Wed, Jun 10, 2026
Volume 16, Issue 2 (Spring 2026)
PTJ 2026, 16(2): 233-238 |
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Vadamalai G, Ramalingam K, M K, Tamildasan K, N S, K K. Return-to-play Rehabilitation of a Professional Fast Bowler Following Rotator Cuff Tear, Superior Labrum AnteriorPosterior Repair and Shoulder Impingement: A Case Study. PTJ 2026; 16 (2) :233-238
URL: http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-815-en.html
URL: http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-815-en.html
Geethapriya Vadamalai1 
, Karthika Ramalingam *2 , Kamalakannan M1 , Karthik Tamildasan3 , Suriya N1 , Kavitha K4
, Karthika Ramalingam *2 , Kamalakannan M1 , Karthik Tamildasan3 , Suriya N1 , Kavitha K4
1- Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India.
2- Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India. & Pachamuthu College of Physiotherapy, Dharmapuri,, India.
3- Cricket Association, Pondicherry, India.
4- Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research Centre, Chennai, Chennai, India.
2- Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India. & Pachamuthu College of Physiotherapy, Dharmapuri,, India.
3- Cricket Association, Pondicherry, India.
4- Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research Centre, Chennai, Chennai, India.
Abstract: (1437 Views)
Purpose: Shoulder injuries are prevalent among fast bowlers due to repetitive high-velocity overhead movements, commonly resulting in rotator cuff tears, superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions, and shoulder impingement. These injuries affect both physical function and psychological readiness, posing challenges for return-to-sport outcomes.
Case Presentation: This case study reports the rehabilitation of a 30-year-old male professional fast bowler who presented with a Grade 2C rotator cuff tear, SLAP tear and signs of shoulder impingement confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The athlete underwent arthroscopic repair followed by a structured 12-week rehabilitation program. The rehabilitation protocol was delivered in three progressive phases focusing on pain management, range of motion (ROM) restoration, scapular and rotator cuff strengthening and sport-specific drills. Psychological readiness was concurrently addressed using the injury psychological readiness to return to sport scale. Outcomes were measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS), shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), injury-psychological readiness to return to sport scale (I-PRRS), ROM and manual muscle testing (MMT). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperatively.
Results: The athlete demonstrated significant improvements in pain, function (SPADI: Reduced from 72% to 9%), and psychological readiness (I-PRRS: Increased from 38 to 92). ROM improved to near-normal values, and MMT scores increased from Grade 3 to 5. The athlete successfully returned to competitive bowling without complications.
Conclusion: A multidimensional, phased rehabilitation program that integrates physical and psychological recovery strategies can effectively restore shoulder function and performance in elite fast bowlers post-surgery. This case underscores the importance of individualized, sport specific rehabilitation in overhead athletes
Case Presentation: This case study reports the rehabilitation of a 30-year-old male professional fast bowler who presented with a Grade 2C rotator cuff tear, SLAP tear and signs of shoulder impingement confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The athlete underwent arthroscopic repair followed by a structured 12-week rehabilitation program. The rehabilitation protocol was delivered in three progressive phases focusing on pain management, range of motion (ROM) restoration, scapular and rotator cuff strengthening and sport-specific drills. Psychological readiness was concurrently addressed using the injury psychological readiness to return to sport scale. Outcomes were measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS), shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), injury-psychological readiness to return to sport scale (I-PRRS), ROM and manual muscle testing (MMT). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperatively.
Results: The athlete demonstrated significant improvements in pain, function (SPADI: Reduced from 72% to 9%), and psychological readiness (I-PRRS: Increased from 38 to 92). ROM improved to near-normal values, and MMT scores increased from Grade 3 to 5. The athlete successfully returned to competitive bowling without complications.
Conclusion: A multidimensional, phased rehabilitation program that integrates physical and psychological recovery strategies can effectively restore shoulder function and performance in elite fast bowlers post-surgery. This case underscores the importance of individualized, sport specific rehabilitation in overhead athletes
Keywords: Rotator cuff tear, Superior labrum anteriorposterior (SLAP) lesion, Fast bowler, Shoulder rehabilitation, Injury-psychological readiness to return to sport scale (I-PRRS), Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI)
Type of Study: case report |
Subject:
Sport injury and corrective exercises
Received: 2025/08/23 | Accepted: 2025/09/15 | Published: 2026/04/1
Received: 2025/08/23 | Accepted: 2025/09/15 | Published: 2026/04/1
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