Dr. Brian Hill joined CBS 12 News to share expert advice on preventing shoulder and elbow injuries
Dr. Brian Hill from Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center on CBS 12 News, discussing how to prevent shoulder and elbow injuries when returning to sports like golf, tennis, and pickleball
Key Takeaways
- Avoid Jumping Straight Back In: The biggest mistake people make after taking months off is expecting to resume at full speed. Muscles like the rotator cuff and stabilizers need time to adapt to high-velocity, repetitive swings; going from zero to full intensity risks tendonitis and tears.
- Effective Warm-up Routines: Start with light cardio, such as a brisk walk, to increase blood flow, followed by dynamic stretches rather than static ones—such as arm circles, shoulder swings, cross-body swings, shoulder blade squeezes, and light band work for the rotator cuff.
- Warning Signs to Watch For: Mild muscle fatigue and soreness are normal. However, seek medical evaluation if you experience:
- Sharp pain or pain that wakes you up at night.
- Pain traveling down the arm, catching during movement, or restricting motion.
- Pain that directly impairs your swing.
- Surgical & Treatment Advancements: While surgery is always a last resort, modern advancements include:
- Robotic Shoulder Replacements: Using 3D pre-operative planning to position implants with high precision, aiming for faster recovery.
- Biologics: Applied to rotator cuff tendons to promote faster healing.
