It comes as no surprise to hear that athletes are especially prone to injuries.
In fact, professional athletes risk injury every time they practice, play, or train, making the job one of the five most injurious occupations. There are more than 1,000 reported injuries per 10,000 athletes a year.
Are you curious about shoulder injuries in sports? Shoulder pain is one of the most common sports injuries, so if you’ve experienced it yourself, you’re not alone.
Here, we answer some of your most pressing questions—keep reading.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries in Sports?
Many shoulder problems stem from throwing injuries, but that’s certainly not the only way one can hurt their shoulders. Depending on your type of training, there are several ways to injure that area.
Football players, for example, experience collisions and tacklings on the regular—not even mentioning catching or throwing the ball. Baseball players are another athlete that commonly injures their shoulders, with the nature of the sport. However, even yoga practitioners are at risk of shoulder injuries—some for over-stretching, some for being tight and using improper form.
Strength and conditioning are an important part of athleticism, but so are warming up and cooling down properly, practicing dynamic stretches, and other activities that stave off injury. Many athletes suffer injuries after neglecting to do these activities. Mindful movement is essential to staying injury-free.
What Are One’s Therapy Options After Suffering a Shoulder Injury?
Luckily, there are several therapy options available to people dealing with shoulder injuries!
One may consider any of the following:
- Precision sports medicine
- Regenerative therapy
- NSAIDs, or anti-inflammatory medication, with approval from your primary care physician
- Heat therapy (like the use of a heating pad) or cold therapy, as in using a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Specific shoulder exercises and stretches to build strength, flexibility, and mobility
- Preventative measures, such as using good posture and taking rest days
- Seeing a doctor if and when necessary for guidance on recovery
If you are currently experiencing an injury, it’s crucial to give yourself time to heal. As an athlete, it’s tempting to push through the pain—keep practicing, keep playing, keep stretching as usual. If you can help it, take the time off, using it to work out other body parts, enjoy some relaxation, or work with a physical therapist.
Got a Sports Shoulder Injury? Boulder Through With This Information
Shoulder injuries are common, but that doesn’t make them any less annoying. They can inhibit our ability to perform in sports or even at home—grabbing towels from the top shelf, spices from the cabinet, lifting baskets of laundry. We need our shoulders to operate well in all aspects of life.
Avoid shoulder injuries in sports by warming up, stretching, and checking in regularly. You may consider therapy, massage, or other therapeutic solutions.
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