Throwing Injuries of the Elbow & Shoulder

Participating in sports that involve repetitive throwing motions can place a significant amount of stress on the upper extremities, particularly the throwing arm. Athletes, especially those engaged in activities like baseball, softball, and tennis, often face common throwing arm injuries that can impact their performance and overall well-being. We will explore these injuries, their types, and how Dines Orthopedics, led by experienced orthopedic surgeons David and Joshua Dines, can help athletes recover through advanced orthopedic and sports medicine techniques. We are experienced in treating sports injuries and cartilage damage.

What Are Throwing Injuries in the Arm?

1. Rotator Cuff Tears:

   • The rotator cuff, a group of tendons and muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, is susceptible to tears due to overuse or trauma for throwing athletes. This injury will impact shoulder stability and make it difficult to raise your arm above your head.
   • Dines Orthopedics offers both non-operative and operative treatments, including arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Contact our team today and we can help with your shoulder pain.

2. Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow:

   • Conditions like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) involve elbow pain and inflammation of the tendons in the elbow joint. Typically your range of motion is also affected by the swelling and tenderness.
   • Dines Orthopedics provides conservative treatments for tendon injuries and, if necessary, minimally invasive procedures to alleviate pain and promote healing.

3. Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injuries:

   • UCL injuries, common among baseball pitchers, can lead to instability in the elbow joint. 
   • Dr. Dines, with his expertise in Tommy John surgery, offers surgical solutions to repair and reconstruct the UCL.

4. Shoulder Injuries:

   • Various shoulder injuries, including labral tears, fractures, and instability, are addressed through advanced orthopedic surgery techniques.
   • Nonsurgical treatment options for patients are available like arthroscopic procedures that aid in diagnosing and treating these injuries with minimal invasiveness.

Who Might Have a Throwing Arm Injury?

1. Athletes: Particularly prevalent among athletes who engage in sports such as baseball, softball, cricket, and javelin throwing. These sports involve repetitive and forceful motions of the arm, placing significant stress on the shoulder and elbow joints. Pitchers, in particular, are prone to overuse injuries due to the repetitive nature of throwing motions.

2. Baseball Players: Baseball pitchers, whether amateur or professional, are at a high risk of throwing arm injuries due to the extreme forces generated during the pitching motion. Overuse injuries, such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears (also known as Tommy John injuries), are common among baseball pitchers.

3. Cricket Bowlers: Similar to baseball pitchers, cricket bowlers exert considerable stress on their throwing arms, particularly the shoulder and elbow joints. Fast bowlers, in particular, may experience injuries such as stress fractures, rotator cuff injuries, or medial epicondylitis (also known as golfer’s elbow).

4. Tennis Players: While tennis primarily involves the use of a racket, the serve and overhead motions can still place strain on the shoulder and elbow joints. Tennis players may experience injuries such as rotator cuff tears, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), or shoulder impingement syndrome.

5. Throwing Coaches: Coaches who specialize in teaching throwing techniques, whether in sports or rehabilitation settings, may also be at risk of throwing arm injuries. Constantly demonstrating throwing techniques or assisting athletes in refining their motions can lead to overuse injuries over time.

6. Recreational Players: Even recreational athletes who engage in casual throwing activities, such as playing catch in the backyard or participating in amateur leagues, can experience throwing arm injuries, especially if proper warm-up, technique, and recovery practices are not followed.

Treatment Options at Dines Orthopedics:

 – Minimally Invasive Procedures:

Dines Orthopedics specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, allowing for smaller incisions, reduced recovery time, and improved postoperative outcomes.

 – Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment Options:

Dines Orthopedics provides a comprehensive range of treatment options for patients in Manhattan, both surgical and nonsurgical, tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

 – Orthopedic Expertise:

With a strong orthopedic background and a residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Dr. Dines brings a wealth of experience in treating sports-related injuries.

 – Orthopedic Research and Innovation:

Dines Orthopedics is committed to staying at the forefront of orthopedic research, ensuring that patients receive the latest and most effective treatments available.

 – Team Approach:

As a team physician, Dr. Dines collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, addressing not only the injury but also factors affecting performance and recovery. Both doctors have residency at HSS a top NYC orthopedic hospital.

Throwing Arm Injury Doctor in NYC

Injuries to the throwing arm are common among athletes, but with the right orthopedic care, athletes can recover and regain their peak performance. Dines Orthopedics, located in New York City and serving the surrounding boroughs, offers a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate throwing arm injuries. Athletes looking for top-notch orthopedic care and a personalized treatment plan can schedule an appointment with David and Joshua Dines M.D. to explore surgical and nonsurgical options for a swift and effective recovery. Schedule an office visit with our team today!