Nonoperative Treatment of Common Shoulder Injuries in Athletes

Abstract

Shoulder injuries are relatively common in the overhead athlete due to the repetitive nature of the activity that involves high stress and velocity. Fortunately, most injuries respond to nonoperative treatment. This involves a comprehensive rehabilitation program that is individualized to the athlete and to the sport. The program is broken down into three phases based on the temporal relationship to the injury and response to treatment. It is important to achieve full range of motion and strength in the injured shoulder before the athlete's return to play. In addition, the rehabilitation must address the entire kinematic chain to prevent further injury and to prevent deconditioning upon returning to the sport. Any biomechanical deficits and adaptation to form that have developed in response to the injury must also be corrected during the treatment.