Little League Baseball / Early Specialization
Let's take a quick look at some common injuries for youth baseball players and how we can prevent them all together. In our younger athletic group we want to be aware of overuse injuries on an immature musculoskeletal system. Repetitive motions, like pitching, can predispose young athletes to some preventable shoulder and elbow injuries. The most common shoulder injuries seen are rotator cuff strain/tendonitis, labral injuries, bicep tendonitis, and “Little Leaguer’s Shoulder.” At the elbow we see more UCL injury (can lead to Tommy John surgery), medial epicondylitis, ulnar nerve injury, and “Little Leaguer’s Elbow.”
Overuse is becoming the main cause of injury due to year round training. Earlier “specialization” in one sport rather than playing different sports throughout the year contributes to overuse of a specific body part / movement pattern. Repetitive motions year round can lead to a 5x greater risk of injury if pitching more than 8 months/year and 36x greater risk of injury if throwing through fatigue. I can’t stress how important cross training is for developing different movement patterns while allowing proper rest for shoulder and elbow in the off season. Don’t be afraid to take some time away from throwing, it may end up saving you time on the field during the season!
Some things that should be screened before the season starts is shoulder range of motion and strength. Cervical and thoracic mobility also play a critical role in hip/shoulder separation which allows for increased torque while distributing the forces through multiple joints. Mojo Physical Therapy would love to help with any screening or rehab if needed. If any injury does occur during the season it is vital for proper rest and recovery to prevent this from becoming a chronic issue down the road and as sport intensity increases into high school and even college.
Why Choose PT for Youth Sports?
Injury Prevention: A preseason screen can be an easy way to assess any impairments prior to starting the season. Common deficits we look for are decreased shoulder range of motion, poor hip mobility, and weakness in the throwing arm.
Rehabilitation: If an injury does occur, physical therapy provides individualized rehabilitation programs that promote safe recovery and a return to sport.
Performance Enhancement: Not only is the goal to return to sport, but we want each athlete to perform at a higher level while staying healthy longer.
Education: Physical therapists teach young athletes about their bodies, promoting awareness and encouraging healthy habits.
Long-Term Health: An injury at a younger age, if left untreated, can lead to worse problems as they get older. If the goal is to play into high school and college staying healthy at a young age is crucial.
