Injuries in Overhead Athletes

An Overview of Injuries in Overhead Athletes

Sports that involve overhead motions, such as tennis and baseball, place significant stress on the shoulder joint. When injuries do occur, they usually do so in specific patterns that are not common with other shoulder injuries. Recognition of these specific injuries and appropriate, timely treatment is essential so the athlete can return to sports. Common injuries seen by Dr. Peter Millett are rotator cuff injuries, labral and SLAP tears and glenohumeral internal rotation deficit.

Throwing injuries in the overhead athlete are commonly found in baseball pitchers, but injuries can also affect players involved in other sports such as volleyball and tennis. These shoulder injuries are caused by significant stress being placed on the structures within the joint that keep the humeral head centered in the glenoid socket.

In order to fully understand shoulder injuries in overhead athletes, it is necessary to understand the pitching/throwing motion. There are five stages to the motion – wind-up, early cocking, late cocking, acceleration and follow-through. The late cocking and follow-through phases place the most amount of stress on the shoulder joint. When one structure within the joint becomes weakened from overuse and stress, other structures must handle the overload, often leading to joint pain, stiffness and weakness.

Symptoms of Shoulder Throwing Injuries

Throwing injuries in overhead athletes range a great deal in symptoms depending on the shoulder injury that is present. The most common symptoms are shoulder pain, weakness, stiffness, instability and decreased range of motion.

Have you sustained an overhead throwing injury?

There are two ways to initiate a consultation with Dr. Millett:

You can provide current X-rays and/or MRIs for a clinical case review ($250).

You can schedule an office consultation with Dr. Millett.

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Diagnosis of Shoulder Throwing Injuries

A diagnosis of throwing injuries in the overhead athlete is reached by Dr. Millett performing a physical examination and diagnostic tests, as well as discussing the patient’s medical history, symptoms and athletic involvement. During the physical examination, he will look at range of motion, stability and strength of the affected shoulder. Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, an MRI scan and a CT scan, may also be performed to identify associated injuries and to confirm the injury diagnosis.

Treatment of Shoulder Throwing Injuries

Non-Surgical

The majority of patients will begin treatment with a non-surgical approach, including rest, ice, activity modifications, anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections, as well as a physical therapy program aimed at strengthening the joint and improving range of motion.

Surgical

If shoulder pain and other symptoms are not alleviated with conservative measures, Dr. Millett may recommend a surgical procedure. The type of surgery performed will depend on several factors, such as patient’s age, injury type and severity of injury. Many throwing injuries requiring surgery can be treated with an arthroscopic approach.

For additional resources on shoulder injuries of overhead athletes, please contact the orthopedic office of Dr. Peter Millett.

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!