Overhead Athlete Shoulder (Thrower’s Shoulder)
What Is Overhead Athlete Shoulder?
Overhead Athlete Shoulder, often referred to as Thrower’s Shoulder, describes a set of shoulder problems experienced by athletes who frequently perform overhead motions — such as baseball pitchers, volleyball players, tennis players, and swimmers. These repetitive movements place significant strain on the rotator cuff, labrum, and shoulder stabilizers, leading to microtrauma, inflammation, and eventual dysfunction.
Causes and Risk Factors
Repetitive overhead throwing or serving
Imbalanced shoulder and scapular muscles
Poor throwing mechanics or overtraining
Posterior shoulder capsule tightness
Laxity or instability of the shoulder joint
Internal impingement (where the rotator cuff pinches between the glenoid and humeral head during cocking phase of a throw)
Symptoms
Deep, aching pain in the back or top of the shoulder
Loss of throwing velocity or control
Feeling of shoulder looseness or instability during activity
Shoulder stiffness or tightness after performance
Pain with late-cocking or follow-through phases in throwing
Fatigue or decreased endurance in the shoulder
Diagnosis
Thorough physical examination with stress tests for instability
Assessment of scapular control, internal/external rotation range, and strength
MRI or MR arthrogram may reveal:
Labral tears (e.g., SLAP lesions)
Rotator cuff tendinosis or partial tears
Posterior capsule tightness
Dynamic imaging or video analysis of throwing motion may help in some cases
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatment
Rest and modification of activity (temporary break from throwing)
NSAIDs to reduce inflammation
Physical therapy to:
Restore range of motion (especially internal rotation)
Strengthen rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers
Correct throwing mechanics
Gradual return-to-throwing program under medical supervision
Surgical Treatment
Considered if symptoms persist after 3–6 months of rehab or if imaging shows structural damage
Possible procedures include:
Labral repair (e.g., for SLAP tear)
Debridement of frayed tissue
Posterior capsular release (for tightness)
Surgery typically performed arthroscopically
Recovery Outlook
Most overhead athletes respond well to non-operative management with structured rehab
Post-surgical rehab includes:
Sling use for 1–2 weeks (if repair was done)
Progressive physical therapy over 4–6 months
Return to competitive throwing often begins at 6–9 months, depending on level of play and recovery
Why Kerlan Jobe Institute?
The sports medicine specialists at Kerlan Jobe Institute have decades of experience treating elite and amateur overhead athletes. With our team-based, evidence-driven approach, we focus on long-term recovery and sustainable performance gains to help athletes return to peak form.