Little League basebal

Warmer weather is finally here! Can baseball season be far behind? Every spring and summer nearly 3 million children and adolescents take to the field to play the all American game of baseball. It’s estimated that nearly 25 percent of youths participate in the game as pitchers. Though baseball is a relatively safe sport, the number of pitching injuries continues to increase. Anyone who has endured shoulder surgery or rehabilitative therapy for a pitching injury understands how important it is to prevent the problem from occurring. It’s important for parents and coaches to understand why pitching injuries occur and what steps can be taken to prevent them.

In a survey of Little League baseball coaches nearly 30 percent of them indicated that their pitchers experienced at least one episode of elbow or shoulder pain during the season. The most frequently cited risk factor for pitching injuries was arm fatigue. The motion of throwing a baseball is extremely complex. The shoulder alone requires 12 muscles to work in unison to throw the perfect pitch. When you repetitively throw or pitch a baseball thousands of times a year it’s easy to see why pitching injuries are so common. When a pitcher’s arm begins feeling heavy, painful or tired, it’s an indication that the critical shoulder muscles that stabilize the shoulder have become fatigued and are unable to function properly. Continuing to throw despite these symptoms can lead to irreversible shoulder and elbow damage.

How can arm fatigue or the dreaded “dead arm syndrome” be prevented? A proactive approach to training and pitching can significantly reduce the incidence of pitching injuries in little league baseball. A strict limit to the number of pitches a pitcher can throw is the single most important factor in preventing pitching injuries. Pitch counts are kept for a game, for an entire week, and also for an entire baseball season. Pitch counts are so important that Little League baseball has developed formal guidelines based on a pitcher’s age as to the number of pitches which can be thrown per inning, game, and season. These guidelines should be mandatory and not based on the occurrence of elbow or shoulder pain which they were designed to prevent.

Contrary to prior medical studies, the type of pitch thrown does not have as great an impact on pitching injuries as originally thought; however, certain pitches are more difficult for children and adolescents to throw correctly. Poor technique while throwing complicated curveballs and change-ups place greater stress on the arm. It’s important that improper pitching technique be corrected before bad habits form and pitching injuries occur.

The best method for preventing arm fatigue and pitching injuries is arm rest. The ability of the body to repair itself from repetitive trauma is amazing. Little League baseball has established specific protocols stating how frequently young pitchers can safely pitch. As the popularity of baseball has increased year round participation in baseball travel teams or extra league play is no longer unusual. Young pitchers previously had the opportunity to allow their bodies to recuperate
throughout the winter months. Unfortunately, this time for healing has been eliminated for some. Year round throwing is fine since it helps to keep the arm strong and limber; however, year round pitching is unacceptable because of the excessive strain and torque it places on the arm and the large number of pitching injuries it causes. Participation as a pitcher should be limited to one team only.

Proper pitching techniques must be taught and reinforced by coaches and parents. The correct arm mechanics are crucial in preventing pitching injuries from occurring. A year round conditioning and strengthening program is also helpful for preventing pitching injuries. The physical immaturity of the youth participants must be recognized and emphasis placed on flexibility, mobility and stability as opposed to the development of muscle strength and bulk. Performing the wrong exercises, particularly high intensity, repetitive overhead activities may promote rather than prevent pitching injuries.

Pitching injuries in Little League baseball can be effectively avoided by implementing a medically proven coordinated plan. Pitch counts and arm resting sessions must be strictly enforced. Proper pitching techniques need to be taught early and reinforced. Limiting off season baseball to throwing and not pitching will allow the shoulder to naturally rehabilitate itself. Lastly, a trainer or physician approved physical conditioning program focusing on isometric muscle work is an excellent proactive approach to arm strengthening and prevention of pitching injuries.