Throwing Injuries

• Shoulder
• Dislocated Shoulder
• Frozen Shoulder
• Throwing Injuries
  • Diagnosis & Testing
  • Treatment
  • Surgical Management
  • Rehabilitation
• Rotator Cuff Disorder

Mechanism of Injury
Athletes who are required to pitch or throw several hundred times during a practice or a game put a large amount of stress on their shoulders and elbows. Poor throwing technique is the primary cause of all throwing injuries, and simple overuse contributes to these types of injuries as well. Arm, shoulder, and elbow problems resulting from throwing are especially recognized in career pitchers who’ve been throwing for most of their lifetime.

The physicians at Geisinger Medical Center treat baseball and softball players, track and field competitors, and football players who encounter throwing injuries like ulnar collateral ligament tears in the elbow and rotator cuff tears. A common condition known as “Little Leaguer’s Elbow” is diagnosed in young ballplayers suffering from ligament tears and inflammation of the growth plate which can lead to bone damage and deformity if left untreated. Another throwing injury called osteochondrosis is characterized by loosening of the bone and cartilage around the elbow.

Throwing athletes are also at risk for tendonitis, impingement syndrome, broken arm, broken hand or broken wrist, and labrum tears. Athletes participating in repetitive throwing motions may also experience overlapping conditions. It is recommended that a sports medicine physician be consulted regularly for examination and advice on avoidance of throwing injuries.

Athletes with a throwing injury may experience:

• Elbow sprain symptoms
• Progressive pain
• Pain on the inner area of the elbow
• Pain while throwing
• Inability to control pitches
• Locking of the elbow joint
• Shoulder pain
• Aching or discomfort
• Sharp pains

Don’t let an injury keep you on the bench. Schedule your Geisinger Sports Medicine appointment today.