Dr. Justin Khoriaty

Athletes rely heavily on shoulder strength and mobility, making this joint particularly vulnerable to injury—especially in overhead and contact sports. Iowa Ortho’s shoulder specialist, Dr. Justin Khoriaty, answers the most frequently asked questions about sports-related shoulder injuries, offering valuable insights into prevention, treatment, and recovery.

What are the most common shoulder injuries in sports?

Athletes may experience a wide range of shoulder injuries. Dr. Khoriaty identifies the most common ones:

• Minor injuries: Sprains, strains, and overuse injuries
• Moderate to severe injuries:
  • Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations
  • Full shoulder dislocations
  • Labral tears
  • Rotator cuff injuries

Which sports are most likely to lead to shoulder injuries?

While shoulder injuries can happen in any sport, Dr. Khoriaty notes they are especially common in:

• Overhead sports like baseball, softball, tennis, and volleyball
• Contact sports such as football and wrestling

These activities place high stress on the shoulder joint through repetitive motion and impact.

How are shoulder injuries in athletes typically treated?

At Iowa Ortho, conservative management is the first line of treatment whenever possible. This includes:

• Rest and ice
• Physical therapy
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Cortisone (steroid) injections

If the injury does not improve with non-surgical treatment, surgical options may be considered to restore function and stability.

What is the recovery timeline for athletes with shoulder injuries?

Recovery time depends on the type and severity of the injury. Minor injuries may only require a few weeks of rest and rehab, while more complex injuries—like labral or rotator cuff tears—could sideline an athlete for several months. At Iowa Ortho, the goal is always to minimize time away from the sport while ensuring full and safe recovery.

Fast Access to Sports Injury Care at Iowa Ortho

At Iowa Ortho, we understand that athletic injuries can happen suddenly and require prompt attention. That’s why we offer specialized care options to get you back in the game as quickly and safely as possible.

For urgent injuries, our Urgent Injury Clinic provides same-day care without the wait of an emergency room.

If your injury isn’t an emergency but still needs attention soon, Iowa Ortho offers next-day appointments through our Sports Injury Clinic Navigator. Our navigator works one-on-one with athletes of all ages to ensure timely access to the right care.

Walk into one of our Urgent Injury Clinics or call/text our Sports Injury Clinic Navigator at 515-304-2400 to schedule an expedited appointment for your athlete today.