Youth Athlete Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy in Chardon, OH
Your athlete's shoulder hurts, and rest alone isn't fixing it.
Maybe it started as soreness after a long game or a weekend tournament. Now it hurts to throw, velocity is down, and they're sitting out practice. You've tried ice and a few weeks off. It feels better, they go back, and the pain comes right back. Meanwhile the season is slipping away, and you're not sure who to trust with your kid.
Your athlete deserves more than rest and a sheet of exercises. They deserve a provider you can trust, and results that actually last.
We know how frustrating this is
Most families come to us after rest, ice, or other treatment didn't work. We know how stressful it is to watch your child hurt, miss games, and worry about their future in the sport. That's why the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Chardon Performance Therapy start by listening to your athlete, to you, and when it helps, to their coaches.
We've helped thousands of active people, including young athletes from across Geauga and Lake County, regain confidence, strength, and control.
Shoulder problems we treat in young athletes
Throwing shoulder pain in baseball and softball players
Little League shoulder (growth plate irritation from throwing)
Rotator cuff strains and tendinitis
Shoulder looseness, instability, and subluxations
Shoulder pain from swimming, volleyball, tennis, wrestling, and football
Arm pain that comes back every season
Rehab after shoulder surgery and return-to-throwing programs
How it works
1. Share your story. Your athlete's initial assessment is a 75-minute, one-on-one visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We listen to their goals, their sport, their season, and what you've already tried, so we understand what truly matters to your family.
2. Get a comprehensive care plan. Throwing pain often starts far from the shoulder, so we assess the whole chain, from hips and core to shoulder blade and arm. We measure shoulder strength with dynamometry and full-body power with VALD force plates, so return to play is based on real numbers, not guesses.
3. Work with an accountable guide. Follow-up sessions are a full hour, one-on-one. We use hands-on manual therapy, dry needling when appropriate, and a strength and throwing progression built for their sport and season. We keep you, and their coaches when you'd like, informed so everyone knows the plan.
What to expect
In most cases, pain is gone within the first month, and often much sooner. But getting out of pain is only the start. Our custom plans of care average about 3 months, with one goal: keeping your athlete out of pain and performing at their highest potential.
What our clients say
"Chardon performance therapy has helped me tremendously with my physical well-being so I can be a better baseball player! They've worked through my pain that comes with pitching…"
Ryan S. ★★★★★
"My son had a shoulder injury that was affecting baseball and they worked with us on his specific needs and, were extremely professional and helpful."
Tara S. ★★★★★
"My daughter […] has had some shoulder pain with playing fast pitch softball… They are helping to strengthen her shoulders and improve her form with batting and pitching."
Michelle B. ★★★★★
Rated 5.0 stars from 253 Google reviews.
Don't stay stuck
If you wait, a sore arm can turn into a longer layoff, a lost season, or an injury that follows them for years. Your athlete has a lot of game left. Let's protect it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio law lets you see a physical therapist directly, without a referral.
How long are the sessions?
The initial assessment is 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, always one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
How long until my athlete can throw again?
In most cases, pain is gone within the first month, and often sooner. We then rebuild strength and progress throwing step by step, so they return with confidence and stay healthy all season.
Do you take insurance?
We accept HSA and FSA cards, and many clients are reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits. We'll walk you through your options on a quick call.
Should my child stop throwing completely?
Not always. Many athletes can keep training other parts of their game while the shoulder recovers. We'll give you a clear plan for what's safe now and when they can return to full throwing.
Can you help prevent shoulder injuries?
Yes. Strength testing, mobility work, and a smart arm care program are some of the best ways to keep young throwers healthy. Many of our athletes keep training with us after their pain is gone.
When should I see a doctor instead?
If the shoulder looks deformed or popped out, your child can't lift the arm after a fall or collision, there's numbness or tingling down the arm, or pain wakes them at night and won't ease, see a physician or go to urgent care right away.
More for parents and athletes: Measuring Athlete Performance (video) · Why We Measure Progress (video) · We Don't Guess, We Measure (video)
Serving Chardon and Northeast Ohio
Our clinic is at 520 5th Ave, Suite #3, in downtown Chardon. Families come to us from Chesterland, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, Eastlake, Willoughby, Pepper Pike, Cleveland Heights, and across Geauga and Lake County.