Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
06:09
Measuring 3D In-vivo Shoulder Kinematics using Biplanar Videoradiography
Published on: March 12, 2021
Shoulder injuries in the overhead athlete
Kevin E Wilk1, Padraic Obma, Charles D Simpson
1Physiotherapy Associates, Exton, PA, USA. kwilkpt@hotmail.com
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|February 6, 2009
Summary
The thrower's paradox describes the balance between shoulder mobility and stability in overhead athletes. Nonoperative rehabilitation effectively treats injuries arising from this compromised balance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Overhead throwing is a complex motion demanding exceptional shoulder function.
- The thrower's shoulder requires a balance between laxity for external rotation and stability to prevent subluxations, termed the "thrower's paradox."
- This delicate balance is often compromised, leading to shoulder injuries in athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the "thrower's paradox" in overhead athletes.
- To highlight the importance of nonoperative rehabilitation for shoulder injuries in throwers.
- To outline a structured approach to rehabilitation for overhead throwing athletes.
Main Methods:
- This study is a Level 5 evidence review.
- It synthesizes current understanding of the thrower's shoulder and rehabilitation strategies.
- Focuses on clinical examination, diagnosis, and multiphase rehabilitation.
Main Results:
- The "thrower's paradox" is a key concept in understanding shoulder injuries.
- Nonoperative rehabilitation programs can successfully treat these injuries.
- Successful treatment requires accurate diagnosis and a structured, multiphase approach.
Conclusions:
- Rehabilitation programs should address inflammation, muscle balance, flexibility, and neuromuscular control.
- Restoring adaptive changes from repetitive stress is crucial for athletes' return to play.
- A thorough clinical evaluation is paramount for effective nonoperative treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Muscles of the Shoulder
The muscles surrounding the shoulder girdle, including the clavicle and scapula, primarily stabilize the scapula. This stable base allows other muscles to move the humerus effectively. Scapular movements often mirror those of the humerus and extend its range of motion. For instance, raising the arm above the head would not be feasible without simultaneous upward rotation of the scapula.
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
01:31Muscles that Move the Arm
Nine muscles are involved in arm movements. Two of these, the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi, originate from the axial skeleton and are called axial muscles. The other seven originate from the scapula and are called the scapular muscles.
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...