The shoulder is a complex ball-and-socket joint made up of bones, tendons, muscles and ligaments. If any of the structures in the shoulder are damaged, it can lead to discomfort and decreased functionality. For baseball players in particular, overuse or injury can result in shoulder pain when throwing baseball. If you experience this, then these tips from leading Reading, PA area orthopedic expert Dr. Stephen Soffer may be of value to you.
Shoulder Pain When Throwing Baseball? Advice from a Top Orthopedic Surgeon
To understand why shoulder abnormalities can cause shoulder pain when throwing baseball, it’s helpful to learn more about what happens in the joint during a throwing motion. All of the following are involved:
- – Shoulder blade
- – Rotator cuff muscles and tendons
- – Shoulder joint (labrum & other cartilage)
- – Nerves controlling muscle function
In order to throw successfully and comfortably, all of these interconnected shoulder structures must function in harmony. If issues arise with one of them – for instance, if the labrum is injured and the joint loses stability – then throwing is likely to become painful and difficult. Reduced strength, pain extending down the arm or pain at night may also be signs of a shoulder problem.
So, how do you know what is causing your shoulder troubles? Visiting an orthopedic surgeon for an examination (and possibly imaging like an MRI) is the most effective way to pinpoint where the issue is stemming from so you can get the proper treatment to resolve it.
Reading, PA Area Patients Seeking Relief from Shoulder Pain Trust Dr. Soffer
Whether you’re a young athlete, a weekend warrior or an active senior, orthopedic issues shouldn’t hold you back from doing the activities you love. Skillful diagnosis and treatment from Dr. Soffer can help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
For decades, Dr. Soffer has been working with patients of all ages, providing world-class, individualized orthopedic care through both operative and nonoperative treatments. As part of his training, Dr. Soffer completed a sports medicine fellowship with esteemed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. To learn more about Dr. Soffer’s credentials and schedule an appointment, call our office at 610-375-4949.
