If you desire a long and successful career in baseball, at any level, read further to see how Belmar Physical Therapy can help you achieve your goals.

In the last two decades, top level managers have focused less on speed and more on injury prevention for success in the sport of baseball.

My Shoulder Already Hurts, What Do I Do?

Even if you’re currently experiencing shoulder pain, it’s not too late!

Many injuries can be successfully treated with a well-structured and carefully implemented non-operative rehabilitation program by a Physical Therapist.

The overhead throwing motion is an extremely skillful and intricate movement that is very stressful on the shoulder joint complex.

The overhead athlete places extraordinary demands on this complex. The thrower’s shoulder must be loose enough to allow extreme motion, but be stable at the same time. This requires a delicate balance. Experts refer to this balance as the “thrower’s paradox.”

Scientific studies show that changes occur in the shoulder from the repetitive microtrauma that occurs during overhead throwing.

The Types of Injuries That Occur Are:

1. Anterior Instability
2. Impingement
3. Biceps Tensonitis
4. Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

The physical therapists at Belmar Physical Therapy continuously review the scientific literature in order to provide the most successful treatment possible. Physical therapy treatment focuses on the restoration of normal movement of the shoulder complex during the rehabilitation program.

The Treatment Consists of:

1. Controlling inflammation.
2. Restoring muscle balance.
3. Improving soft tissue flexibility.
4. Improving strength of the throwing muscles.
5. Enhancing control of the shoulder complex.

Call Belmar Physical Therapy today at (303) 274-2404 to start improving your performance through injury prevention or treatment.

Have you ever experienced nagging pain in your upper arm? Chances are you have a rotator cuff problem. Because of common work and sport activities, including painting, construction work, playing tennis, and swimming, the rotator cuff is a frequently injured structure.

What is the rotator cuff?

Anatomy of the Rotator Cuff

It is a set of four muscles that work together to keep the shoulder stable. Because of the anatomy of the shoulder, there is very little space around the tendons of the rotator cuff, often causing them to be pinched underneath surrounding bone. This causes irritation in the tendon, a condition known as tendonitis or Impingement Syndrome. This condition, if left untreated, may lead to a tear in the rotator cuff. A tear can be very serious because it often requires surgery and a lengthy period of recovery.

Treat Rotator Cuff Injuries with Effective Physical Therapy Exercises

Research has found that the tissue of the rotator cuff deteriorates over time. Normal daily activities cause the tendons to thin and fray. In many middle aged or older patients, this wear and tear alone can cause a rotator cuff tear. Often, a tendon tears with something as simple as picking up a suitcase. The good news is that many rotator cuff conditions can be treated effectively with the proper physical therapy exercises, even a partial tear. A combination of proper stretching and strengthening prevents the shoulder from moving in positions that cause added stress to the rotator cuff tendons.

We have designed a collection of exercises to help treat irritation or tendonitis of the rotator cuff (click the link to download). These exercises can also help prevent a rotator cuff injury in people that are prone to them, such as athletes that perform frequent overhead motions and middle-aged or older adults. If you’re interested in keeping full strength and motion in your shoulders, contact us at Belmar Physical Therapy for more information.