Symptom
Whether you are a weekend golfer, a gym enthusiast, a keen swimmer or a competitive athlete, shoulder and upper limb injuries can occur during sport at any age. Some injuries happen suddenly following a specific incident, while others develop gradually through repetitive training or overuse. The key is making an accurate diagnosis early. Many sporting injuries can be managed successfully without surgery, while others benefit from prompt treatment to achieve the best possible outcome.
A pectoralis major rupture most commonly occurs during heavy weight training, particularly whilst bench pressing. Patients often describe feeling a sudden “pop” followed by pain, bruising and weakness, together with a change in the shape of the chest muscle.
Early diagnosis is important, as surgical repair generally provides the best results for active patients when performed soon after injury.
The distal biceps tendon usually ruptures when attempting to catch or lift a heavy object unexpectedly. Patients often experience a sudden sharp pain in the front of the elbow followed by bruising, weakness and a characteristic change in the contour of the biceps muscle.
For active individuals, surgical repair is often recommended to restore strength, particularly for lifting and twisting movements such as using a screwdriver or opening jars.
Unlike the distal biceps tendon, a rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon within the shoulder rarely requires surgery. It is more often seen where the tendon has become worn over time, and typically causes sudden pain followed by bruising and a noticeable “Popeye” appearance of the upper arm.
Although the appearance can be alarming, most patients regain good function without an operation. However, a long head biceps rupture can sometimes be a sign of underlying rotator cuff disease, so assessment of the shoulder is often worthwhile.
A fall, sporting injury or heavy lifting can occasionally cause an acute rotator cuff tear. Patients often notice sudden pain together with weakness and difficulty lifting the arm.
Some tears can be managed successfully with physiotherapy, while others — particularly acute tears in otherwise healthy tendons — may benefit from early arthroscopic (keyhole) repair. The decision depends on the size of the tear, your symptoms and your activity level.
Shoulder dislocations are common in contact sports such as rugby, hockey and skiing, but can occur following any significant fall. The shoulder may damage the cartilage (labrum), ligaments or bone as it dislocates.
Younger patients, particularly those returning to contact or overhead sports, have a higher risk of recurrent instability and may benefit from stabilisation surgery. Others can often return successfully to sport following a structured rehabilitation programme.
A SLAP tear is an injury to the cartilage at the top of the shoulder socket where the long head of the biceps tendon attaches. It can occur following a fall, a shoulder dislocation or repetitive overhead activities such as throwing, climbing or racquet sports.
Symptoms often include deep shoulder pain, painful clicking and discomfort during overhead movements. Treatment varies considerably, ranging from physiotherapy through to keyhole surgery in carefully selected patients.
Every sporting injury is different. The most appropriate treatment depends not only on the diagnosis, but also on your sport, how long the problem has been present, your level of competition and your personal goals.
My aim is to help you return safely to the activities that matter most to you. Whether that is competitive rugby, recreational golf, CrossFit, swimming, yoga or simply enjoying an active lifestyle, we can decide together on the treatment that offers the best chance of a successful recovery.
Sport and exercise injuries are rarely one single diagnosis. The purpose of the first appointment is to work out exactly which structure has been injured, whether it needs treating urgently, and what the safest route back to your sport looks like for you.
Why we treat
sport and exercise injuries matters because of what it takes away. Your sleep, your work, and the parts of the week you look forward to.
Serving again
Training in the gym
Back on the yoga mat
A chest muscle tear, most often during heavy bench pressing.
Read about pectoralis major ruptureBiceps tendon torn from the forearm bone at the elbow.
Read about distal biceps tendon rupturePain at the front of the shoulder from the long head of biceps.
Read about proximal biceps tears and tendonitisPartial or full-thickness tears of the tendons that lift the arm.
Read about rotator cuff tearsA shoulder that slips, gives way or has dislocated.
Read about shoulder instability and labral tearsTears of the labrum where the biceps anchors into the socket.
Read about slap lesionsPain right on the top of the shoulder, over the collarbone joint.
Read about ac joint pain and arthritisWear of the ball-and-socket joint causing pain and stiffness.
Read about shoulder (glenohumeral) arthritisIf this sounds like what you are experiencing, we will find the earliest suitable appointment for you at Woodlands Hospital in Darlington.
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