Shoulder Injuries in Young Throwing Athletes
Written by Dr. Scott Perkinson
For young athletes who play baseball, softball, and other throwing sports, a sore shoulder can sometimes feel like part of the game. But persistent pain, changes in throwing ability, or soreness that continues to get worse shouldn't be ignored.
Youth participation in baseball, softball, and other throwing sports continues to grow, but so does the number of shoulder injuries seen in young athletes. Unlike adults, children and adolescents have open growth plates that are more vulnerable to stress from repetitive throwing. Fortunately, many of these injuries can be prevented with proper training, rest, and early recognition of symptoms.
Common Shoulder Injuries in Young Throwers
One of the most common shoulder injuries in young throwers is Little League Shoulder, an overuse injury involving the growth plate of the upper arm bone. It is most often seen in pitchers between the ages of 11 and 16. Athletes may notice shoulder pain during or after throwing, decreased velocity or accuracy, and soreness that worsens as the season progresses.
Other common conditions include rotator cuff tendinitis and labral tears. Repetitive overhead motions can irritate the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder, leading to pain, weakness, and decreased performance. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps keep the shoulder stable. Athletes with labral tears may also experience clicking, popping, or a sensation that the shoulder is slipping out of place.
What Increases the Risk of Injury?
Several factors increase the risk of injury. Excessive pitch counts, playing on multiple teams simultaneously, pitching year-round, poor throwing mechanics, and inadequate rest all place additional stress on the developing shoulder. Young athletes who specialize in a single sport at an early age may be particularly susceptible to overuse injuries.
Parents and coaches should also pay attention to changes in an athlete's performance. A noticeable drop in velocity or accuracy, changes in throwing mechanics, or avoiding certain throws may be signs that something more than normal soreness is going on.
How Can Shoulder Injuries Be Prevented?
Prevention remains the best treatment. Athletes should follow recommended pitch count guidelines, take time off from throwing each year, and focus on proper mechanics. Strengthening the core, hips, and shoulder stabilizing muscles can improve performance while reducing injury risk. Most importantly, athletes should never ignore shoulder pain or attempt to "throw through" discomfort.
Some simple ways young athletes can help protect their shoulders include:
Following recommended pitch count and rest guidelines
Taking breaks from throwing throughout the year
Avoiding year-round participation without adequate rest
Focusing on proper throwing mechanics and overall strength
Speaking up when shoulder pain does not improve or continues to get worse
When Should Shoulder Pain Be Evaluated?
Parents should seek medical evaluation if their child experiences persistent shoulder pain, loss of throwing ability, nighttime pain, or symptoms that interfere with participation. Early diagnosis and treatment often allow for a full recovery and help prevent long-term problems.
Other signs that it may be time for an evaluation include a noticeable decrease in velocity or accuracy, clicking or popping in the shoulder, or a feeling that the shoulder is unstable.
The goal is not simply to keep young athletes on the field today, but to protect their shoulder health for years to come. By emphasizing prevention, proper training, and adequate rest, we can help young throwers enjoy sports safely and successfully.
If your young athlete is experiencing persistent shoulder pain or changes in their throwing ability, an early evaluation can help identify the cause and create a plan for recovery and a safe return to sport.
Dr. Scott Perkinson
Orthopaedic Surgeon
MD, FAAOS
Dr. Perkinson is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine utilizing minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques; robotic joint replacement, including knee, hip, shoulder, and reverse shoulder replacement; hand surgery; and fracture care.
He performs advanced procedures including robotic-assisted knee and hip replacement, anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement, ACL reconstruction, meniscus and labral repairs, rotator cuff repair, and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder, while also providing comprehensive care for orthopedic trauma and fractures.
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