For athletes, the shoulder joint is one of the most heavily used and vulnerable areas of the body. It provides the greatest range of motion of any joint, but that mobility comes with a trade-off: instability and injury risk. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, untreated shoulder problems can quickly affect your performance and quality of life.
Dr. Michael Rytel at Rytel Sports Medicine provides expert care for athletes of all ages. From sports-related shoulder injuries to chronic pain, we create treatment plans that reduce pain, restore function, and support long-term recovery. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or symptoms that interfere with movement, don’t wait—book a consultation with our team today.
Below, we explore five common shoulder injuries in athletes and what you should know about their symptoms, risks, and treatment options.
1. Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder and help you lift and rotate your arm. Repetitive motion, overuse, or direct trauma can cause partial or complete rotator cuff tears, especially in baseball players, swimmers, or weightlifters.
Symptoms of rotator cuff tear include:
- Pain when lifting or lowering the arm
- Weakness in the shoulder
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
Ignoring a torn rotator cuff may lead to worsening damage and limited range of motion. Treatment may begin with physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medication. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
2. Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are pinched between the upper arm bone and the shoulder blade. This often affects athletes involved in overhead sports such as tennis, volleyball, and swimming.
Common signs of shoulder impingement include:
- Sharp pain when lifting the arm
- Weakness or fatigue during athletic movements
- Pain that increases with activity but improves with rest
Early treatment can prevent tendon damage. Rest, physical therapy, cold therapy, and stretching exercises can reduce inflammation. In persistent cases, surgical intervention may be needed to create more space in the joint.
3. Shoulder Instability and Dislocation
Athletes who experience a shoulder dislocation or frequent subluxation (partial dislocation) may have shoulder instability, where the joint becomes loose or slips out of place during motion.
Treatment for shoulder dislocation often involves:
- A physical examination and review of medical history
- Immobilisation followed by gradual physical therapy
- Surgery for repeated dislocations or instability in high-performance athletes
Symptoms include severe pain, a visible deformity, swelling, and limited range of motion. Some athletes feel like their shoulder is “slipping” or “catching” during movement. Without proper care, dislocation can damage the shoulder socket, rotator cuff tendons, or nerves.
4. Labrum Tear
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the shoulder socket, helping to stabilise the joint. Repetitive overhead motions or trauma can lead to labrum tears, which are common in sports like baseball, gymnastics, and CrossFit.
Labrum tear shoulder symptoms may include:
- Deep, aching pain in the shoulder
- Clicking or catching during movement
- Feeling of instability or weakness
- Reduced ability to throw or lift
Athletes with labral tears may benefit from rest, targeted strengthening, and activity modifications. In some cases, orthopaedic surgeons may recommend arthroscopic repair if symptoms persist.
5. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is characterised by stiffness and pain caused by inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule. It may develop after injury, overuse, or periods of inactivity. While more common in older adults, it can affect athletes recovering from shoulder trauma or surgery.
Signs of frozen shoulder include:
- Gradual loss of motion
- Pain that worsens at night
- Stiffness that makes simple tasks difficult
- Limited ability to stretch or rotate the arm
Treatment usually involves physical therapy to improve flexibility, stretching, and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases may require surgical release of the capsule.
The Cost of Ignoring Shoulder Injuries
Even mild shoulder injuries in athletes can evolve into long-term problems if not treated early. Athletes who push through the pain may face chronic inflammation, joint instability, and permanent tissue damage.
Delaying care can lead to:
- Increased risk of tendon rupture
- Degenerative changes in the shoulder joint
- Poor performance and longer recovery periods
- The need for surgical repair or shoulder replacement
If shoulder pain is limiting your movement, strength, or sleep, it’s time to seek treatment.
Comprehensive Shoulder Injury Treatment in Brackenridge, PA
At Rytel Sports Medicine, we provide focused care for sports-related shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears, impingement, instability, and labral damage. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Rytel may recommend:
- Non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, cold therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications
- Surgical procedures, including shoulder replacement or minimally invasive repair when needed
- Rehabilitation plans tailored to sport-specific movement, shoulder stability, and long-term recovery
Our goal is to restore your performance, reduce pain, and prevent future injury—so you can return to the activities you love, safely and confidently.
How to Prevent Shoulder Injuries Before They Happen
Preventing shoulder injuries begins with intentional care—strengthening key muscles, improving movement patterns, and addressing early discomfort before it leads to more serious problems.
Here are some practical tips to help you protect your shoulders:
- Warm up thoroughly before any athletic or overhead activity
- Maintain proper form during sports, training, and everyday movements
- Use resistance bands or bodyweight exercises to build shoulder stability and control
- Limit repetitive overhead motions and take breaks when needed
- Pay attention to pain or fatigue—rest is critical when early symptoms arise
- Consult a physical therapist for guidance on posture, flexibility, and joint protection
Proactive habits like these reduce your risk of shoulder injury and help maintain long-term strength, mobility, and performance.
Regain Control with Expert Shoulder Injury Care in Brackenridge
Addressing shoulder pain early can prevent long-term damage and support safe, lasting recovery. Whether it’s a torn rotator cuff or instability from overuse, we’re here to help.
Book your appointment with Dr. Rytel at Rytel Sports Medicine to explore treatment options designed for your activity level, injury type, and performance goals. Your recovery starts here.
