Sports Medicine Georgia
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Introduction
Across Georgia, athletes from high school competitors to those spending weekends on the water rely on healthy joints to meet the physical demands of their sport. Whether it’s a sharp pivot on the field or a powerful overhead throw, shoulder injuries are common in sports involving high-impact movement, repetition, or sudden force.
Dr. Michael Cushing offers advanced orthopedic sports medicine care with specialization in shoulder injuries. With a patient-first, performance-driven approach, Dr. Cushing aims to helps athletes recover quickly, reduce pain, and safely return to the activities they love.
Shoulder Sports Injuries
The shoulder’s wide range of motion makes it especially prone to injury in overhead sports like baseball, swimming, volleyball, and tennis. Whether it’s instability, tendon damage, or overuse, shoulder issues can significantly limit performance and daily function.
Dr. Cushing applies a sports-specific lens to shoulder injury diagnosis and treatment, helping athletes restore function, strength, and stability for lasting performance.
Common Shoulder Sports Injuries
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff strain or tears occur from overuse, repetitive overhead movements, or a sudden force.
Symptoms:
Pain or weakness when lifting the arm
Limited overhead motion
Discomfort during or after activity
Treatment & Recovery:
Partial injuries are typically managed with rehab and anti-inflammatory care. Complete tears, especially in active individuals, often require surgical repair. Return to sport may take 4–6 months depending on healing and performance goals.
Shoulder Instability / Dislocation
Dislocations or subluxations can stretch or tear the ligaments, especially in contact or overhead sports.
Symptoms:
Shoulder “giving out” during activity
Pain and limited range
Fear or avoidance of overhead motion
Treatment & Recovery:
Initial management includes rest, strengthening, and neuromuscular training. Surgery may be recommended for recurrent instability. Full recovery with return to sport typically occurs within 5–7 months.
Labral Tears (SLAP Tears)
A tear in the labrum, cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder joint, often results from repetitive throwing or trauma.
Symptoms:
Catching or locking sensation
Deep shoulder pain
Decreased strength or endurance
Treatment & Recovery:
Conservative care includes physical therapy and gradual return to throwing. Surgery may be needed for high-level athletes, with a return-to-play window of 4–6 months.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Impingement occurs when soft tissues are compressed during overhead activity, common in swimming and tennis.
Symptoms:
Pinching pain when raising the arm
Weakness and fatigue
Discomfort with repetitive use
Treatment & Recovery:
Most athletes improve with targeted strengthening and biomechanical correction. Recovery ranges from 3–8 weeks. Severe cases may need arthroscopic decompression.
AC Joint Sprains
Injury to the acromioclavicular joint typically results from a direct fall onto the shoulder.
Symptoms:
Visible bump or swelling at the joint
Pain with cross-body arm motion
Reduced shoulder strength
Treatment & Recovery:
Low-grade sprains are managed conservatively; high-grade separations may require surgery. Return to sport ranges from 2 weeks to 3 months depending on severity.
Treatment & Recovery
Dr. Cushing blends orthopedic expertise with sports-specific insight to deliver comprehensive care for athletes at all levels, from recreational runners to competitive athletes.
Conservative Treatments: Physical therapy, bracing, therapeutic modalities, taping, and activity adjustments tailored to the sport.
Surgical Solutions: Minimally invasive procedures, including ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, labral stabilization, and meniscal repair.
Rehabilitation/Prevention: Rehabilitation protocols built around the athlete’s unique performance needs and timelines, ensuring safe, confident return to play. Dr. Cushing educates patients on warm-up routines, biomechanical efficiency, and strength training to reduce the risk of re-injury.
Choosing Dr. Cushing for Sports Medicine in Georgia
Sports injuries don’t have to end your season or your momentum. Dr. Michael Cushing, offers personalized sports medicine care for athletes across Georgia, combining orthopedic precision with performance-based recovery. Whether you’re navigating a shoulder injury or returning to sports post-surgery, Dr. Cushing’s comprehensive approach is designed to restore your strength, prevent re-injury, and get you back in action.
