The Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Pain

Without question, Pedro Martinez is one of the best players to ever throw a baseball in the major leagues. He has won more than 200 games in his career, a milestone that all but cements is induction into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. He has won three Cy Young Awards. This award is given each season to the top pitcher in each league. He was an instrumental part of a World Series winning team.

In 2006, the pitcher began having shoulder pain and his career was put in jeopardy because of a rotator cuff injury. These are three words that no professional athlete wants to hear, especially a pitcher. Considering that the human arm is not designed for the over-handed motion involved in throwing a baseball, it is not surprising that shoulder wear occurs disproportionately in baseball hurlers.

The rotator cuff muscles hold the shoulder bones together and are involved in the delicate movements of the shoulder. Throwing a baseball falls into this category. Of course, athletes are not the only people who experience this injury.

If you go to the doctor because of shoulder pain, he may test your rotator cuff. First he will ask you about the trauma that created the pain, if indeed it stems from a trauma. He will also enquire as to your history with discomfort in this area, and he will ask questions about your profession and hobbies to determine whether they make you more vulnerable to this type of problem.

A physical exam may be administered to see how well the joint is working. This will include movements to demonstrate range of motion and strength. An x-ray may also be taken to check for visible damage.

Imaging tests such as an MRI, ultrasound or, in rare cases, an arthrogram may be used to aid in coming to a diagnosis. Surgery is sometimes necessary to repair the shoulder and in other cases physical therapy is sufficient.
By the way, Martinez chose surgery, and had a successful return to the pitcher’s mound.