It is common for athletes who play overhead sports (swimming, tennis, volleyball, baseball, softball, track and field events, etc.) to develop pain or have an injury at their shoulder and elbow. But that doesn’t mean the problem starts or ends there. For many, the underlying cause of arm injuries is a lack of coordination and strength of the structures closer to the body, including the shoulder blade, spine, pelvis and hips. At Activcore, we have trained specialists who look at all of these pieces as a whole in order to effectively and safely help you return to your sport.

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An overhead athlete is someone who participates in a sport that requires overhead motions, such as pitching baseballs, throwing softballs, spiking volleyballs, serving tennis balls, swinging golf clubs, passing footballs, and launching javelins. During each of these activities, the arm must reach a unique position and then accelerate rapidly through a precise path. Not only must the arm coordinate its movement, but the forces from the feet through the core and pelvis must be transmitted through the hand in a seamless sequence. This intricate but explosive movement puts overhead athletes at risk of injury.

While these symptoms are common among athletes, they are not normal and should be addressed by a qualified healthcare provider. If this sounds like you, click here to get help now.

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The shoulder’s bony anatomy is designed to allow for the great amount of mobility it needs to work properly. A “ball-and-socket” joint that sits much like a golf ball on a tee — with mismatch in size. Significant muscle motor control and strength are necessary to keep your shoulders functional and pain-free throughout overhead motions.

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The glenohumeral joint connects your upper arm bone (humerus) to your shoulder blade (scapula). The scapula moves on your rib cage to provide a stable foundation for arm movements. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where your collar bone (clavicle) meets your scapula. There is also a sternoclavicular (SC) joint where your collar bone articulates with your breast bone (sternum).

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Efficient performance relies on appropriate coordination between these joints. Just as importantly, the arm’s mechanics are heavily influenced by the forces transmitted from the point your foot leaves or hits the ground in a throw, all the way until the ball or object is released. You need enough balance, hip range of motion, core control, and thoracic spine rotation in order to set the arm up for success. Putting all of these pieces together allows for a fast and accurate movement.

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How can Activcore help?

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The physical demands of athletes are uniquely different from the general population who do not engage in similar activity. Likewise, physical therapy for this special population should not be given a conventional approach. Working with athletes is typically not a big part of a physical therapist’s education. It is a specialty area requiring much further study, training, and practice following graduation.

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At Activcore, you will be matched with a physical therapist who specializes in treating athletes. Unlike the "typical" PT who probably doesn't even play sports, you will have a specialist who knows exactly what you are going through.

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Activcore physical therapists assess how you move as it relates to your sport. They apply a holistic approach to identify not only the site of injury, but the true source of any pain, weakness and dysfunction. Addressing the underlying cause is absolutely essential for healing an injury, preventing recurrence, and keeping you healthy and at a peak level of performance. The progression of your physical therapy treatments should be a reflection of the type of activity you are trying to get back to doing.

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You will feel the Activcore difference from your first visit. This is a highly personalized experience delivered by a passionate movement expert fully dedicated to getting you back to the sport or training activity that you love. Once your pain has been addressed, you will have the opportunity to continue honing your movement through ongoing performance training at Activcore.

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Learn about our 3-step recovery process for optimal movement health.