# Increase in summer sports-related shoulder injuries

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/increase-in-summer-sports-related-shoulder-injuries
> Updated: 2026-08-21T16:17:37.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Medical professionals in Greece and Spain have noted an increase in shoulder injuries linked to summer physical activities.

In Greece, orthopedic specialists have highlighted a rise in beach volleyball and sand-based racket sports. Dr. Panagiotis Pantos notes that the unstable sandy surface causes overuse injuries, such as rotator-cuff tendonitis and subacromial impingement syndrome, which account for 22–33% of shoulder syndromes in volleyball athletes. 

Similarly, in Spain, medical experts report an uptick in injuries as individuals engage in activities like swimming, paddle surfing, padel, or kayaking without prior training. Reported conditions include inflammation, tendon tears, and more severe cases like fractures or clavicle breaks. Older patients are noted to be at a higher risk for tendon ruptures due to existing deterioration.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Shoulder injuries increase during summer sports season

Summer activities like swimming and paddle surfing are leading to an increase in shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears and tendinitis, due to lack of year-round physical preparation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shoulder-injuries-increase-during-summer-sports-season

### 2026-07-31: Greek Orthopedic Guide Warns of Shoulder Injuries in Beach Volleyball

A Greek orthopaedic guide warns that beach volleyball's growing popularity raises shoulder overuse injuries, mainly rotator‑cuff tendonitis and impingement, urging proper technique and conditioning.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-orthopedic-guide-warns-of-shoulder-injuries-in-beach-volleyball

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Cite as: Increase in summer sports-related shoulder injuries. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/increase-in-summer-sports-related-shoulder-injuries