SHOULDER PAIN DOES NOT MEAN
YOUR SEASON IS OVER.

It started as a dull ache after long outings. Then it became sharper. Now you are thinking about your shoulder on every throw. You are compensating, losing velocity, and wondering if you will feel confident in your arm again.

Rest may settle symptoms without rebuilding throwing capacity. The next step depends on the presentation and may include modified throwing, progressive loading, strength work, and coordination with another medical provider when appropriate.

Valen regularly works with throwing athletes. The evaluation considers factors across the kinetic chain that may be increasing shoulder demand, and the findings guide a plan to get you back to throwing.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION

This is a free 15-minute discovery call, not the clinical evaluation.

WHY VALEN

HOW VALEN WORKS

SHOULDER ROTATION TESTING

Valen can measure internal and external rotation strength with VALD dynamometers when it answers a useful question about your progress.

WHOLE-ATHLETE ASSESSMENT

The evaluation considers shoulder and scapular function, trunk motion, lower-body contribution, workload, and the athlete's throwing role.

SPORT-SPECIFIC RETURN

The plan can include a progressive return-to-throwing program based on the demands of your sport and position.

MANUAL THERAPY + STRENGTH

Sessions often combine hands-on treatment with progressive strengthening to build durability.

ALL OVERHEAD ATHLETES

Baseball, softball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, football. The plan is matched to the athlete's shoulder and sport demands.

BUILD DURABLE CAPACITY

The plan builds shoulder strength, scapular stability, and movement patterns to help manage the risk of recurrence.

THE PROCESS

WHAT WORKING TOGETHER LOOKS LIKE

01

IDENTIFY THE SOURCE

An evaluation of your shoulder, scapula, thoracic spine, and hip. The evaluation tests strength, mobility, and movement patterns when appropriate to identify contributing factors to your pain.

02

BUILD SHOULDER CAPACITY

Progressive rehab may combine hands-on care with strength and movement work selected for the athlete's current presentation.

03

RETURN TO THROWING

When the athlete is ready, throwing distance, intensity, volume, role demands, and recovery response are progressed in context.

ATHLETE EXPERIENCES

WHAT ATHLETES SAY

"We had an excellent experience with Keagan. He helped strengthen my son's arm specifically for baseball and took the time to teach him the correct way to build strength safely and effectively. My son genuinely loved working with him, which says a lot. He was encouraging, knowledgeable, and great at explaining baseball-specific movements and exercises."

ERICA DAVERN

"Keagan has been an excellent strength and conditioning trainer for my 13-year-old son, who plays baseball. My son feels very comfortable working with him, and Keagan truly understands how a baseball player's body needs to move and develop. He's detailed, intentional, and connects every exercise to improving on-field performance."

ADAM JOHNSTON

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why does my shoulder hurt when I throw?

Shoulder pain during throwing often stems from structures such as the rotator cuff or labrum being overloaded. The throwing motion places stress on the shoulder, and pain develops when the tissues cannot handle the load. An evaluation helps identify the involved structure and the contributing factors.

Can I keep throwing with shoulder pain?

This depends on the severity and cause of the pain. Throwing through significant pain often worsens the issue. The safest approach is an evaluation to identify the cause and follow a structured plan, which may include modified throwing, targeted strengthening, and a progressive return to intensity.

How long does it take to recover from throwing shoulder pain?

Recovery varies based on the diagnosis and the individual athlete. At Valen, objective strength testing may be used to track progress and determine when you are ready to advance. The free 15-minute discovery call is available to discuss your specific situation before scheduling a full clinical evaluation.

What is the difference between a SLAP tear and a rotator cuff tear?

A SLAP tear involves the upper labrum near the biceps attachment. A rotator cuff tear involves one or more tendons that help stabilize and move the shoulder. Symptoms can overlap, so diagnosis and imaging decisions should be coordinated with the appropriate medical provider.

Do you work with non-baseball shoulder injuries?

Yes. Valen works with shoulder pain in overhead athletes, including swimmers, volleyball players, tennis players, and quarterbacks. The principles of shoulder rehab are similar across sports, though the specific demands and return-to-sport criteria differ. The program is tailored to your sport and position.

RELATED CONDITIONS WE TREAT

Rotator Cuff Injuries
UCL Injury
Arm Care
Elbow Pain in Baseball
Return to Sport

LEARN MORE

Pitcher vs Position Player ShoulderReturn-to-Throw Progression After Injury

START WITH A
CLEAR CONVERSATION.

If this sounds like your situation, a free 15-minute call is the easiest way to find out if Valen is the right fit. The clinical evaluation is a separate 60-minute visit.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION