What are the most common shoulder injuries in athletes?

Athletes often place heavy demands on their shoulders, especially in sports that require repetitive overhead motions such as baseball, tennis, swimming, and volleyball. The most common injuries seen in this group include rotator cuff tears, labral tears, impingement syndrome, dislocations, and tendonitis. These conditions develop either from sudden trauma, like a fall or collision, or from gradual wear and tear caused by overuse.

Each of these injuries can present differently. For example, rotator cuff tears may cause weakness and difficulty lifting the arm, while labral tears often produce clicking or a sensation of instability in the joint. Shoulder impingement may feel like a sharp pain when reaching overhead, and tendonitis can cause aching that worsens with activity. Understanding these differences is key to diagnosing and treating shoulder pain effectively.

If you are an athlete experiencing persistent shoulder pain, limited range of motion, or difficulty performing at your usual level, it’s important to seek help early. Contacting an orthopedic specialist like the team at Badia Hand to Shoulder Center can help you get the right diagnosis and a customized treatment plan, allowing you to recover faster and return to the sport you love.