Athletes are susceptible to shoulder injuries throughout the throwing process. The shoulder has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body and it is fairly common to place it in stressful situations. The throwing athlete -- typically baseball, football along with track and field events like the javelin, discus and shot put -- have to contend with minor problems like soreness and stiffness all the way to dislocations and tears.
Tendinitis
The most common shoulder injury to throwing athletes is tendinitis. This is associated with overuse of the shoulder or biceps during the throwing process. A shoulder will feel tired and sore at first. If the athlete tries to work through that feeling, he can do further damage to his shoulder that will make the injury far worse and the rehab more complicated. Athletes who feel soreness during the throwing process -- especially when there is a sudden onset -- need to stop throwing and then get the joint checked out by an orthopedic physician.
Instability
A shoulder joint may be forced out of its normal position. This is called instability, and can lead to dislocation. This is a painful experience that will often manifest itself when the athlete is lifting his shoulder to an overhead position. The pain will be noticed as the arm is lifted higher and there is also a sensation that the shoulder is slipping out of place.
Impingement
When the throwing athlete feels a pinching sensation or a sharp pain at some point during the throwing process, impingement is possible. This is most often felt as the athlete is preparing to throw and the instant the athlete lets go of the ball. It is not as big an issue during the follow through process of the throw. When a shoulder impingement occurs, the shoulder muscles rub against the top part of the shoulder blade. This bone is called the acromion. Athletes should not try to work through this pain or "tough it out." That can cause further damage. Immediate medical attention is needed.
Rotator Cuff Tear
All movement by the shoulder joint is supported by four small muscles that comprise the rotator cuff. All of these muscles are relatively small and are vulnerable to tearing. Rotator cuff tears prevent an athlete from being able to throw adequately or lift his arm easily, according to the MayoClinic.com. Signficant pain may also be associated with a rotator cuff tear. Surgical intervention is often needed to repair the tear.
