The Movement Driven Podcast:The Truth About GIRD
Greg Goldberger • December 3, 2025
The Hidden Mobility Deficit Behind Shoulder Pain, Dead Arm, and Lost Power
In Part 3 of our Shoulder Series, we break down a term every overhead athlete needs to know: GIRD — glenohumeral internal rotation deficit. If you’ve ever dealt with shoulder tightness, dead arm, or a drop in power, this episode explains why it happens and what you can do about it.
Dr. Greg explains how GIRD develops over years of throwing, swimming, serving, or lifting overhead, why it shows up more in the dominant arm, and how it can create major performance limitations. We cover early warning signs to look for, simple tests you can try at home, and why restoring internal rotation is key for staying healthy and explosive.
Whether you’re a baseball pitcher, volleyball hitter, tennis player, CrossFitter, or simply someone who reaches overhead throughout the day, this episode will help you better understand your shoulder and protect it for the long run.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What GIRD actually is and how it develops
- Why throwers and overhead athletes are most at risk
- How mobility asymmetries can lead to injury
- A quick at-home test to spot early limitations
- What PT can do to restore rotation and prevent long-term issues
If you notice tightness, decreased mobility, or nagging shoulder symptoms, it might be time for a movement screen. The earlier you address GIRD, the faster you get back to moving and performing at your best.
Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube
to uncover what your shoulders are really trying to tell you—and how to move better for the long haul.
Dr. Greg Goldberger explains why pain keeps returning after treatment — and how addressing movement quality at the source creates lasting results.
Wondering if dry needling is right for you? Movement Driven's licensed therapists in Jacksonville & St. Johns, FL explain which conditions respond best to trigger point dry needling.
Not sure whether to see a physical therapist or chiropractor for your pain? Learn the key differences and why root-cause movement therapy often produces longer-lasting results.
Dr. Greg sits down with Good Lad Soccer founder Gavin Carlin to talk elite youth athlete development, early specialization, and building champions.
If physical therapy didn't work for you, the real issue may never have been addressed. Discover how root-cause movement approach gets lasting results.
Dr. Greg Goldberger breaks down how heat affects your body, why water alone isn't enough, and how to hydrate and train smart all summer long.
Movement Driven in Jacksonville & St. Johns honors veterans with expert, one-on-one physical therapy built for the demands of military service.
Dr. Greg breaks down what aging does to your body & how to fight back with smarter training. Learn the mistakes aging athletes make and how to stay active for life.
Stay active, strong, and pain-free at any age. Movement Driven in Jacksonville & St. Johns offers one-on-one PT to help seniors move better and live fully.
Dr. Greg breaks down the 5 types of pain, why inflammation gets the blame, and what's really keeping you stuck — so you can finally start healing.