Throwing a ball, swinging a bat and sliding into first-base can all cause shoulder injuries while playing softball. According to a 2007 report published in the "Journal of Athletic Training," shoulder tendinitis is one of the most common shoulder injuries in softball. Other shoulder injuries include muscle strains, ligament sprains and labral tears. Initial treatment consists of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Consult your doctor about persistent pain.
Muscle Strain
A forceful contraction of your shoulder muscles can result in a muscle strain or tear. Your rotator cuff muscles are particularly susceptible to injury, especially where the muscles attach to the tendon. Strength imbalances between shoulder muscles, tight muscles and an inadequate warmup before playing softball can increase your risk of a muscle strain. Symptoms include muscle weakness, shoulder pain and joint instability.
Separated Shoulder
When the ligaments holding your collarbone down to your shoulder are torn, it is referred to as a separated shoulder. Causes of a separated shoulder include falling on your shoulder or a direct blow to your shoulder. Symptoms include shoulder pain, joint instability, swelling and decreased range of motion. A separated shoulder also causes a noticeable bump where your collarbone meets you shoulder, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Impingement Syndrome and Tendinitis
Shoulder impingement syndrome is when tendons, such as your supraspinatus tendon, are compressed around your shoulder. Over time your tendon becomes inflamed, causing tendinitis. Shoulder impingement syndrome can also lead to bursitis, which is inflammation of your bursa sac -- a sac of fluid located around tendons. Repetitive shoulder movements, like throwing a softball, can lead to shoulder impingement syndrome and tendinitis. Symptoms include joint stiffness, swelling and pain, especially with overhead throwing and pitching.
Labral Tear
Your labrum is the cartilage that surrounds your shoulder to help provide joint stability. Falling on an outreached arm, dislocating your shoulder and having excessive shoulder flexibility can cause labral tears. Popping, catching, pain and joint instability are common symptoms. If a labral tear is ignored, you may develop shoulder arthritis over time, leading to shoulder stiffness, increased pain and muscle loss.
Treatment
Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation of your shoulder. Wear a sling to elevate your arm and reduce painful shoulder movements. Take over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen, to decrease severe pain. Your physician may recommend additional conservative treatment options, including corticosteroid injections, prescription pain medications and physical therapy. If pain persists after conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary.
Prevention
To prevent shoulder injuries, warm up prior to playing softball, stretch before and after and allow adequate rest between games and practices. Performing strength exercises for your rotator cuff muscles, such as shoulder internal and external rotation, can also help stabilize and protect your shoulder from injuries. Consult your coach about improving your throwing and pitching techniques, such as shoulder and body position, to reduce your risk of shoulder injuries as well.
References
- "Journal of Athletic Training"; Descriptive Epidemiology of Collegiate Women's Softball Injuries: National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System, 1988--1989 Through 2003--2004; Stephen W. Marshall, Ph.D., et al.; June 2007
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Shoulder Pain & Problems
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Shoulder Separation; October 2007
- "American Family Physician"; Management of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome and Rotator Cuff Tears; Allen E. Fongemie, M.D., et al; February 1998
- "British Journal of Sports Medicine"; Exercise Therapy for the Conservative Management of Full Thickness Tears of the Rotator Cuff: A Systematic Review; Roberta Ainsworth, et al.; 2007
