Being an overhead athlete, whether you’re a paddler, CrossFitter, swimmer, or tennis player, places tremendous stress on your shoulders. The physical demands, heavy loads, and repetitive motions of these sports often result in shoulder pain in overhead athletes.

Let’s explore the top five causes of shoulder pain and the proven strategies to get you back to pain-free performance.

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1. Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Cause: Overuse and Irritation

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep the shoulder joint stable. Repetitive overhead movement can lead to tendinitis or tendinopathy, causing pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.

Solution: Calm & Strengthen

Work with a Doctor of Physical Therapy to reduce inflammation, restore joint control, and strengthen the surrounding muscles. This helps you build resilience and avoid re-injury.

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2. Labral Tear

Cause: Repetitive Stress or Trauma

The labrum deepens the shoulder socket, adding stability. Tears can result from repeated throwing or paddling, sudden forceful movements, or shoulder dislocations. Symptoms include deep pain, clicking, or a feeling your shoulder might “give way.”

Solution: Non-Surgical Recovery

Many labral tears respond well to conservative treatment. A specialized rehab plan can restore control, strength, and movement — often avoiding surgery entirely.

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3. Biceps Tendinitis

Cause: Overload or Poor Movement

Biceps tendinitis occurs when the long head of the biceps tendon becomes inflamed. This typically shows up as pain in the front of the shoulder that may radiate down the arm.

Solution: Movement Pattern Correction

A physical therapist can help calm down irritation, improve mobility, and address the root cause — whether it’s poor form, weak supporting muscles, or simply tissue overload.

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4. Shoulder Impingement

Cause: Pinched Tendons

In impingement syndrome, the rotator cuff tendons get pinched between the shoulder blade and the upper arm bone. This leads to pain, weakness, and a drop in performance.

Solution: Fix Biomechanics

Rehab focuses on restoring proper positioning of the shoulder joint and blade. Improving movement quality, rotator cuff strength, and mobility is essential.

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5. Shoulder Instability

Cause: Stretched or Torn Support Structures

Repetitive overhead actions like serving, throwing, or paddling can cause shoulder instability. This happens when the supporting tissues become overstretched or torn, allowing the joint to move excessively.

Solution: Control & Stability

Physical therapy focuses on repositioning the humeral head, increasing joint stability, and training proprioception for better control. These steps can prevent further injury and improve performance.

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How to Prevent and Treat Shoulder Pain in Overhead Athletes

Shoulder pain in overhead athletes is common, but it doesn’t have to become chronic. By understanding the cause and taking action early, you can stay in the game and protect your body.

A Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in sports rehab can:

• Design a custom plan for your injury
• Help you regain strength and control
• Guide you back to training safely and effectively

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Next Steps Toward Pain-Free Performance

Don’t wait for pain to stop you. Be proactive and work with someone who understands your sport and your goals.

✅ Explore our performance therapy approach
✅ Book a free virtual consult with a Doctor of Physical Therapy today