Overcoming Shoulder Pain: A Game-Changing Approach for Baseball and Softball Athletes
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This week on the Atlas Total Health Blog, we wanted to highlight a very common injury sustained by athletes – throwing related shoulder pain. Many chiropractic and physical therapy offices recommend rest, ice and stretching, but what does it actually do for athletes and HOW does it help patients dealing with insufferable shoulder pain? How does this actually help get athlete’s returning to throwing? Read all the way to the end of today’s article to find a helpful resource for you (or someone you know) who is currently dealing with shoulder pain so that you can get back to playing the sport you love!
6/14/2023
By: Alex Earl, DC DACRB
Shoulder Specialist
As a high school or college athlete who plays baseball or softball, shoulder pain can be a major setback, impacting your performance, team morale, and individual goals. Fortunately, there is a specialized approach that can help you overcome shoulder pain and get back in the game. In this article, we’ll explore the unique treatment methods provided by our team of clinicians at Atlas Total Health, a renowned chiropractic and physical medicine office who specialize in helping athletes like you recover from shoulder injuries.
Shoulder pain in baseball and softball athletes often stems from overuse injuries, particularly when athletes increase their activity level after a period of rest or low activity. Research conducted by Tim Gabbett, PhD has shed light on the injury risk curve, highlighting the importance of managing load and providing proper care to athletes at risk, especially high school and collegiate athletes.
At Atlas Total Health, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat shoulder pain in athletes. Unlike many providers who solely focus on orthopedic assessments, our approach combines dynamic assessments, orthopedic tests, functional movement tests, neurological testing, and a review of the individual’s throwing mechanics. This comprehensive approach allows for a more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to the needs of baseball and softball athletes.
One of our company’s core tenants is to identify the pain generator on the initial evaluation. If we don’t test it (the shoulder), our treatment becomes just a guess at what will help. The treatment provided by our team of clinicians goes beyond traditional chiropractic care. Through a combination of manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue techniques and joint manipulations, athletes experience pain relief, improved joint mobility, and enhanced overall performance. These techniques are specifically designed to address the unique demands placed on the shoulder during the throwing motion.
Chiropractic care plays a crucial role in optimizing shoulder function for baseball and softball athletes. By adjusting the cervical and thoracic spine, our expert clinicians at Atlas Total Health ensure that the shoulder can function optimally, reducing muscle tension and peripheral nerve sensitivity during the throwing motion. This approach not only alleviates pain but also enhances the athlete’s ability to perform at their best.
Our team of providers understand the importance of a comprehensive treatment plan. Through a structured progression model, athletes undergo a treatment program that focuses on relieving pain, building muscular endurance, stabilizing the spine, strengthening the shoulder girdle, and mimicking the demands of their sport. This approach helps athletes recover effectively and minimize the risk of future injuries all while being done in an atmosphere that cultivates results.
At our practices in Chattanooga and North Georgia, collaboration with other healthcare professionals is essential. Working closely with athletic training staff, coaches, and trainers, our staff ensures a team approach to the athlete’s recovery. In some cases, referrals to specialists or surgical consultations may be required. This comprehensive care ensures that athletes receive the best possible treatment and support throughout their rehabilitation journey.
We believe in empowering athletes with the knowledge and tools to prevent future injuries and mitigate the risks of being sidelined. By addressing individual home exercise programs, providing nutritional recommendations, and emphasizing the importance of sleep and lifestyle factors, athletes can build a more robust shoulder and reduce the risk of reinjury. We are dedicated to helping athletes achieve long-term success in their chosen sport.
If you’re a high school or college athlete struggling with shoulder pain, don’t let it hold you back from your passion. Schedule a New Patient Evaluation by calling (866) 668-0108. Don’t wait any longer to overcome your shoulder pain and get back to doing what you love.
Recently, a local softball player came to our Fort Oglethorpe office with shoulder pain. As part of our early stages of care, we utilized manual therapy and chiropractic adjusting to help relieve some tight muscles. She said she felt “knots” all over her shoulder and was worried about them. We identified the location and did our best to work the soft tissue to help reduce her pain and her overall sensitivity to movement.
When she first came in, she was really worried about possibly having to sit out of her upcoming school season. We reassured her that it didn’t look like something that needed extensive treatment BUT that she needed to be diligent about getting her neck and shoulder treated in the shortest time possible.
After helping this patient overcome shoulder pain in just a few visits, I wanted to write an article to help others just like her. Even though she’s pain free, we are still working on correcting the underlying issues so that she can continue to pitch at a high level without any fear, worry or concern about her shoulder. If you currently have neck pain, you should consider booking an appointment with a chiropractic physician at one of our Atlas Total Health locations!
If you’re a high school or college athlete struggling with shoulder pain, don’t let it hold you back from your passion. Our team is here to support you on your journey to recovery. They understand the importance of making an informed decision and offer several options to help you get started:
Don’t let shoulder pain hinder your athletic performance and enjoyment of the game. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality care and helping you regain full function and performance. Take the first step towards recovery today by calling/texting our office to book your New Patient Examination today!
Remember, your journey towards a pain-free shoulder starts with a single step. Don’t wait any longer to get back to doing what you love.