Sports such as cricket, tennis, rugby, and swimming place significant strain on the shoulder and elbow, potentially causing painful injuries. Early expert assessment and treatment are crucial for effective recovery and a successful return to sports.
Why Do Athletes Suffer Shoulder and Elbow Injuries?
Shoulder and elbow injuries frequently affect athletes who perform repetitive overhead movements, such as throwing or serving. These repetitive actions can overload muscles, tendons, and joints, causing inflammation, tears, or instability.
Common Shoulder Injuries
Rotator Cuff Tears and Tendonitis
The rotator cuff stabilises and moves your shoulder joint. Constant overhead activity can inflame or tear these tendons.
- Symptoms: Pain, especially when lifting the arm overhead; weakness and limited motion.
- Treatment: Rest, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, surgery if severe or persistent.
Internal Impingement
Internal impingement happens when tissues inside the shoulder joint become pinched during overhead movements, especially common in throwing sports.
- Symptoms: Pain at the back of the shoulder during throwing motions.
- Treatment: Rest, physiotherapy (strengthening and flexibility exercises), surgical intervention in persistent cases.
SLAP Lesions (Labral Tears)
The labrum is a ring of cartilage stabilising the shoulder. Overhead sports can damage this, leading to instability.
- Symptoms: Deep shoulder pain, clicking sensation, reduced throwing accuracy and strength.
- Treatment: Physiotherapy initially, with arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery if necessary.
Shoulder Instability
This occurs due to repetitive strain or trauma, causing the shoulder to feel loose or frequently dislocate.
- Symptoms: Shoulder repeatedly slipping out, pain, weakness.
- Treatment: Physiotherapy to strengthen stabilising muscles, surgery for ongoing instability.
Common Elbow Injuries
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury (“Tommy John Injury”)
Repetitive throwing can damage this elbow ligament, crucial for joint stability.
- Symptoms: Pain inside the elbow, decreased throwing performance.
- Treatment: Rest, physiotherapy, surgery for severe cases or professional athletes.
Valgus Extension Overload (VEO)
Repeated throwing actions stress the back of the elbow joint, causing pain and damage.
- Symptoms: Sharp pain at the elbow tip, locking or catching sensation.
- Treatment: Rest, physiotherapy, sometimes surgery for ongoing symptoms.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Seen in younger athletes, OCD is damage to the elbow cartilage from repetitive activity.
- Symptoms: Elbow pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
- Treatment: Rest, physiotherapy, and surgical intervention for severe cases.
Clinical Pearls / Key Points
- Most shoulder and elbow injuries in athletes are due to repetitive stress.
- Good technique and appropriate strength training significantly reduce injury risk.
- Early diagnosis and proper treatment lead to better outcomes and quicker recovery.
Patient FAQs
Will I need surgery for my shoulder or elbow injury?
Many injuries improve without surgery, using rest, physiotherapy, and medication. Surgery is for severe or persistent injuries.
How long will recovery take after surgery?
Recovery varies, usually lasting from 3 to 12 months depending on the injury severity and treatment type.
Does physiotherapy help with sports injuries?
Yes, physiotherapy is highly effective in treating and preventing sports injuries by improving strength, flexibility, and function.
Call-to-Action
Book an appointment to be reviewed by Prof Imam or another member of our specialist team at The Arm Clinic. Early specialist care helps prevent long-term issues. Visit www.TheArmDoc.co.uk or book your consultation today.
Phone: 020 3384 5588 | Email: Info@TheArmDoc.co.uk
Early assessment means a quicker and safer return to sport.