Shoulder pain can affect children and teens who participate in sports, especially activities that involve frequent throwing, serving, swimming, or other repetitive overhead movements. While occasional muscle soreness after activity may improve with rest, persistent or recurring pain may be a sign of an injury that needs further evaluation. Because children and teens are still growing, identifying the source of pain early can help guide appropriate treatment, prevent symptoms from worsening, and support a safe return to activity.
An acute shoulder injury can occur suddenly after a fall, collision, or other trauma. Overuse injuries, however, usually develop over time. Repeating the same movement without adequate recovery can place ongoing stress on the shoulder’s bones and soft tissues. In growing athletes, repetitive stress may also affect developing areas of bone, including growth plates. This is one reason shoulder problems in children and adolescents may differ from similar symptoms in adults.
There is not one single cause of shoulder and overuse injuries. Common causes and risk factors include:
Over time, repetitive stress can contribute to conditions involving the rotator cuff, labrum, biceps tendon, growth plate, or movement of the scapula.
Not every sore shoulder requires orthopedic care. Temporary muscle soreness after a new or strenuous activity may improve with appropriate rest. However, parents should pay attention to shoulder pain that persists, repeatedly returns with activity, becomes more severe, or begins interfering with sports or normal daily activities.
Dr. Samara Friedman, MD, FAAOS is a board certified pediatric orthopedist with subspecialty interest in pediatric and adolescent trauma, growth deformities and treatment of sports injuries, including arthroscopic treatment of shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle injuries.
She earned her medical degree from SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine in Stony Brook, New York after completing her Bachelor of Science at Cornell University. Dr. Friedman completed her residency in orthopedic surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center before becoming a pediatric orthopedic surgery fellow at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Friedman has been recognized several times by area publications as a “Top Doc.”
Dr. Samara Friedman, MD, FAAOS is a board certified pediatric orthopedist with subspecialty interest in pediatric and adolescent trauma, growth deformities and treatment of sports injuries, including arthroscopic treatment of shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle injuries.
She earned her medical degree from SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine in Stony Brook, New York after completing her Bachelor of Science at Cornell University. Dr. Friedman completed her residency in orthopedic surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center before becoming a pediatric orthopedic surgery fellow at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Friedman has been recognized several times by area publications as a “Top Doc.”
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the injury as well as the child’s age, skeletal maturity, symptoms, and sport. For many shoulder and overuse injuries, treatment begins without surgery and may include:
Physical therapy can be particularly important for young athletes with weakness, limited flexibility, or altered mechanics. When there is a significant structural injury, such as certain labral tears or instability, additional treatment may be necessary. Surgery is reserved for cases in which it is appropriate based on the specific injury and the needs of the growing athlete.
At The Pediatric Orthopedic Center, our pediatric orthopedic specialists evaluate and treat shoulder and overuse injuries in children, teens, and young athletes. Our approach considers not only where it hurts, but also the child’s age, growth, activity level, sport, and the factors that may have contributed to the injury. TPOC has provided specialized orthopedic care for children and teens in northern New Jersey for more than 30 years.
If your child has persistent or recurring shoulder pain, weakness, loss of motion, or symptoms that interfere with sports or daily activities, an evaluation can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate next steps.
To schedule an appointment at our Cedar Knolls, Springfield, or Wayne office, call (973) 538-7700 or request an appointment online.
This page is for general educational purposes and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has a severe, life-threatening, or limb-threatening injury, visit your local emergency room or call 911.
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*Urgent and Acute Injuries Only during Urgent Care/Walk-in Clinic hours. To find out if your child’s injury qualifies for a walk-in visit, click here. A walk-in fee will apply to any after-hours visits that are not scheduled in advance.
Monday:
Regular Hours: 9am-5pm
Walk-in Hours* (Cedar Knolls): 5pm-8pm
Tuesday:
Regular Hours: 9am-5pm
Walk-in Hours* (Cedar Knolls): 5pm-8pm
Wednesday:
Regular Hours: 9am-5pm
Walk-in Hours* (Cedar Knolls): 5pm-8pm
Thursday:
Regular Hours: 9am-5pm
Walk-in Hours* (Cedar Knolls): 5pm-8pm
Friday:
Regular Hours: 8am-5pm
NO walk-in hours.
Saturday:
Walk-in Hours* (Cedar Knolls): 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed