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Shoulder Injuries

Rotator Cuff Strain or Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint and allow for smooth, controlled movement. Strains or tears to these tissues are among the most common shoulder injuries in sport and can result from repetitive overhead activity, heavy lifting, or a sudden forceful movement. Symptoms often include pain when raising the arm, weakness, and restricted range of motion. Early assessment and structured rehabilitation are essential to restore function, improve strength, and prevent long-term shoulder instability.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed or irritated as they pass through the narrow space within the shoulder joint. This condition is often linked to poor posture, muscular imbalance, or repetitive overhead movements such as throwing or swimming. It typically presents as sharp pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead. Through corrective exercise, manual therapy, and postural re-education, a sports therapist can help alleviate pressure on the tendons, restore mobility, and enhance overall shoulder mechanics.

Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation happens when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is forcibly displaced from its socket in the shoulder blade. This injury is usually caused by high impact trauma, falls, or contact sports and often results in severe pain, swelling, and an obvious loss of function. Immediate medical attention is required to reposition the joint, followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Sports therapy focuses on restoring strength and stability in the shoulder, retraining movement patterns, and reducing the risk of future dislocations.

Labral Tear

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the rim of the shoulder socket, helping to keep the joint stable and allowing for a wide range of motion. A labral tear can occur from repetitive overhead activity, heavy lifting, or direct trauma. Common symptoms include clicking, catching, or a feeling of instability within the joint, often accompanied by deep shoulder pain. A sports therapist plays a vital role in restoring function through targeted rehabilitation, strengthening the surrounding musculature, and improving joint control to ensure safe and lasting recovery.

General Injury Categories

Strains and sprains are typical injuries that impact the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Strains usually occur when a muscle or tendon is pushed past its capacity, while sprains involve damage to the ligaments that stabilise joints like the ankle, knee, or wrist. These types of injuries often stem from quick, awkward movements, fatigue, or incorrect form during activity. Support and treatment from a sports therapist can speed up healing, rebuild strength, and lower the likelihood of re-injury.

Muscle tears occur when muscle fibres are overstretched or torn, often due to sudden force, overexertion, or inadequate warm-up. The severity can range from mild discomfort to significant pain and loss of function. Recovery focuses on a structured rehabilitation process designed to promote healing and restore strength. Treatment may include red light therapy to accelerate tissue repair, manual therapy to reduce tightness and improve mobility, and tailored rehabilitation exercises to rebuild muscle function safely. This targeted approach ensures effective recovery and a confident return to activity.

Fractures and dislocations are serious injuries that often occur from high-impact forces, falls, or collisions during sport. A fracture is a break in the bone, while a dislocation happens when a bone is forced out of its joint, commonly affecting the shoulder, fingers, or knee. Both injuries require careful assessment and a structured rehabilitation plan to restore mobility, strength, and function. With guidance from a sports therapist, treatment focuses on safe recovery, preventing complications, and helping you return to activity confidently and effectively.