Signs of Future Injuries in Overhead Athletes & How PT Can Help

Who’s This Blog For?

• Volleyball, baseball, tennis, and swim athletes who live overhead
• Parents wondering if their kid’s shoulder pain is “just growing pains”
• Coaches who’ve seen one too many athletes sidelined mid-season

Whether you’re spiking, serving, pitching, or pulling, overhead sports demand a lot from your body and sometimes, your body talks back. In this brief post, I will help you understand what your body is telling you, the most common injuries for overhead athletes, what to expect when going to physical therapy, and how to emerge stronger than ever.

What’s Hurting?

Common reports of pain in the upper extremities in overhead athletes: 

“My Shoulder Feels Like It’s Full of Pop Rocks”

Likely Culprit: Rotator cuff irritation or labral stress
Common in: Volleyball, football,  baseball, and swimming
Feels like: Clicking, catching, or weakness overhead

“My Elbow’s Burning or Sharp”

Likely Culprit: Little League elbow, medial epicondylitis
Common in: Baseball, tennis
Feels like: Pain during throwing or gripping

“My Back’s Tight and My Performance Has Gotten Worse”

Likely Culprit: Thoracic stiffness or lumbar strain
Common in: Tennis, volleyball
Feels like: Limited rotation, stiffness, or aching post-match

What to Expect from Physical Therapy

Evaluation:  Movement screen, strength tests, and sport-specific analysis

Treatment: Manual therapy, corrective exercises, and progressive load management

Performance: Plyometrics, power drills, return-to-sport protocols

Education: Parent-athlete coaching, home program, sport-specific tip

🎤 Parents: Here's What You Can Do

• ✅ Ask your athlete/child how their body feels, not just how they performed. 
• ✅ Watch for subtle signs: slower throws, altered form, mood changes
• ✅ Book a discovery call to consult with Reactivation PT if something feels “off”
• ✅ Download our free “Return to Play Checklist” for OH athletes HERE

Can You Spot the Red Flags?

Which of these are early signs of injury?

1. Shoulder soreness after every game
2. Elbow pain only during warm-up
3. Decreased serve speed
4. All of the above

Answer: D. These are all subtle signals that PT can help decode and address.

In conclusion, injury doesn’t mean the end.  With the right guidance, overhead athletes can recover smarter, perform better, and build resilience that lasts beyond the season.

At Reactivation PT, we blend clinical expertise with sport-specific insight to help athletes and families feel confident, informed, and empowered.