Shoulder pain from throwing is one of the most common injuries in baseball, softball, and other overhead sports. Whether you’re an athlete experiencing pain during your throws or dealing with a chronic issue, shoulder pain from throwing can significantly affect your performance and quality of life.
At Elite Sports and Spine Chiropractic in New Castle and Slippery Rock, PA, we specialize in diagnosing and rehabilitating shoulder pain from throwing sports. Our chiropractic care is designed to address the root causes of shoulder pain and help you recover faster, so you can get back to doing what you love.
Common Throwing-Related Shoulder Injuries & How We Can Help
1. Impingement Syndrome
When tendons in the shoulder become pinched during overhead motion, it leads to inflammation and pain—especially at the front or side of the shoulder. Shoulder pain from throwing can often be attributed to this condition, which is caused by repetitive overhead movements.
Signs & Symptoms:
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Sharp pain with overhead throwing motions
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Discomfort when reaching behind the back
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Weakness or pain during throwing
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Night pain or difficulty sleeping on the affected side
🛠 Our Approach:
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Functional movement screening to identify issues contributing to shoulder pain from throwing
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Manual therapy to improve joint mobility
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Strengthening exercises for scapular stabilization
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Biomechanical retraining to correct throwing form
2. Rotator Cuff Strains
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons critical for shoulder stabilization. Overuse or poor mechanics can lead to rotator cuff strains, contributing to shoulder pain from throwing. Whether you’re a pitcher or outfielder, these injuries often result from repetitive motion and poor mechanics.
Signs & Symptoms:
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Dull ache deep in the shoulder
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Weakness with lifting or rotating the arm
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Pain during or after throwing
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Reduced range of motion or loss of velocity during throws
🛠 Our Approach:
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Specific muscle testing and orthopedic evaluation to assess shoulder pain from throwing
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Targeted soft tissue therapy (e.g., Active Release, Graston) to release tight muscles
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Progressive resistance training to rebuild strength and stability
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Postural corrections to reduce strain during throwing
3. Labrum Injuries
Labral tears, especially SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) tears, are common causes of shoulder pain from throwing. These injuries occur when the labrum, the cartilage that helps stabilize the shoulder joint, is torn due to repetitive throwing motions or trauma.
Signs & Symptoms:
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Deep, aching pain inside the shoulder joint
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Sensation of clicking, locking, or popping in the shoulder
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Loss of power or control while throwing
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Pain with lifting or reaching overhead
🛠 Our Approach:
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Thorough orthopedic assessment and movement analysis to pinpoint the cause of shoulder pain from throwing
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Co-management with imaging or orthopedic consultation if needed
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Rehab focused on dynamic stabilization and proprioceptive control
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Functional return-to-play programs with sport-specific drills
4. AC Joint Instability
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint can become sprained or unstable due to repetitive impact or trauma, often causing shoulder pain from throwing. Athletes who throw frequently may experience pain when reaching across the body or performing overhead movements.
Signs & Symptoms:
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Pain at the top of the shoulder
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Tenderness over the AC joint
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Discomfort with cross-body movements or overhead throwing
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Visible “step-off” or bump at the joint in some cases
🛠 Our Approach:
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Joint stabilization techniques using kinesiotaping and support to alleviate shoulder pain from throwing
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Manual therapy to reduce inflammation and restore joint mechanics
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Gradual strength work targeting deltoids and rotator cuff muscles
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Sport-specific return protocols that protect the AC joint
5. Subacromial Bursitis
Subacromial bursitis, the inflammation of the bursa under the acromion, is another common contributor to shoulder pain from throwing. This condition often results from repetitive overhead activities, causing swelling and pain, particularly during or after throwing motions.
Signs & Symptoms:
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Constant or sharp pain, especially with arm elevation
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Pain on the outside or front of the shoulder
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Swelling or tightness in the shoulder joint
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Pain that worsens with repetitive motion or after activity
🛠 Our Approach:
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Gentle mobilization to relieve pressure in the subacromial space and reduce shoulder pain from throwing
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Laser therapy or other modalities to reduce inflammation and promote healing
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Restorative movement therapy to correct dysfunctional patterns that contribute to pain
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Education on load management and recovery strategies to prevent future flare-ups
Why See a Sports Chiropractor for Shoulder Pain from Throwing?
- Chiropractors trained in sports rehabilitation don’t just treat the symptoms of shoulder pain from throwing—we address the root causes. Through precise evaluation, hands-on care, and individualized rehab programs, we help athletes:
✅ Reduce inflammation and pain
✅ Restore proper mechanics for throwing
✅ Build strength and stability in the shoulder
✅ Prevent re-injury
✅ Return to the field faster and safer
Ready to Get Back in the Game?
If you’re dealing with shoulder pain from throwing, don’t let it sideline your season. Schedule a sports injury assessment with Elite Sports and Spine Chiropractic today. Our customized recovery plans are designed to get you back on the field quickly and safely.
📍 Located in New Castle, PA | 📞 724-655-3090
📍 Located in Slippery Rock, PA | 📞 724-256-4090
Let’s get your shoulder—and your game—back to peak form.