From Franciscan Health
The “rotator cuff” is a group of four muscles that help with shoulder movements. Problems with the rotator cuff can include tendinitis, or a tear in the tendons. Both tendinitis and tears can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder. Larger tears tend to cause a constant pain that is worse with any movement in front of the body, or overhead.
“The unfortunate reality of the rotator cuff is that everyday use can cause tearing and damage, especially in the older athlete,” said Sean Calloway, MD, sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at Franciscan Physician Network in Greenwood, Indiana.
What Causes Rotator Cuff Injuries?
For many individuals, the onset of pain is not caused by a specific injury, but rather the result of repetitive use over time. Pickleball, for instance, is an overhead activity that requires several different arm movements that stress the muscles of the rotator cuff. Pain with these activities can lead to what is termed an “overuse injury.”
Can You Prevent Rotator Cuff Injuries?
While rotator cuff injury isn’t necessarily completely preventable, stretching and light-to-moderate strength training may keep your shoulder healthier and more flexible.
“Warming up and stretching before activity, with the appropriate post-exercise cool-down, may allow for better shoulder performance during sporting activity and easier post-exercise recovery. Examples of pre-exercise stretching include gentle shoulder rolls, shrugs and upper body stretches.”
Weight training may help prevent future injuries by strengthening the muscles around the shoulder. A strong core (low back and abdominal muscles) also leads to a lower risk of shoulder injury with racquet sports. In all aspects of movement within a pickleball volley, a strong abdominal core supports the torso and offers more overall control of the body.
As a general recommendation, begin each weight training session with a brief cardiovascular warmup to loosen up muscles and joints. Make sure to stretch the upper body after lifting weights to prevent tight muscles and ligaments that are vulnerable to tears and sprains.
What To Do for Shoulder Pain?
If you are experiencing lingering or worsening shoulder pain after pickleball, don’t wait to see a doctor.
“If you have pain that gets progressively worse in the shoulder, or pain that persists for a long time after your activity, these may be warning signs of a torn rotator cuff tendon,” said Dr. Calloway.
How Are Rotator Cuff Tears Fixed?
The only way to repair a torn rotator cuff is through surgery. Living with a rotator cuff tear can be painful and limit movement, making it difficult to remain active. Surgery is often minimally invasive with only a few small incisions. Recovery after surgery is geared toward patient-specific goals. Dr. Calloway’s main goal as a sports medicine surgeon is to return patients to their previous level of activity, especially in athletes of all ages.
