What is the most common mechanism of shoulder injuries in overhead athletes?

The most common mechanism of shoulder injuries in overhead athletes is indeed repetitive overhead motions. This is due to the nature of overhead sports, where athletes frequently perform actions like throwing, serving, or swinging, which place significant stress on the shoulder joint and surrounding structures. Over time, these repetitive motions can lead to wear and tear on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, resulting in conditions such as rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, or impingement syndrome.

Overhead athletes often experience injuries as a cumulative effect of repeated activities rather than from a single traumatic incident. The mechanics involved in these sports can lead to imbalances and overload injuries that develop gradually. Thus, understanding the repetitive nature of their movements helps in both preventing and rehabilitating shoulder injuries effectively.