Most Common Sports Shoulder Injuries and Their Treatments

Introduction

The shoulder is one of the most mobile — and therefore one of the most vulnerable — joints in the human body. For athletes and active individuals, shoulder injuries are common due to repetitive motion, heavy strain, and sudden impacts. Whether you play tennis, baseball, swim, or lift weights, the risk of sports shoulder injuries is real and often underestimated.

At the Miami Shoulder Institute, we specialize in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating all types of shoulder injuries using cutting-edge techniques and personalized care. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common sports shoulder injuries, their causes, and the advanced treatments available to help you get back in the game.

1. Rotator Cuff Tears

What It Is:

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Repetitive overhead motions — common in sports like baseball, tennis, or swimming — can cause these tendons to tear.

Symptoms:

Persistent shoulder pain, especially at night
Weakness or difficulty lifting the arm
Limited range of motion

Treatment at Miami Shoulder Institute:

Non-surgical options: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections.
Surgical options: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair — a minimally invasive technique that promotes faster recovery and minimal scarring.

The Miami Shoulder Institute has extensive experience in restoring shoulder function for athletes with rotator cuff injuries, using advanced, personalized rehabilitation programs.

2. Shoulder Dislocation and Instability

What It Is:

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the shoulder socket, causing tears in the anterior or posterior labrum, or even fracture of the socket. This can result from a fall, collision, or extreme arm rotation — frequent in contact sports like football or wrestling.

Symptoms:

Sudden, intense pain after impact
Visible deformity or shoulder “out of place” feeling
Numbness or weakness in the arm

Treatment at Miami Shoulder Institute:

Initial care: Reduction (repositioning of the shoulder) and immobilization.
Rehabilitation: Strengthening and stabilization exercises.
Surgical care: For recurrent dislocations, arthroscopic Bankart repair, Latarjet, bony allograft or Remplissage procedures may be recommended to restore stability.

At the Miami Shoulder Institute, surgeons use advanced stabilization techniques to help athletes regain full range of motion and prevent future dislocations.

3. Labral Tears

What It Is:

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder socket. Overhead motions or traumatic injuries can cause superior (upper) labral tear (SLAP lesion).

Symptoms:

Catching or locking sensation in the shoulder
Deep shoulder pain during motion
Loss of strength in overhead movements

Treatment at Miami Shoulder Institute:

Non-surgical: Rest, physical therapy, and targeted rehabilitation.
Surgical: Arthroscopic labral repair, where torn labral cartilage is reattached for optimal stability.
Surgical: Biceps Tenodesis, where the long head of the biceps tendon is removed from the labral anchor and replanted in the humeral bone.

With precise surgical techniques and structured recovery plans, the Miami Shoulder Institute helps athletes return to their sport safely and confidently.

4. Shoulder Internal Impingement Syndrome

What It Is:

Internal impingement occurs when shoulder rotator cuff tendons are compressed against the bony socket inside the joint, leading to inflammation and pain. It’s common among swimmers, weightlifters, and volleyball players.

Symptoms:

Sharp pain during lifting or reaching
Weakness and inflammation around the shoulder
Difficulty sleeping on the affected side

Treatment at Miami Shoulder Institute:

Non-surgical: Anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, and physical therapy to improve shoulder mechanics.
Surgical: Labral and rotator cuff debridement: The damaged and frayed tissued is cleaned up and smoothed. Repair of damaged tissue may also be necessary.

The Miami Shoulder Institute’s expert therapists and surgeons focus on correcting biomechanics and preventing recurrence through tailored rehabilitation.

5. Shoulder Bursitis and Tendinitis

What It Is:

Repetitive shoulder movement and external impingement outside the joint can cause inflammation in the bursa (bursitis) or tendons (tendinitis). These overuse injuries are common in golfers, swimmers, and pitchers.

Symptoms:

Dull ache or sharp pain when moving the arm
Swelling or tenderness
Reduced flexibility

Treatment at Miami Shoulder Institute:

Conservative care: Ice therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Advanced care: Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections or PRP therapy to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
Surgical: Subacromial decompression and bursectomy can remove that damaged tissue and prevent recurrence.

At the Miami Shoulder Institute, we prioritize non-surgical recovery methods and focus on restoring natural shoulder mechanics through individualized therapy.

6. AC Joint Separation

What It Is:

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade. A fall or direct blow to the shoulder — often in cycling, football, or snowboarding — can separate this joint.

Symptoms:

Shoulder swelling and bruising
Noticeable bump at the top of the shoulder
Pain when lifting or reaching across the body

Treatment at Miami Shoulder Institute:

Mild cases: Rest, ice, and physical therapy.
Severe cases: AC joint reconstruction surgery to realign and stabilize the joint.

The Miami Shoulder Institute offers advanced AC joint repair techniques, helping athletes regain full strength and mobility post-injury.

7. Fractures and Stress Injuries

What It Is:

Contact sports or falls can lead to shoulder fractures (clavicle, humerus, or scapula). Overuse activities like pitching can cause stress fractures over time.

Symptoms:

Intense pain and swelling
Difficulty moving the shoulder
Visible deformity or bruising

Treatment at Miami Shoulder Institute:

Non-surgical: Immobilization with a sling and guided rehabilitation.
Surgical: Internal fixation using plates and screws for complex fractures. Severe fractures of the humerus may require joint replacement.

The specialists at Miami Shoulder Institute use precision imaging and advanced orthopedic techniques to ensure complete healing and restore shoulder strength.

Preventing Sports Shoulder Injuries

While not all injuries are avoidable, prevention plays a major role in long-term shoulder health. The experts at the Miami Shoulder Institute recommend:

Regular strengthening and flexibility exercises for shoulder stability.
Proper warm-ups and cool-downs before and after sports.
Good posture and body mechanics during repetitive movements.
Early medical consultation for persistent pain or discomfort.

Proactive care and early diagnosis can prevent minor shoulder issues from becoming major injuries.

Why Athletes Trust Miami Shoulder Institute

The Miami Shoulder Institute is a leading center for sports shoulder injury treatment in Miami, combining advanced orthopedic care with personalized rehabilitation. Here’s why athletes choose it:

Board-certified shoulder specialists with extensive sports medicine and shoulder-specific experience.
Minimally invasive surgical options for faster recovery.
Customized therapy programs focused on performance restoration.
Proven track record of helping athletes return to peak condition.

Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, the Miami Shoulder Institute offers the expertise and care you need to get back in action — stronger and pain-free.

Conclusion

Sports shoulder injuries are common but highly treatable when addressed promptly and correctly. With modern surgical techniques, innovative therapies, and expert rehabilitation, you can make a complete recovery and return to doing what you love.

At the Miami Shoulder Institute, we combine medical excellence, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate care to provide comprehensive shoulder treatment for athletes and active individuals alike. Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back — trust Miami’s leading shoulder specialists to help you recover and perform at your best.