Injury protocol

Overhead thrower’s shoulder (internal impingement)

Overhead thrower’s shoulder (internal impingement) needs a staged plan that matches tissue healing, pain behavior, and progressive rehab loading in the shoulder.

Condition summary

Category: Sports Injury

Body region: Shoulder

Common in: Competitive sport, High-speed change of direction, High-volume practice, Shoulder, Sports

Recovery phases

Acute support (0-5 days)

Goals: Reduce irritability in Overhead thrower’s shoulder (internal impingement), Protect tissue quality and appetite, Build the next rehab step safely

Nutrition focus: High protein, Creatine, Carbs around rehab and skill work, Collagen around connective tissue loading

Meal examples: Oats with milk, fruit, and protein / Lean meat or tofu rice bowl / Salmon or beans with potatoes

Repair and reload (5 days to 6 weeks)

Goals: Reduce irritability in Overhead thrower’s shoulder (internal impingement), Protect tissue quality and appetite, Build the next rehab step safely

Nutrition focus: High protein, Creatine, Carbs around rehab and skill work, Collagen around connective tissue loading

Meal examples: Oats with milk, fruit, and protein / Lean meat or tofu rice bowl / Salmon or beans with potatoes

Return phase (6+ weeks)

Goals: Progress loading tolerance for Overhead thrower’s shoulder (internal impingement), Restore movement confidence and function, Prepare for return to work, sport, or daily activity

Nutrition focus: High protein, Creatine, Carbs around rehab and skill work, Collagen around connective tissue loading

Meal examples: Oats with milk, fruit, and protein / Lean meat or tofu rice bowl / Salmon or beans with potatoes

Helpful recovery links