Shoulder Injuries in Athletes: Diagnosis and Treatment

The shoulder is one of the most versatile yet vulnerable joints in the body, making it particularly susceptible to injury in athletes. Whether you’re a swimmer, baseball player, weightlifter, or tennis enthusiast, repetitive movements and high-impact activities can put significant strain on the rotator cuff, ligaments, and tendons. sports physiotherapy Edmonton At Next Step Physiotherapy, we specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries to help athletes regain strength, mobility, and confidence.

 

Common Shoulder Injuries in Athletes

 

Athletes often experience shoulder pain and dysfunction due to overuse, trauma, or poor movement mechanics. 

 

✔ Rotator Cuff Tears – Damage to the small muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder, often caused by repetitive overhead motions.

✔ Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – When tendons become compressed between bones, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

✔ Dislocations and Instability – High-impact sports can cause the shoulder to pop out of place, leading to chronic instability.

✔ Labral Tears – A tear in the cartilage surrounding the socket, common in throwing sports and weightlifting.

✔ Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – A condition where the shoulder stiffens, limiting range of motion and function.

 

Diagnosing Shoulder Injuries

At Next Step Physiotherapy, our expert physiotherapists perform a comprehensive assessment to determine the cause of your pain and mobility issues. Diagnosis includes:

 

✔ Medical History & Symptom Review – Understanding when and how the pain started.

✔ Physical Examination – Assessing range of motion, strength, and stability to identify dysfunction.

✔ Special Tests – Using clinical tests to detect rotator cuff injuries, impingements, or instability.

✔ Referral for Imaging (If Needed) – X-rays or MRIs may be recommended in severe cases.

 

Physiotherapy Treatment for Shoulder Injuries

At Next Step Physiotherapy in Edmonton, we use a combination of evidence-based treatments to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent future injuries.

 

✔ Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.

✔ Exercise Rehabilitation – Targeted strength and flexibility exercises to restore shoulder function.

✔ Dry Needling – Relieves muscle tension and promotes healing in deep tissues.

✔ Shockwave Therapy – Stimulates tissue repair for chronic shoulder injuries.

✔ Postural & Movement Correction – Prevents reinjury by improving shoulder mechanics and posture.

 

Return to Sport & Injury Prevention

Our sports physiotherapists not only focus on recovery but also on preventing future shoulder injuries. We develop personalized training programs to enhance:

 

✔ Shoulder stability and strength

✔ Proper warm-up and cooldown techniques

✔ Biomechanical corrections to reduce strain

 

Get Expert Shoulder Care at Next Step Physiotherapy

 

If you’re struggling with a shoulder injury, don’t let it sideline you. At Next Step Physiotherapy in Edmonton, we provide personalized, hands-on care to help athletes recover and return to peak performance. Book an appointment today and take the next step toward pain-free movement!

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