Overhead Injuries
what is an overhead injury?
People that perform repetitive overhead movements place unique demands on their bodies, especially at the shoulder. Appropriate mechanics play a crucial role in preventing injury and performance (endurance, too).
It is common for athletes who play overhead sports (swimming, tennis, volleyball, baseball, softball, track and field events, etc.) to suffer overhead injuries, but it’s also common for those with careers heavy with overhead use (painters, carpenters, drywallers, mechanics, etc.). Both populations commonly develop pain or suffer an injury to their shoulder or elbow. But that doesn’t mean the problem starts or ends there. For many, the underlying cause of arm injuries is a lack of coordination and strength of the structures closer to the body, including the shoulder blade, spine, pelvis and hips. At HealthQuest, we have trained specialists who look at all of these pieces as a whole in order to effectively and safely help you.
40+ CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
GOALS & STRATEGIES
for treating overhead injuries
eliminate/reduce
pain & swelling
improved
mobility & flexibility
increased
strength & endurance
education & preventative tools
return to
normal function
proper
alignment
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journey to health Today
COMMON OVERHEAD CONDITIONS
we treat
Overhead actions require a delicate balance between shoulder mobility and functional stability. When balance is compromised, it commonly leads to shoulder and elbow injuries, as well as injuries at different parts of the body. Pitching (baseballs & softballs), spiking volleyballs, serving tennis balls, swinging golf clubs, passing footballs, and launching javelins are all common athletic activities we see injuries occurring. However, there are also work-related overhead injuries. Certain job tasks on a construction site, such as drilling, driving fasteners or finishing drywall, may require workers to raise one or both of their arms above their shoulders, or even a stylist or barber. During each of these activities, the arm must reach a unique position and then accelerate rapidly through a precise path. Not only must the arm coordinate its movement, but the forces from the feet through the core and pelvis must be transmitted through the hand in a seamless sequence. This intricate but explosive movement puts overhead athletes at risk of injury.
Bursitis
- Bursitis is an irritation or inflammation of the fluid filled sack or “bursa” that cushions the tendons and joints. When the bursa becomes irritated the shoulder may become painful and stiff.
Impingement
- Impingement is a common condition of the shoulder where the shoulder tendons and bursa are impinged from the bones of the shoulder, leading to inflammation and pain. This often leads to pain with reaching overhead and lifting or carrying.
Tendonitis
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
Frozen Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Injury
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Rotator cuff strain
- Rotator cuff tear (may be partial or complete tear)
Strains/Sprains
Labrum Injury
- The labrum is a cup-shaped rim of cartilage that lines and reinforces the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder.
- The two most common types of labral injuries are SLAP tear and Bankart tear.
TREATMENT PLAN
for overhead sports injuries
We treat the individual…not just the pain or dysfunction. Your physical therapy treatment may include: