Baseball Injuries: Are you at risk?
posted: Jul. 27, 2012.
With the baseball season in full swing now, it is important to keep your body in tip-top shape in order to make it through the long season. The action of throwing is an extremely complex motion that involves parts of the entire body to varying degrees in a coordinated manner. There are very high stresses placed on the arm and body throughout the motion of the overhead throw. This can lead to some of the oh-so-common injuries to the elbow, shoulder, and back just to name a few. Most of these injuries are a result of overuse; meaning too much, was done too hard, too often. So what does this mean for you? These injuries are preventable! By following proper throwing guidelines, using proper mechanics, and incorporating proper strength and conditioning, you can not only avoid injury but also have your body operating at its highest level of performance throughout the season.
The number one risk factor for shoulder and elbow injuries is pitch count. Pitchers that throw more than 100 innings/year are 3-4x more at risk for injury; kids that participate year round or have more than 8 months of competitive baseball are 5x more likely to end up in surgery; and kids that kept pitching after fatigue are 3,600x more likely to end up in surgery!
The table on the right displays the latest
recommendations for pitch counts set forth in 
the 2010 Little League Baseball
Regulations. Not only is it important to
follow the pitch count guidelines, but it is also very important to give the
body adequate rest in-between pitch days.
Ages 14 and under
Ages 15-18
So now that you have all this information now what do you do? Get evaluated! Everyone thinks they are in good shape until they get hurt. Being evaluated by a proper physician trained in biomechanics can get you in the right step to preventing these injuries from every occurring. Get started on a strength and conditioning program. Having a certified professional set-up a program can help you strengthen and stabilize the joints that need strengthened and help you get range of motion in the joints that need mobility. If you are unfortunate to have already experienced an injury seek care immediately. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to getting you back as quickly as possible. Yours in Stability, Mobility, and Strength.
References
ASMI.org. (2011, March 7). Position Statement for Youth Baseball Pitchers.
Hyde, T. E. (2007). Conservative Management of Sports Injuries. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Kibler, W. B. (2003). Scapular Dyskinesis and Its Relation to Shoulder Pain. J Am Acad Orthop Surg(11), 142-151.
Kibler, W. B. (2006). The Role of Core Stability in Athletic Function. Sports Med, 36(3), 189-198.
Leonard, D. B. (2012, April). Youth Baseball Injuries: Presentation. Columbus, OH.
