Orthopaedic Surgeon Questions Shoulder pain

Are there any stretches I can do to correct shoulder pain?

I'm 25, and I have been experiencing shoulder pain since I started playing on my softball team (I mainly pitch). I think the pain is from the strain I put on my shoulder. Are there stretches I can do to help?

5 Answers

Both hands behind your head pushing back with your elbows, both hands behind your upper back going as high as you can, reaching all the way up to the sky.
Yes there are, but we need to evaluate the pain area to suggest the correct stretch.
Hi! Thank you for reaching out. I would have a couple of questions for your regarding the pain and the softball. How long has it been since the last time you played softball? Are you fast-pitching or slow-pitching? And, do you remember a specific instance when you felt the on-set of pain or was it gradual? The answers to these questions could possibly help determine which muscles need stretching, but also if the muscles are even involved. The shoulder is a very complex joint and shoulder pain could be coming from many different things besides muscles. I would encourage you to reach out to your doctor (or physical therapist/athletic trainer) for evaluation before providing an stretches that might worsen the pain.
Internal rotation, external rotation, seated rows, stretching and strengthening.
Stretching is an important part to warming up before you play. Bring your arm all the way up to the front, the side and behind you about 10 times each way to warm up. Strengthening is also important. Hopefully you were doing that as well. If your shoulder pain continues despite this you can try taking some anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. If it still persist I would recommend getting a diagnosis so you know what you’re treating.