A throwing injury of the shoulder is a common type of overuse injury that typically affects athletes involved in sports that require repetitive overhead motions, such as baseball, tennis, or swimming. These injuries often involve the structures of the shoulder joint, including the rotator cuff muscles, tendons, and the labrum. Repeated throwing motions can lead to wear and tear on these tissues, causing inflammation, microtears, or even more significant damage over time. The shoulder’s complex anatomy, designed for mobility rather than stability, makes it
particularly vulnerable to these types of injuries, especially when forceful movements are performed without adequate rest or conditioning.
Symptoms of a throwing shoulder injury may include pain, weakness, instability, or a reduced range of motion in the shoulder. The pain is often felt during or after throwing, especially with overhead motions, and can sometimes radiate down the arm. Over time, the repeated stress on the shoulder can lead to chronic issues such as rotator cuff tendinitis, labral tears, or instability, potentially interfering with athletic performance. These injuries are more likely to occur in athletes who do not properly warm up, stretch, or condition the shoulder muscles, or
those who have a history of previous shoulder injuries.
