Shoulder Pain During Golf or Tennis: When It May Be More Than Soreness
A busy summer of golf, tennis, swimming, lifting and other activities can place considerably more demand on the shoulder than it experienced during the rest of the year.
Some muscle soreness after playing more frequently may be normal. However, pain that repeatedly returns, affects your strength, changes your swing or serve, or makes everyday movements uncomfortable deserves closer attention.
Why Golf and Tennis Can Irritate the Shoulder
The shoulder does not work by itself.
During a golf swing or tennis stroke, force is transferred from the ground through the legs, trunk, shoulder blade and arm. A limitation in one part of this system can increase the demand placed on another area.
Shoulder pain may develop when the amount of activity increases faster than the body’s ability to tolerate it.
Contributing factors may include:
A sudden increase in rounds, matches or practice sessions
Limited shoulder or upper-back mobility
Reduced rotator cuff or shoulder-blade strength
Previous shoulder or neck injuries
Fatigue and changes in swing or serving mechanics
Insufficient recovery between sessions
The painful area is not always the only part of the body that needs attention.
Should You Rest the Shoulder Completely?
Temporary activity modification can help settle an irritated shoulder, but complete rest does not always address the underlying problem.
A rehabilitation program may include progressive shoulder strengthening, improvements in movement capacity, gradual exposure to golf or tennis demands, and adjustments to overall training volume.
The goal is not simply to make the shoulder feel better temporarily. It is to rebuild enough strength and capacity to tolerate repeated swings, serves, lifting and everyday activity.
When Should You Have the Shoulder Assessed?
Consider having the shoulder evaluated when:
Pain continues for more than one or two weeks
Symptoms return every time you play
You notice meaningful weakness
Pain affects sleep
You cannot comfortably reach overhead
Your swing or serve has changed because of pain
Symptoms are becoming more frequent or intense
A sudden traumatic injury, inability to lift the arm, significant numbness or rapidly worsening weakness should be evaluated promptly.
Sports Physical Therapy in Westhampton Beach
At Active Pursuit Physical Therapy, shoulder rehabilitation is individualized around your symptoms, strength, movement limitations, activity demands and goals.
For golfers and recreational athletes, treatment may also include an assessment of how the shoulder interacts with the trunk, hips and the rest of the movement chain.
Active Pursuit Physical Therapy provides one-on-one orthopedic and sports physical therapy in Westhampton Beach, NY.
Request availability to discuss your shoulder pain and your goals for returning to golf, tennis or training.
