In a recent update, the Houston Astros announced that closer Josh Hader has been diagnosed with a shoulder capsule sprain. This follows his placement on the 15-day injured list after feeling discomfort during warm-ups.
What exactly is a shoulder capsule sprain?
The shoulder capsule is a sleeve of ligaments that surrounds and stabilizes the ball-and-socket joint. A sprain means those ligaments have been overstretched or partially torn. For pitchers, this can happen from repetitive high-velocity throwing, especially when fatigue sets in. In everyday life, it can occur from a fall, heavy lifting, or even repeated overhead work.
Treatment options
Most capsule sprains respond well to non-surgical care, which may include:
- Rest from aggravating movements.
- Physical therapy to restore motion, build rotator cuff and scapular strength, and improve stability.
- Anti-inflammatory strategies such as ice, medication, or modalities like shockwave therapy.
- For more severe sprains, or if instability persists, advanced treatments like PRP injections or even arthroscopic ligament repair may be needed.
Recovery timeline
- Mild sprain: 2–4 weeks.
- Moderate sprain: 6–8 weeks.
- Severe sprain: Several months, sometimes after surgery.
The takeaway for patients
You don’t have to be a pro pitcher to develop this injury. Shoulder capsule sprains can affect weekend athletes, gym-goers, and workers with overhead tasks. Early diagnosis and a targeted rehab plan are key to getting back to your sport or daily activities safely and confidently.
