Special properties of living tissue that affect the shoulder in athletes.

The physiologic function of the structures of the shoulder is to withstand the forces that arise from activity without sustaining injury. From our understanding of the biology of these tissues, we can see how they modify themselves to prevent injury and react, appropriately or inappropriately, to injury. This information, and knowledge yet to be discovered in the laboratory, should lead to more effective surgery, physical therapy, and use of medication.