps not only support shoulder stability but also help maintain a full range of motion and long-term performance throughout the athletic season.
When to See a Specialist
While some shoulder soreness is normal after activity, persistent pain or limited range of motion shouldn’t be ignored. You should consult an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist if you experience:
- Shoulder pain that lasts more than a few days
- Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm
- Swelling, bruising, or visible deformity around the shoulder
- A sensation of instability or repeated dislocations
- Weakness that affects athletic performance or daily tasks
- Pain that disrupts sleep or worsens with overhead movements
Prompt evaluation can prevent a minor issue from becoming a long-term problem. At Great Lakes Orthopedics, our team of upper extremity and sports medicine specialists is here to diagnose the cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan.
If shoulder symptoms are interfering with your sport, daily life, or peace of mind, we’re here to help you heal and get back in motion.
How Great Lakes Orthopedics Can Help
At Great Lakes Orthopedics, we deliver comprehensive shoulder pain treatment tailored to each patient’s needs and activity level. Whether you’re managing a sports injury, arthritis, or a chronic shoulder condition, our expert team is here to help restore strength, mobility, and comfort safely and efficiently.
Our care includes:
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve range of motion, and relieve pain without surgery
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain; gel injections may be recommended for arthritis to improve joint lubrication and comfort
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Arthroscopic procedures to repair rotator cuff tears, impingements, and other conditions with less downtime
- Shoulder Joint Replacement: For severe arthritis or advanced joint damage, we offer full or partial replacement to restore function
Our board-certified orthopedic specialists and sports medicine physicians work closely with each patient to create a plan that fits your diagnosis, lifestyle, and recovery goals.
Stay in the Game with Expert Shoulder Injury Care
Protecting your shoulder is essential for performance, comfort, and injury prevention. Whether you're dealing with pain or planning ahead, the team at Great Lakes Orthopedics is here to help you move forward with confidence.
Call us today at 219-365-0220 or request an appointment online to meet with a shoulder specialist at our St. John, Crown Point, or Lowell locations.
