Risk Factors in Overhead Throwing Athletes

It has been documented in numerous studies that two strong contributing factors to increased shoulder pain and eventual breakdown are 1. internal rotation deficit and 2. lack of deceleration force. If 1 of if not both of these factors exist the body begins to compensate with changing throwing mechanics that can lead to additional problems down the road.

The most common injuries in baseball players involve the shoulder. Overhead throwing athletes develop unique rang of motion characteristics which can negatively effect the position of the shoulder during high velocity throwing. The characteristics most often looked at is the increased amount of external rotation (the movement of the arm in the early/late cocking phase) as well as a significant deficit in internal rotation (the movement of the arm during the transition from forward acceleration to deceleration). This deficit in the internal rotation mobility alters the shoulder kinematics leading to possible pathologic changes such as impingement and SLAP tears (aforementioned problems down the road).

Of the 5 main phases of throwing, the deceleration phase is recognized as the most harmful phase, and responsible for a majority of shoulder injuries in the overhead throwing athlete. During this phase the greatest torque is required as the muscles about the shoulder and shoulder blade eccentrically load to slow the arm down. Improper training of these muscles can lead to a significant strength imbalance and therefore negatively effect the position of the shoulder during high velocity throwing.

In isolation or especially in combination these factors can be detrimental to an overhead throwing athlete with the end result being should pain and injury especially in an overuse situation. A consideration we here at APEX pay very close attention to with our program design coupled with Biodex training for the overhead athlete to combat and help prevent these issues from occurring.