The term "rotator cuff injury" is unfortunately synonymous with baseball. This often makes people think of a long time away from a sport or that horrible word "surgery". Baseball can be strenuous to the shoulder of a pitcher due to the fast movement that occurs during the act of throwing a ball. The muscles that the shoulder relies on to accomplish this is a group of muscles called the rotator cuff. These are a group of 4 muscles that attach the head of the shoulder to the shoulder blade (scapula). The supraspinatus attaches to the head of the shoulder from the top of the scapula and is responsible for abduction (the motion of lifting the arm up the side of the body) as well as stabilizing the head of the shoulder. The two muscles that originate from behind the shoulder blade are infraspinatus and teres minor, which aide in external rotation and stabilization. Subscapularis attaches from the front of the scapula and helps with internal rotation and stabilization.

Those outfielders or pitchers can throw a ball at speeds of 145 km or 90 miles plus an hour. I read that with this speed, if the shoulder were to continue moving the shoulder would make 17-28 complete rotations in one second. To prevent this from occuring parts of the rotator cuff has to work eccentrically to slow the arm down. This results in significant strain to the rotator cuff and over time this can lead to an over use injury to these muscles. This is accentuated with age, poor posture and throwing mechanics as well as not specifically strengthening these muscles.

Often the chest, back and shoulder muscles are focused on with a strengthening program so that proportionately the rotator cuff muscles are weak. This promotes improper use of the muscles which increases the chance of injury to the rotator cuff complex.

Symptoms of rotator cuff injuries are: localized pain in the shoulder joint as well as radiating down the arm; weakness, fatigue or pain that comes on with use, catching in specific positions, and difficulty in achieving full pain free movement.

To prevent these injuries it is best to strengthen these muscles with a specific program prior to the beginning of the season. Ideally this would be incorporated into your regular routine. If you are already experiencing any of the symptoms then address this problem immediately to prevent long term damage to the rotator cuff muscles as well as the ligaments and joint surfaces.

Rotator cuff injuries can become life long problems, or at the very least an annoyance that prevents you from being involved with the sports of your choice. Prevention is ideal, however it is always a good idea to address an issue that you may be experiencing so that it doesn't worsen. Now, with your new-found awareness you just may be able to strengthen your shoulder to pull out that 90 miler!