Shoulder pain is a common injury in sports, including football. Whether from throwing, tackling or falling to the ground, pain can result from bruises, strains and tears.

It’s uncommon for pre-teens to suffer anything more than muscle strains, those often resulting from overuse, said Dave Weikel, USA Football head athletic trainer and outreach supervisor at St. Vincent Sports Performance.

Most often, ice and rest are the two best ways to alleviate shoulder discomfort. If pain persists, here’s three tests that parents or coaches can do themselves to determine the potential of a more serious injury.

Remember, only a medical professional can make a diagnosis.  If any of the following tests cause an increase in pain, or if the athlete is unable to perform them, you may want to consult a doctor or a sports medicine specialist.

• Empty can test. Hold the arm of the injured shoulder straight out as if you are holding a can of soda. Turn the hand over as if pouring it out with the thumb down. Keeping the shoulder in that position, move the arm to about a 45-degree angle and give light resistance by pushing down on the hand.
• Internal/external rotation. Hold the arm out straight in front. Reach back with the arm so the palm lies flat against the back of the neck. Return the arm to out front. Reach back with the arm so the front of the hand rests against the small of the back.
• Hawkins test. With the arm at shoulder height, bend the elbow to 90 degrees and have the person assisting you lend support under the elbow. Rotate the hand toward the floor.