Team handball: Shoulder injuries, rehabilitation, and training

Team handball is a popular sport combining aspects of basketball, soccer, and baseball. Six court players and one goalie per team participate on a court measuring 20 x 40 m. The sport is rapid and physical, and tremendous demands are placed on the athlete's shoulder. Team handball's physical nature and various throwing angles make the athlete very vulnerable to shoulder injury. Rehabilitation of a team handball player's shoulder should emphasize creation of a strong rotator cuff able to withstand the concentric and eccentric demands on the shoulder during throwing. Rehabilitation should include an interval-throwing program and conclude with a sport-specific training regime. Training for team handball should focus on shoulder strengthening but also combine a core-strengthening philosophy to enhance the athlete's overall ability. A holistic approach to rehabilitation and training provides the athlete with a shoulder able to withstand the demands of the sport.