What is Thrower’s Shoulder?
Thrower’s shoulder, a common overuse injury among athletes participating in repetitive overhead sports like cricket, volleyball, and javelin, is our specialty at Elite Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre. Our individualized, research-based strategy guarantees the best possible recovery and performance restoration.
Causes and Mechanism of Injury
Repetitive overhead actions that put a great deal of strain on the shoulder’s anatomical structures can cause a thrower’s shoulder. Important contributing elements consist of:
- Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD): A decrease in internal rotation range relative to the non-dominant shoulder, resulting in changed biomechanics.
- Posterior Capsule Tightness: Restricted internal rotation results in compensatory movements and more strain on the anterior tissues.
- Scapular Dyskinesis: Shoulder stability and function are impacted by abnormal scapular movement.
- Muscle Imbalances: Shoulder mechanics are disrupted when internal and external rotators have disproportionately strong muscles.
Together, these elements cause microtrauma, which results in diseases such as internal impingement, labral tears, and rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Clinical Features
Athletes with a thrower’s shoulder may present with:
- Pain: Located in the superior or posterior shoulder, and made worse by throwing.
- Decreased Performance: Reduced accuracy and velocity of throwing.
- Stiffness: Particularly in movements involving internal rotation.
- Fatigue: Caused by impaired shoulder mechanics, it manifests early during activity.
Diagnostic Approach at Elite Physiotherapy
Our comprehensive assessment protocol includes:
Physical Examination
We conduct a thorough evaluation focusing on:
- Range of Motion (ROM): Evaluating internal and external rotation abnormalities.
- Strength Testing: Involves assessing the scapular stabilizer and rotator cuff muscles.
- Postural Analysis: Determining the alignment of the thoracic spine and scapular placement.
Special Orthopedic Tests
Utilizing specific tests to pinpoint the affected structures:
- Neer and Hawkins-Kennedy Tests: Identify subacromial impingement.
- The Jobe’s (Empty Can) Test: Evaluates the integrity of the supraspinatus.
- Crank Test: Identifies labral pathology.
- Drop Arm Test: Evaluates rotator cuff tears.
- Apprehension and Relocation Tests: Assess anterior shoulder instability.
Functional Assessment
To find the biomechanical flaws causing the injury, we examine the athlete’s throwing technique.
Advanced Physiotherapy Management at Elite Physiotherapy
Our individualized rehabilitation programs aim to restore function, alleviate pain, and prevent recurrence.
Manual Therapy
Techniques include:
- Joint Mobilizations: Improve scapulothoracic and glenohumeral mobility through joint mobilizations.
- Soft Tissue Mobilization: Treat rotator cuff and posterior capsule myofascial limitations.
Therapeutic Exercises
We design certain exercises to:
- Improve ROM: Increase ROM by concentrating on posterior capsule flexibility and internal rotation.
- Strengthen Muscles: To regain equilibrium, focus on the scapular stabilizers and rotator cuff.
- Improve Neuromuscular Control: For synchronized movement patterns, including proprioceptive training.
High-End Modalities
We incorporate cutting-edge technologies to accelerate recovery:
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): In tendinopathies, ESWT lessens discomfort and encourages tissue regeneration.
- Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET) Therapy: Uses specific radiofrequency radiation to promote deep tissue repair.
- The Super Inductive System (SIS): Promotes pain management and neuromuscular activation.
- High-Intensity Class IV Laser Therapy: Reduces inflammation and promotes cellular healing.
- Hydrotherapy: Promotes strength and mobility by using buoyancy to carry out low-impact workouts.
- Cryotherapy: Using regulated cold therapy, cryotherapy is used to treat acute pain and inflammation.
Functional Training
We incorporate sport-specific drills to:
- Reinforce Proper Mechanics: Fix improper throwing motion patterns.
- Develop Endurance: Strengthen your muscles to endure prolonged use.
Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre?
Our clinic stands out due to:
- Expertise: In-depth understanding of shoulder injuries associated with sports.
- Personalized Care: Rehabilitation plans that are specific to each athlete.
- Advanced Technology: Availability of state-of-the-art treatment approaches.
- Holistic Approach: Taking into account both the injury and the athlete’s overall performance.
Conclusion
Treatment for the thrower’s shoulder must be complex. In order to guarantee that players return to their sport stronger and more resilient, we at Elite Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre combine clinical experience with cutting-edge therapeutic approaches. A thorough rehabilitation program and early intervention are essential for positive results.