The care of overhead athletes presents a challenge to clinicians. The injury manifestations may be subtle and the diagnosis often elusive. The violent stresses imposed upon the shoulder during the act of overhead throwing will, in time, exact their toll on both the labrum and rotator cuff if certain maladaptive patterns are not recognized and treated appropriately. Perhaps the role of "preventative strategies" is more meaningful in overhead athletes than in any other sports-related cohort. A profound understanding of shoulder anatomy, bio-mechanics, and response to overuse is necessary to appreciate and implement prevention strategies. Similarly, subtle examination findings may alert the clinician to an impending "shoulder at risk."
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