Non-surgical approach recommended for shoulder instability in young athletes

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shoulder instability in young athletesAccording to recent research, young athletes suffering from shoulder instability would most benefit from a non-surgical approach. It also revealed a Non-Operative Instability Severity Score tool (NSIS), would help to identify patients at a higher risk, who could require other treatment options.

The research, conducted at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic of Carolinas, was presented at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. It assessed high-school students who had suffered anterior shoulder instability for the first time. The results are promising, highlighting that current controversial non-surgical techniques could be the best way forward.

Majority of participants could return to sport

The research followed a total of 57 adolescents who had been initially treated with a non-operative approach. It revealed an impressive 79% of them were able to return to sport. Not only that, but they didn’t need to miss any playing time or practice.

The researchers were also able to identify risk factors which could ultimately contribute towards the failure of non-operative techniques. One of the highest risks discovered was bone loss. It was revealed patients with bipolar bone loss had a 67% rate of failure.

NSIS tool helps identify higher-risk patients

As it stands, non-surgical approaches are controversial. It can be difficult for physicians to decide how to treat shoulder instability in young athletes. However, this recent research has identified the NSIS tool can help to establish the best course of treatment.

The NSIS ranges from 1-10. After analysing the NSIS results of the participants, it was discovered those with a score less than 7 had a 97% success rate. Those who scored more than 7 however, had a 59% success rate. So, the NSIS tool could help to identify those at a greater risk, allowing physicians to opt for an alternative treatment option.

The research also discovered other risk factors as well as bone loss, including age, gender, type of sport and the type of instability. Those who were over the age of 15 and female were shown to have a higher risk.

While the results of this latest study are promising, the researchers claim larger, more in-depth studies will be required to build upon the data collected.

The importance of seeking early treatment

Shoulder instability in young athletes is common, with many patients waiting too long to seek treatment. Pain is the most common symptom of shoulder instability, making it easy for patients to avoid seeking treatment as they mistakenly believe it’s temporary.

The trouble is, leaving shoulder instability untreated will cause the problem to become much worse. Unless treated quickly, non-surgical approaches wouldn’t necessarily be viable. Therefore, the earlier the problem is detected, the higher the chance it will be able to be treated non-surgically.

Overall, young athletes need to be aware of the risks of developing shoulder instability and the treatment options available. This latest research shows non-surgical treatments can prove effective at resolving the issue. However, further research does need to be required to determine just how effective a non-surgical approach is on a larger scale.

Golf and the shoulder: how to prevent injury

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golfing shoulder injuriesGolf is often assumed to be a gentle, relaxing sport. However, as professional golfers know only too well, the risk of injury can be pretty high. It is estimated that 62% of amateur golfers suffer a severe injury which impacts their ability to play.

In particular, shoulder related injuries in the sport are common. Even professional golfers find themselves at risk of painful rotator cuff injuries. Last year, Masters former champion Danny Willett, was forced to end the season early, due to a rotator cuff injury. Now, as the 2018 Masters tournament tees off in Atlanta, players will no doubt be keen to avoid the same fate as Willett.

While the risk of shoulder injury is always going to be present, there are things you can do to minimise the risk. Here, we’ll look at how to prevent injury to the shoulders when playing this popular sport.

Common golfing shoulder injuries

Golfers can suffer an injury in both their leading and their non-leading shoulder. When they swing the club, the leading shoulder is pushed into a pretty extreme adducted position. The non-leading shoulder is at the same time, pushed into a more abducted externally rotated posture. This combined movement causes each shoulder to experience different pathologies.

As each shoulder is forced into different positions, the injury risks differ between them. The leading shoulder is at a higher risk of developing posterior instability and AC joint pain. The non-leading shoulder is more likely to develop SLAP tears and anterior instability. Both shoulders have an equal risk of developing subacromial impingement and rotator cuff tears.

How can you prevent golfing shoulder injury?

Although injuries cannot be 100% avoided, there are things you can do to prevent the risk of shoulder injury in golf.

Labral tears, for example, have become a very common injury in the leading shoulder, and they’re reportedly caused by a poor backswing technique. If you keep the arm too tight against the chest when you swing the club backwards, it can easily tear the labrum. This is responsible for stabilising the shoulder joint and a tear will lead to extreme pain around the rear of the shoulder.

This type of labral tear can be prevented by swinging less and turning more. This may not easy for some golfers, as it can prove to be physically challenging to turn the upper body more.  It is also important to stop the arm from swinging once the body has stopped turning. Experts suggest trying to swing using the turn, rather than relying upon the shoulder muscles.

Other ways to prevent shoulder injury include taking part in a specialised golf training program and ensuring good conditioning. A golf-specific program will help to develop and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and the back, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

Overall, shoulder injuries are common in golf so preventative measures are necessary for those looking to stay on the course. It is also important to seek treatment as soon as an injury occurs. The longer you leave it, the worse the injury will become and the more time you will spend being unable to play.

Returning to Work After Shoulder Arthroplasty

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returning to work after shoulder surgeryThe number of total shoulder arthroplasties carried out on patients under the age of 55 has seen a significant increase in recent years. As the number of younger patients seeking shoulder surgery continues to increase, returning to work understandably becomes a serious concern.

A recent study has reviewed the prognosis for younger patients to return to work after undergoing shoulder surgery. Here, we will look at the results of the study and how shoulder surgery can affect your return to work.

Majority of patients under age 55 return to work

The study was carried out to determine the ability of patients aged 55 and under, to return to work after anatomic total shoulder surgery. The researchers looked into the intensity of work carried out, the time taken out of work and when the patients returned.

It was revealed that 92% of patients were able to return to work within 2.1 months after the surgery. All of the patients who had a sedentary, light or moderate intensity job returned to work. For those who had a heavy intensity job, 64% were able to return. Most patients – 92% in all – claimed they were either satisfied or very satisfied with their results.

Although this is just one study, it does appear to highlight the prognosis for younger patients to return to work after shoulder surgery is excellent.

Tips to ensure a successful return back to work

Although the study showed the majority of younger patients typically return to work within 2.1 months, there are things you can do to ensure optimal recovery. Patients who smoke, for example, are advised to quit prior to the surgery as tobacco use has been linked to a longer, more painful recovery.

In regard to when you should return to work, you will need to follow your surgeon’s advice. The complexity of the shoulder joint means that it is under pressure even in sedentary jobs where you perform repetitive actions. Therefore, you will need to be realistic about what you can achieve.

You should never attempt to return to work before your shoulder surgeon advises. This is because although some types of shoulder surgery enable you to go back to work within a week, total shoulder arthroplasty is a more complex surgery. The shoulder will need approximately six to eight weeks to recover. If you attempt to go back to work too early, you could end up reinjuring the shoulder and further surgery could be required.

Compared to rotator cuff surgery, where patients could end up out of work for a much longer time period, the 2.1-month prognosis for younger patients after shoulder arthroplasty is relatively quick. As with all types of shoulder injuries, the earlier it is treated, the more successful surgery will be and the less recovery time you will need.

If you have been experiencing shoulder pain, or you think you may need a shoulder arthroplasty, book a consultation today. Putting off the surgery because you’re worried about the potential time off work could result in a worsening of the shoulder condition which could end up requiring you to take even more time off.

Smoking and Shoulder Surgery Recovery

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smoking and shoulder surgery recoveryA new study has revealed that smoking after shoulder surgery can negatively impact the outcome of the procedure, as well as cause increased pain in patients. Smokers were also found to use more narcotics in order to control the pain after surgery, compared to non-smokers.

We’ll look at how smoking impacts shoulder surgery recovery and the measures that patients can take to ensure optimal recovery.

Smoking increases risks and cost of recovery

The new study, carried out by Dr Thomas Throckmorton and his colleagues at an American university, revealed tobacco users have a reduced mean improvement in their VAS scores than non-tobacco users. It looked into results of 163 patients who had undergone a total shoulder arthroplasty.

After 12 weeks, the study also showed tobacco users required more oral morphine; suggesting tobacco increases the amount of pain felt after shoulder surgery. The findings were published within the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.

This isn’t the first time a study has revealed the negative impact of smoking. Several studies have revealed the adverse effects smoking can have on surgical recovery. In 2015, a study determined that smoking has a negative impact on the outcome of soft tissue-based shoulder injuries from both a clinical and basic science outcome perspective.

It wasn’t all bad news, however. The researchers didn’t find any real difference between the risk of complications or length of hospital stay in the two groups. What it does show is that tobacco use does negatively impact both the outcome of the surgery and it can lead to a tougher recovery.

Quitting smoking greatly reduces shoulder surgery risks

We are well aware of the damage that smoking can do to our lungs, but it can also negatively impact on our bones, muscles and joints, often contributing to a poor outcome from orthopaedic surgery. Nicotine can slow down the production of cells that form bones meaning broken bones can take longer to heal in smokers. Smokers also have a higher rate of complications from surgery including poor wound healing and higher infection rates.

A promising discovery made in the study was patients who quit smoking prior to having shoulder surgery can expect the same potential outcome as a non-smoker. So, if a patient is concerned about the potential tougher recovery, if they quit beforehand they can significantly reduce the tobacco-related risks.

Why are Partial Rotator Cuff Tears Such a Common Injury?

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There are many different shoulder injuries a patient can suffer with, but by far one of the most common is the partial rotator cuff tear. The earliest recorded incidence of this type of injury dates back all the way to 1788. Since then, the injury has become a lot more common; especially amongst athletes.

Here, we’ll look at why partial rotator cuff tears are such a common injury and how they can possibly be prevented.

What is a partial rotator cuff tear?

The rotator cuff consists of four tendons which attach to both the shoulder blade and the humerus bone. They’re largely responsible for the movement of the arm, and they’re known to weaken over time. Overusing the tendons is what typically results in a tear.

A partial tear is diagnosed when it hasn’t gone all the way through the tendon. If the entire tendon is torn all the way through, it’s referred to as a full-thickness tear. However, the severity of a partial tear can differ between patients. This is because partial tears can be anything from just 1mm deep which is approximately 10 per cent of the tendon, up to 50 per cent of the tendon, and in some cases, more.

Sometimes it can be challenging to distinguish between a partial tear from a full tear, or a partial tear from tendonitis. Therefore, it’s essential that you’re seeking diagnosis from a highly skilled, experienced orthopaedic surgeon that specialises in the shoulder alone.

Why is the partial rotator cuff tear so common?

The main reason partial rotator cuff tears are so common, is because they develop gradually over time when the rotator cuff is used. For athletes who carry out repetitive overhead movements for example, there’s a significant chance a tear will develop over time.

However, it isn’t just athletes who are at risk. In fact, it’s unlikely that any person over the age of 40 will come back with a clear shoulder MRI scan. This is because the tendons naturally weaken with age. Some patients who have been diagnosed with a partial tear don’t recall suffering any form of trauma. It is a common misconception that rotator cuff tears are caused purely through trauma. If you are over 40, any repetitive movements to the rotator cuff can cause a tear to gradually develop.

So, the majority of partial rotator cuff tears are down to degeneration due to either activities or age.

Can the partial rotator cuff tear be prevented?

It isn’t always possible to prevent partial rotator cuff tears, but there are some things you can do to lower the risk. Making sure to warm up properly before carrying out any vigorous exercise is highly recommended. Activities such as weight lifting for example, can place significant pressure on the rotator cuff. Without warming up, it could quickly become torn and inflamed.

Strengthening exercises can also help to build up the tendons, making them more resistant to injury. Stretching is also recommended to those who have suffered a previous tear as it can prevent further injuries down the line.

Overall, partial rotator cuff tears are common, particularly in athletes and men over the age of 65. However, the good news is that effective treatments are available and most partial tears can be treated without surgery. However, it will depend upon how severe the tear is. The key is to seek treatment as soon as you suspect there may be a problem with the shoulder.

Skiing, Snowboarding and the Shoulder

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snowboarding and the shoulderAs excitement builds for the start of the Winter Olympics which commences today, the athletes will be entering their very final training and prep stages for one of the most important sporting events in their career.

The UK has reportedly doubled its investment in the Winter Olympics due to be held in South Korea, from £13.5m in 2014, to a staggering £27.9m for this year’s games. As the event continues to grow in importance to the UK, sports such as skiing, and snowboarding are also seeing a spike in popularity. While it is fantastic to see more people taking up these active sports, it is also important to be aware the risks involved; particularly those to the shoulder.

Upper extremity injury rate has risen while lower extremity injuries decline

Over the years, the rate of lower extremity injuries occurring in Alpine sports has declined, while upper extremity injuries have increased. It’s estimated that upper extremity injuries account for 20 to 35 per cent of Alpine skiing injuries, and a staggering 50 per cent of snowboarding injuries.

The rate of shoulder specific Alpine sports injuries are thought to account for 22 to 41 per cent of upper extremity injuries in skiing and 20 to 34 per cent of injuries in snowboarding. As these sports become more popular, it’s likely we’ll see an increase in shoulder-related injuries.

Understanding the most common shoulder injuries

The shoulder injuries which occur in Alpine sports, tend to be caused by falls. However, aerial manoeuvres carried out in snowboarding, and pole planting in skiing can also lead to injury. Here, we’ll look at the most common shoulder injuries experienced by athletes and budding winter sport enthusiasts.

Glenohumeral instability – shoulder instability is quite a common injury and it occurs when the soft tissue cannot keep the humeral head connected to the glenoid fossa. This, in turn, causes it to partially or fully dislocate; compromising the function of the shoulder.

In skiing and snowboarding, a fall could cause trauma to the area, causing additional laxity within the soft tissue.

Rotator cuff strain – another common injury, rotator cuff strains or tears, are by far the most common shoulder injury that patients present with. Although most common in overhead sports such as tennis, those partaking in Alpine sports are also at risk.

Any of the four tendons of the rotator cuff can be torn, with injuries ranging from mild to severe. Tears can also occur due to overuse of the tendons, so athletes who train too frequently are also at risk.

Clavicle fractures – the falls suffered by skiers and snowboarders, pose a significant risk of clavicle fractures or a broken collarbone. It is one of the major bones in the shoulder and is prone to breakage if it is placed under significant pressure. This type of injury is especially painful and typically requires a sling to be worn unless it is an unusually complex fracture, when surgery may be required.

These are just three of the most common shoulder injuries experienced by skiers and snowboarders. Treatment will depend upon the type and severity of the injury.

Can ski and snowboard related shoulder injuries be prevented?

Due to the nature of winter sports and the higher risk of falls, it isn’t always possible to prevent injury. However, with adequate training, it is possible to reduce the risk.

One thing you can do is build up your cardiovascular endurance. This will help to reduce the strain placed upon the body during skiing or snowboarding. Activities such as cycling, running and swimming are all great cardiovascular exercise.

Focusing on exercises which also strengthen the shoulders is also important. If you’re new to Alpine sports, taking lessons can also reduce your risk of injury. However, even pro athletes are at risk of injuring the shoulder.

Even following the advice above cannot guarantee you won’t injure your shoulder. However, the sooner you seek treatment, the better. If left untreated, shoulder injuries can become much worse and take longer to fix. Those experiencing significant shoulder pain after a sojourn on the slopes should, therefore, seek a diagnosis as quickly as possible.

The shoulder is the most common injury site in competitive diving

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diving shoulder injuriesCompetitive diving has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, up until recently, very little research has been carried out to understand the potential injuries involved with this admired and much-loved sport.

Now, a new paper written by a sports medicine physician from Loyola Medicine, has revealed some of the risks competitive divers face. Among them, the shoulder was found to be one of the most common injury sites in the sport.

Both training and competing pose shoulder injury risk

The paper, which was published within the Current Sports Medicine Reports, discovered diving shoulder injuries could occur due to both training and competing. Most worryingly, it revealed that even when a dive is executed perfectly, shoulder injuries could occur.

Perhaps the largest contributors towards the risk of shoulder injury in competitive diving, are impact force and velocity. Divers using a 10-metre platform can hit the water at a staggering 37mph. Once they hit the water, their velocity can reduce by as much as 50% in less than a second.

Such high velocities and impact force pose a risk both during the dive, as well as over time due to repeated exposure. It is thought competitive divers train for around 40 hours each week. Springboard divers can carry out as many as 150 dives each day. While they tend to hit the water at a much lower speed of 19mph, over time due to how many dives they carry out during training, shoulder injuries can occur.

Injuries can even occur during on-land training

While competitive divers are most at risk of shoulder injuries in the water, they’re also at risk of developing an injury on-land too. Strenuous training to condition the body such as gymnastics, trampolining and strength training all increase the risk of injury.

Add to that the strict diets divers often follow, and the risk is increased further due to fatigue and low energy levels. It also increases the incidence of eating disorders within the sport.

This new research helps divers, their trainers and physicians, to better understand the risks involved. However, it also highlights the need for further research into repetitive exposure to the large forces which have been shown to disappear when the diver hits the water.

What it does show for now, is that competitive divers need to be careful of overtraining and the importance of using the correct diving techniques.

Can competitive diving injuries be prevented?

As mentioned earlier, competitive divers are at risk of injury even if they execute a perfect dive. However, there are ways to potentially lower the risk of shoulder-related diving injuries.

Strengthening the shoulders and back is one of the best ways to prevent against dislocation and other common injuries. It is also important for divers to avoid overtraining and to ensure they are choosing a reliable, experienced and responsible trainer.

If a shoulder injury does occur, immediate treatment should be sought. In severe cases, surgery may be required to prevent injury reoccurrence. However, the earlier it is treated, the less invasive the treatment will need to be and the less likely it is to impact a diver’s career.

Surgeons suffering from ‘epidemic’ of shoulder strain

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shoulder strain injuriesA new study has revealed surgeons are now suffering from more painful shoulders, arms and backs than labourers and coal miners.

Previous studies have shown an estimated four out of five surgeons experience significant pain whilst carrying out procedures. Now, the most recent findings show just how damaging work-related injuries can be for a surgeon. With over 8.9 million working days lost per year in the UK due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders, it’s important to realise that it’s not just those in industries involving heavy and physically demanding labour that are at risk of developing MSK problems.

Poor working environment and repetitive movements blamed for rise in shoulder strain injuries

The rise in shoulder strain injuries within the surgical sector is said to be down to a poor working environment. The recent study carried out by the Harvard Medical School’s Associate Professor, Dr Bernard Lee, did a meta-analysis of 21 different articles. Together, they included data from 5,828 doctors from 1974 to 2016.

It looked into the prevalence of disease in the back, neck and shoulder and the results were alarming. Approximately 17% of doctors studied, suffered with degenerative cervical spine disease. This was followed closely by shoulder rotator cuff pathology in 18% of surgeons.

Long working hours and repetitive movements are contributing to the rise in shoulder strain injuries. If these issues are not addressed, ultimately it will go on to affect the quality of patient care. Even surgeons who carry out minimally invasive procedures are starting to suffer from musculoskeletal problems. The largest study of North American surgeons, revealed a staggering 86.9% of surgeons carrying out laparoscopic surgeries suffered physical discomfort.

Understanding work-related musculoskeletal problems

It isn’t just surgeons who suffer from work-related musculoskeletal problems. Any profession which requires repetitive movements of the arm and shoulder can pose a risk of injury.

In severe cases, it is possible for workers to develop osteoarthritis; a condition which is typically associated with old age. Repetitive stress and strain placed onto the joint cartilage causes it to weaken over time, leading to the condition. It is especially common in workers who operate tools and machinery which transmit shocks and vibrations. It can also be caused by repetitive movements and awkward postures.

Even those sat working at a computer for long periods of time can develop shoulder-related injuries. Repetitive strain injuries can be caused when the tendons and muscles between the wrist and the neck are tensed up for long periods of time. Workers could also experience trapped nerves and erosion of the joints.

Can work-related shoulder injuries be avoided?

Paying attention to posture is also important in the prevention of work-related shoulder strain injuries. Headsets can prove beneficial in the prevention of shoulder strain for workers which spend a lot of time on the phone.

If a shoulder injury does occur, it is vital workers seek treatment as soon as possible. The earlier the problem is treated, the less recovery time will be required. In severe cases, where shoulder injuries have been left untreated, it can prevent them from going back to work, or at least carrying out the same type of job they did prior to the injury. If you suspect you have a work-related shoulder strain, book a consultation today to see what treatment options are available.

Study Finds Reverse Shoulder Replacement Can Be a Lasting Solution to Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear

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A new study published within the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, has revealed a reverse shoulder replacement could be an effective and long-lasting solution, to irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Previously, concern has been raised over the durability of the procedure in patients under the age of 65. The findings of the study can now ease those concerns, providing orthopaedic surgeons a deeper understanding of the benefits of the procedure.

What is an irreparable rotator cuff tear?

Irreplaceable rotator cuff tears are the most problematic for orthopaedic surgeons to work on. There’s a lot of controversy and debate over which methods should be used to treat patients. So, what exactly is it?

Irreparable rotator cuff tears are massive tears which aren’t able to be treated with conventional methods. After the tendon is massively torn, the muscle starts to be replaced with scar tissue and fat. This in turn prevents the muscle from contracting enough to rotate the ball of the shoulder socket.

The symptoms vary between patients, though all typically experience a high level of pain. Treatment is decided based upon an individual’s specific symptoms, though surgery is often favoured for younger patients. While in the past there has been concern over the effectiveness of surgery in those under the age of 65, the latest study suggests it could be the best form of treatment moving forward.

Why is the study promising?

The study conducted by researchers from the University of Zurich, analysed 20 patients who had undergone a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) procedure. Their average age was 57, and each had been left with what is known as Pseudo paralysis; meaning they were unable to lift the affected arm.

While traditional shoulder replacements would prove ineffective for these patients, the RTSA method has shown to work well. This is because it uses different muscles, rather than placing an implant into the rotator cuff, to move the shoulder. Initially, this type of surgery was mainly carried out on older patients. However, due to advancements in the field, the method has been improved. This means younger patients can now benefit from long-lasting effects.

In the study, the 20 patients received follow-up assessments between 8-19 years after the reverse shoulder replacement was performed. Three of these patients had undergone a double reverse shoulder replacement, taking the total surgeries for the group to 23. An average Constant Score of 59 was recorded, up from 24 prior to surgery. This score was based upon strength, pain, motion and ability to perform daily tasks.

Complication rate higher in RTSA patients

The only negative shown in the research, was the increased risk of complications. Out of the 20 patients, six of them required a further surgery, while it failed completely in two of them. Complications were shown to affect 39% of patients.

However, despite the higher complication rate, 72% of the patients were happy with the results of the procedure.

While the complications do need to be factored in when deciding whether or not RTSA is right for a patient, this new research shows the results can hold up for a lot longer than previously thought. It is worth noting that there are several treatment options available, so RTSA may not be appropriate for all patients. If you think you are suffering with an irreparable rotator cuff tear, it is important to seek advice from a shoulder specialist prior to undergoing treatment. Call us on 0203 195 2442 to arrange a consultation.

Shoulder Tendon Injuries Found to be Most Common Tendon Injury at Rio Olympic Games

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shoulder tendon injury at Olympic GamesThe Rio Olympic Games might be a distant memory for sports fans, but for researchers the data it provided has been analysed and valuable conclusions have been drawn that could help prevent sport injury rates in the future. The most recent research to be released has revealed that athletes at Rio were most likely to suffer from shoulder tendon injuries.

Female track and field athletes were particularly found to have the highest risk compared to other events.

The results, published within the British Journal of Sports Medicine in two different studies, have been the first to include epidemiological data on tendon abnormalities.

All sports injuries from the Rio Olympics were recorded

The study was conducted by researchers in New York, Norway, Brazil, Pennsylvania, France, Germany and Switzerland. All sports injuries reported by athletes taking part in the Rio Olympics in 2016 were recorded and analysed.

In total, the researchers studied 156 tendon abnormality injuries and 25 bone stress injuries. There were 11,000 athletes who took part in the games, representing 200 different countries.

It was discovered that while bone stress related injuries occurred more frequently within the lower extremities of the body, tendon abnormalities were largely found in the shoulder. Imaging was carried out on the injured athletes within the Olympic Village, before being reviewed by two different board certified musculoskeletal radiologists.

A common injury which can jeopardise an athlete’s career

Tendon injuries are common, but they can have a devastating impact on an athlete’s career. Typically, this is because the injury isn’t treated quickly enough. Like any shoulder injury, the longer an athlete leaves it before seeking treatment, the worse it will become.

Failure to detect and treat tendon injuries will prevent the athlete from not only competing, but training too. If surgery is required, it could put them out of action for months, if not a year. However, despite the risks, a substantial number of Olympic athletes continue to train and compete when already suffering from injuries.

It has even been reported that up to 95% of athlete’s who competed in the earlier London Olympic Games in 2012, were injured. As an athlete, competing at the Olympic Games is a dream come true and the culmination of many years of hard work, so it’s unsurprising so many risk further injury by competing with an existing injury.

The study therefore highlights the importance of seeking early treatment, and why imaging could be the best preventative measure.

Further studies required to understand shoulder injury mechanisms

Although the research has proven useful in terms of identifying potential preventative measures, further research is required to understand the mechanisms of tendon related injuries. This will in turn help coaches and specialists create a discipline specific and robust preventative strategy.

For now, the research has shown just how beneficial imaging screening data could be for athletes during the pre-competition stage. It would help to detect chronic legions and act as a preventative measure to ensure any tendon damage is identified and treated early.

While no athlete wants to be out of action, any shoulder pain should be looked into as early as possible. The earlier the problem is detected, the easier it will be to treat and the less damage it will do to your career. If you are concerned you may have a shoulder tendon related injury, book a consultation with a shoulder specialist today by calling us on 0203 195 2442.