Should You Rest or Seek Treatment for Shoulder Pain in Baseball?

Sports injuries

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question.
I used to be a professional baseball player, and now I play recreational baseball.
My shoulder experiences sudden pain and weakness when I throw the ball with force, which prevents me from throwing far or fast.
This has been going on for almost a year.
I have undergone physical therapy and massage, but the results were not satisfactory.
Later, a rehabilitation doctor suggested that I might have a biceps tendon injury.
However, I haven't been able to attend follow-up appointments regularly, so I occasionally get an ultrasound patch.
During this time, I still throw the ball, but there has been no improvement.
Recently, due to the pandemic, I haven't seen a doctor.
I would like to know if complete rest without any throwing or arm movements could lead to spontaneous recovery, or if I definitely need to receive high-concentration glucose injections for improvement.
Lastly, is there a significant difference in recovery time between these two approaches? Thank you for your response.

Luo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/05

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation

Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person examinations and cannot diagnose individual conditions, as each case is different.
A proper assessment of tissue injuries requires an on-site examination and tests.
While high-concentration glucose injections can be used to treat soft tissue injuries or pain, they should only be administered after a clinical diagnosis and evaluation by a physician.
Online consultations cannot replace actual medical visits.
Please visit an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Reply Date: 2021/07/05

More Info

When it comes to shoulder pain, especially for someone with a background in baseball, the decision to rest or seek treatment can be quite complex. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing persistent shoulder pain for about a year, particularly when throwing or engaging in overhead activities. This is a common issue among athletes, particularly those who have a history of repetitive shoulder use, such as baseball players.

Understanding Your Condition
From your account, it appears that you may be dealing with a biceps tendon injury, which is not uncommon in baseball players. The biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder and can become inflamed or injured due to repetitive overhead motions. This can lead to pain, weakness, and a reduced range of motion, which you have described as being unable to throw effectively.

Rest vs. Treatment
1. Resting: While resting the shoulder may seem like a straightforward solution, it is important to understand that simply avoiding activity may not lead to full recovery. In many cases, rest can help alleviate acute pain, but if the underlying issue—such as tendonitis, impingement, or a tear—is not addressed, the pain may persist or even worsen when you return to activity. Additionally, complete immobilization can lead to stiffness and further complications.

2. Seeking Treatment: Given that you have already tried physical therapy and found it ineffective, it may be time to consider more targeted treatment options. Injections, such as high-concentration dextrose (often referred to as prolotherapy), can help stimulate healing in chronic tendon injuries. This treatment aims to promote tissue repair by causing a mild inflammatory response, which can enhance the healing process. However, the effectiveness of such treatments can vary from person to person.

Recovery Time
The recovery time can differ significantly depending on the approach taken. If you choose to rest and avoid all activities, you might see some improvement, but it may take a long time, and there is no guarantee of full recovery. On the other hand, if you pursue treatment options like injections or a structured rehabilitation program, you may experience a more rapid recovery, potentially within weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the injury and your adherence to the rehabilitation protocol.

Recommendations
1. Consult a Specialist: It is crucial to consult with a sports medicine physician or an orthopedic specialist who can perform a thorough examination and possibly imaging studies (like an MRI) to assess the extent of your injury. This will help in formulating a tailored treatment plan.

2. Rehabilitation: Engage in a structured rehabilitation program that focuses on strengthening the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles. This can help stabilize the shoulder joint and reduce the risk of further injury.

3. Gradual Return to Activity: Once you start feeling better, gradually reintroduce throwing and overhead activities. It is essential to listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain.

4. Consider Injections: If conservative treatments fail, discuss the possibility of injections with your physician. They can provide insight into whether this approach is appropriate for your specific condition.

5. Ongoing Monitoring: Keep track of your symptoms and communicate any changes to your healthcare provider. This will help in adjusting your treatment plan as needed.

In conclusion, while resting may provide temporary relief, it is often not sufficient for a full recovery from shoulder injuries related to baseball. Seeking appropriate treatment and engaging in a rehabilitation program are essential steps toward regaining your shoulder function and returning to the sport you enjoy.

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