Softball is a competitive and a recreational sports played by millions of people in North America. Even though many athletes play softball as a diversion and not a profession, they take it very seriously and might play three or more times per week. That frequent play can lead to shoulder injuries.
Burning Pain
You may feel a burning pain in your shoulder when you have thrown too much and overused your shoulder. That pain will start out between your upper shoulder and your neck and will radiate down your arm. Every time you use your shoulder -- including reaching for a household item or even using a knife and fork -- you will feel some degree of pain. The key to getting rid of that pain is resting the shoulder for at least two weeks to give the muscles and tendons a chance to recover properly. This problem comes from overuse and it can also come from poor mechanics. This is a problem with veteran players who don't spend as much time thinking about their form and can develop bad habits.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a series of four small muscles that allow the shoulder to move precisely. Throwing a softball or baseball regularly will stress the rotator cuff and this will be exacerbated when the softball player uses incorrect mechanics. Rotator cuff injuries are often typified by a slight pain that grows more significant over time. In its early stages, rotator cuff soreness is treated with ice and ibuprofen. "Due to the delicate nature of the muscles, tears can occur and they may need to be repaired by surgery," says orthopedic surgeon, Dr. David Littner. "In the thrower it is rare for the cuff to suddenly tear through and through, but it can happen gradually. Usually, the pain gets too great to pitch long before the tear penetrates all the way through the cuff tendon."
Overcompensating for the Shoulder
Softball players who have shoulder problems may try to take the pressure off their shoulder by changing their motion and throwing approach. Instead of throwing normally and naturally, they may lead with their elbow, take a longer or shorter step forward with their stride leg or bend their back a little bit more when throwing. This is the worst thing any softball player can do. Instead of addressing the original problem, the player develops an additional problem in the elbow, back, neck or lower body. Softball players who feel a dull thudding in the shoulder are more likely to try to change their motion than those who feel significant pain. It's not a matter of "sucking it up" and showing your toughness. Whenever there is any kind of consistent pain, softball players must get their shoulder problems checked out and they can't ignore the discomfort.
