Shoulder Sports Injuries
(510) 818-7200
Menlo Park, CA
Fremont,CA
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Introduction
Athletes in the Bay Area, from professional athletes to golfers, tennis players and pickleballers rely on strong shoulders to excel in their sports. Shoulder injuries can disrupt performance and daily life, but with expert care, recovery is achievable. Dr. John Costouros, serving the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond from his offices in Menlo Park and Fremont, CA specializes in treating shoulder sports injuries, helping patients regain strength and return to their active lifestyles.
Shoulder Sports Injuries
Shoulder injuries are common in sports that involve repetitive arm motions or sudden impacts, such as swimming, tennis, and volleyball. The shoulder’s wide range of motion makes it vulnerable to strains, tears, and instability. Dr. Costouros provides personalized treatment plans to address these injuries, focusing on restoring function and preventing future issues.
Common Shoulder Injuries in Sports
Sports-related shoulder injuries often result from overuse, trauma, or improper technique. Athletes may experience pain, weakness, or limited motion, impacting their ability to compete. Below are four prevalent shoulder injuries, including how they occur, their symptoms, treatment options, and typical recovery timelines.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Rotator cuff tendinitis occurs when repetitive overhead motions, like those in swimming or baseball, inflame the rotator cuff tendons. Poor posture or weak shoulder muscles can worsen the condition. Athletes may feel a dull ache in the shoulder, pain when lifting the arm, or discomfort at night. Stiffness and weakness are also common.
Non-surgical options include rest, physical therapy to strengthen the rotator cuff, and anti-inflammatory medications. Corticosteroid injections may help reduce inflammation. Surgical repair is rare but may be needed for severe cases. With therapy, most athletes improve within 6 to 12 weeks. Full return to sports depends on adherence to rehabilitation.
Shoulder Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation occurs when a forceful impact, such as a fall in soccer or a tackle in football, pushes the upper arm bone out of its socket. Intense pain, visible deformity, and inability to move the shoulder are immediate signs. Recurrent dislocations may cause ongoing instability.
Non-surgical care involves manual repositioning of the joint, followed by immobilization and physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles. Surgery, such as arthroscopic stabilization, is considered for frequent dislocations. Non-surgical recovery takes 3 to 4 months. Post-surgical recovery may require 6 months, with gradual return to contact sports.
Labral Tear
The labrum, a ring of cartilage around the shoulder socket, can tear due to repetitive motions in sports like tennis or sudden trauma, such as a heavy lift in weightlifting. Symptoms include a catching sensation, deep shoulder pain, and reduced range of motion. Instability or weakness may also occur.
Non-surgical treatments focus on physical therapy to improve shoulder stability and reduce pain. Arthroscopic surgery to repair or trim the torn labrum is often needed for active athletes. Non-surgical recovery spans 8 to 12 weeks. Surgical recovery typically takes 4 to 6 months, with sport-specific rehab.
Acromioclavicular Joint Sprain
An acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain results from a direct blow to the shoulder, common in cycling falls or rugby collisions, causing ligament damage. Pain at the top of the shoulder, swelling, and tenderness are common. Severe cases may cause a visible bump due to joint separation.
Non-surgical care includes rest, ice, and physical therapy to restore motion and strength. Severe sprains or dislocations may require surgical reconstruction of ligaments. Mild sprains heal in 4 to 8 weeks. Surgical recovery may take 3 to 5 months, depending on the injury’s severity.
Shoulder sports injuries can sideline athletes, but with expert care, full recovery is possible. Dr. John Costouros, serving the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond from his offices in Menlo Park and Fremont, CA provides cutting-edge treatments to help athletes return to their sports stronger than ever.