Unveiling the Hidden Culprit: Poor Training Causing Arm Injuries in Pitchers

Unveiling the Hidden Culprit: Poor Training Causing Arm Injuries in Pitchers

Meta Description: Discover the detrimental impact of poor strength and conditioning training on the rise of arm injuries in pitchers, and learn effective prevention strategies.

Introduction: In baseball, the prevalence of arm injuries among pitchers has reached unprecedented levels in recent years. As an expert physical therapist and pitching coach, this concerning trend can be attributed to one major factor: poor strength and conditioning training. The relentless pursuit of velocity, the desire to throw faster than ever, has led to the development of bigger and stronger athletes. However, their throwing mechanics often contribute to detrimental arm injuries. In this blog post, we will delve into the impact of poor training on the rise of arm injuries in pitchers and explore practical strategies for injury prevention.

1. The Rise of Arm Injuries in Pitchers: Over the past two decades, the incidence of arm injuries among pitchers has skyrocketed. This alarming surge has raised questions about the factors contributing to this epidemic. One significant factor is the quest for velocity, driven by the belief that throwing faster equates to success on the mound. This obsession has led to aggressive training methods without emphasizing overall strength and conditioning.

2. The Impact of Poor Strength and Conditioning Training: Poor strength and conditioning training is pivotal in increasing arm injuries among pitchers. Focusing on building strength and power without paying attention to balanced muscle development, flexibility, and functional movement patterns puts excessive stress on the shoulder and elbow joints. This imbalance can lead to overuse injuries, ligament tears, and other chronic conditions that hinder a pitcher's performance and longevity in the game.

3. Throwing Mechanics and Injury Risk: While strength and conditioning are crucial, flawed throwing mechanics are another critical aspect contributing to arm injuries in pitchers. Many pitchers prioritize sheer velocity over proper technique, putting excessive strain on their arms. Improper arm positioning, lack of trunk rotation, and inadequate follow-through can place undue stress on the shoulder and elbow, making pitchers more prone to injury. Correcting and refining throwing mechanics is essential for mitigating the risk of arm injuries.

4. Finding the Balance: Velocity vs. Arm Health: It is crucial to strike a balance between velocity and arm health. While throwing faster can give pitchers a competitive edge, it should not come at the expense of their long-term well-being. Coaches, trainers, and pitchers must understand that a sustainable career requires a holistic approach that encompasses not only velocity but also arm health, durability, and longevity.

5. Effective Training Strategies for Injury Prevention: To prevent arm injuries and promote overall performance, pitchers should focus on comprehensive training strategies. These include:

• Incorporating a balanced strength and conditioning program that targets all muscle groups involved in pitching.
• Emphasizing flexibility exercises and proper warm-up routines to enhance joint mobility and reduce the risk of injury.
• Implementing proper mechanics and techniques through regular analysis and coaching sessions.
• Gradually increasing throwing intensity and volume while allowing for adequate rest and recovery.
• Prioritizing cross-training activities to enhance overall athleticism and reduce repetitive stress on the throwing arm.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the incredible rise in arm injuries among pitchers over the last 20 years can be attributed mainly to poor strength and conditioning training. The relentless pursuit of velocity has resulted in more extensive and robust athletes, but their throwing mechanics often lead to devastating arm injuries. By prioritizing a comprehensive approach that combines proper training techniques, balanced strength, conditioning, and refined throwing mechanics, pitchers can reduce the risk of injuries and enjoy sustainable success on the mound. It is high time we address the detrimental impact of poor training and prioritize the long-term well-being of our pitchers.

PITCH COUNT ALONE IS OBSOLETE IN PREVENTING ARM INJURIES IN THE LITTLE LEAGUE PITCHER

PITCH COUNT ALONE IS OBSOLETE IN PREVENTING ARM INJURIES IN THE LITTLE LEAGUE PITCHER

Thousands of kids play organized baseball through programs like Little League every year. While baseball is a great way to encourage teamwork and physical activity, it's also important to be aware of the potential for injuries. One of the most common baseball injuries is damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), located in the elbow. This type of injury often requires surgery, repair known as Tommy John surgery, to growth plate fractures are another type of injury that can occur in young athletes. These fractures happen when the bones grow faster than the muscles and tendons, causing stress on the growth plates. Growth plate fractures can lead to long-term problems like deformities or arthritis if not treated appropriately. By understanding the risks and taking proper precautions, parents and coaches can help reduce the risk of arm injuries in Little League baseball players.

Tommy John Surgery and Growth Plate fractures are two of the most common arm injuries in Little League baseball players. Tommy John Surgery is a procedure where the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow is substituted with a tendon from another body part. The surgery is named after Tommy John, a successful major league pitcher who was the first to have the surgery. Growth Plate fractures occur when the bones in the arm grow faster than the muscles and tendons, resulting in a stress fracture. These injuries can be severe and require extended rest periods and rehabilitation. As a result, coaches and parents must be aware of these injuries' signs and symptoms so they can be treated promptly.

Pitch count is an important factor to consider in Little League baseball. Too many pitches can lead to injuries, and PitchSmart.org reports that "Elbow and shoulder injuries are most common in baseball pitchers. These injuries often require surgery, and some may end a pitcher's career." by monitoring the number of pitches a player throws, coaches can help safeguard against these sorts of injuries. In addition, PitchSmart.org recommends that players take at least four days off between pitching appearances to give their arms time to recover. By following these guidelines, coaches can help their players stay healthy and avoid serious injury.

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in young athletes suffering from arm injuries. One potential explanation for this trend is the increased focus on pitching in youth baseball. To reduce the risk of arm injuries, Major League Baseball introduced PitchSmart, a program that tracks pitch counts and mandates rest for pitchers who exceed a certain threshold. However, new research suggests that PitchSmart may not be effective in preventing injuries. Some experts believe that the program may be causing more harm than good.

One of the problems with PitchSmart is that it does not consider the type of pitches being thrown. For example, a fastball puts less stress on the arm than a curveball. As a result, a pitcher could easily exceed the pitch count limit without damaging their arm. Another issue is that PitchSmart does not factor in the age or experience of the pitcher. A teenage pitcher who has just started playing baseball is at a much higher risk of injury than a veteran who has been pitching for years. Finally, some experts believe that the program encourages young pitchers to throw harder and faster, leading to problems.

At this point, it is impossible to say definitively whether or not PitchSmart is working. However, given the evidence, it seems clear that the program has some serious flaws. Until these issues are addressed, arm injuries will likely continue to rise among young baseball players.

According to Dr. James Andrews, one of the most prominent surgeons in sports medicine, "There is no single number that will protect all pitchers from injury." However, he believes that by tracking a pitcher's pitch count, we can help to reduce the risk of arm injuries. Dr. Andrews is not alone in this belief; many other experts have also argued that pitch counts are a valuable tool for preventing injuries.

However, some argue that pitch counts are not enough. They believe we need to combine pitch counts with other tests, such as those used by physical therapists, to get a complete picture of a pitcher's health. While this may be true, it is essential to remember that coaches are often volunteer positions. This means they may not have the time or training to administer these other tests. We can ensure that more coaches can implement this critical safety measure by keeping things simple and using pitch counts.

Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. Mechanics:  Everyone has an opinion, but my experience says the longer the arm path, the more dangerous pitching is to your health. One bad throw can cause catastrophic injury.

2. Training:  The is more "specialized" training now than before. One should train for two reasons: 1. To Stay Healthy. 2. Improve Physical Performance. Indeed, this "training" is not keeping kids healthy. The exact opposite is happening. We can argue for days whether pitching performance has increased or crashed and burned

3. Human Movement:  Most adolescent pre/just post-pubescent kids can barely stand on one foot for 10 seconds, let alone move with precise neurologic precision in fundamental movements like the squat, the lunge, and basic arm path to throw a ball.

4. Strength:  Arm, Core, Posterior Kinetic Chain?

These are just a few factors a pitch count would not assess. They are significant factors that should be evaluated to keep kids healthy.

More needs to be done in terms of in-game testing. We cannot rely on the number of pitches thrown to be the only assessment.

What if there were a formula that included pitch count but also tested the above-noted metric? What if that test and procedure can be assessed after warm-ups and between each inning the pitcher throws?  

What that test, assessment, and formula would take any well-trained coach about 90 seconds to assess?

How many arms can we save from injury? Stay Tuned for MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Dr. Kevin J McGovern, PT, CSCS

drkmac@perfectmotionsportstherpay.com

www.perfectmotionsportstherapy.com