The Glade 4.0

Been playing softball for the past three years now: three summer leagues and one fall league.

It has been fun and I am able to keep up, though my skill is definitely waning as I get older. One lingering problem I am having is that my throwing arm is getting weaker, possibly due to stress.

I warm up my arm before every game and I never have to throw harder than is comfortable for me, so I don't believe I have ever pulled anything or thrown my arm out.

What is persisting, though, is a weakness in my shoulder (rotator cuff, perhaps). It doesn't hurt like I pulled or tore something, rather it is a marked weakness in my right arm.

A quick search online found me a few exercises to strengthen it, but I am wondering if there is anyone here in Gladeland that has dealt with or has any experience with sports injuries and such. Obviously, if it gets worse, I will go to a Doctor. It hasn't gotten that bad and isn't really hindering me from doing anything at this point, though.

As always, any information is appreciated.

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This must be Thursday. I could never get the hang of Thursdays.

I have had similar symptoms in my shoulders for about 5-6 years now. I also kinda assumed it was a rotator cuff problem. A few years ago went to PT/Chiropractor and was diagnosed with tendonitis in my upper biceps. I was in my late 30's and the doc told me I had problems typical of 60 year olds. I did some PT at the docs office for a month, then did exercises at home for a couple more, and the problem is mostly in "remission", but I have unconscious-ishly changed the way I do certain things that probably keep me from re-injuring the affected muscles.

If it helps any in your diagnosis...if you stand straight, bring your hands up to your shoulders (right hand to right shoulder, left to left--not crossed), push your elbows out a bit in front of your body and then "flap your wings" like a funky chicken...that motion makes my shoulders cry.

Doc thinks this is a result of poor weight lifting technique back in my early 20s. Fortunately, it hasn't impaired by ability to play catch with my kids or anything, but I was told I it was very likely I would need surgery at some point in the future.