For all of the Parents and Coaches:
Take care of your little athlete

Everyone knows the importance of taking care of young athletes.

One area that is especially prone to injury is the arm in overhead sports such as baseball and softball. When considering the health of a young child’s arm we need to think about how much they are throwing, their mechanics while throwing and what they are doing to prevent injuries from occurring.

Here are three key areas to be aware of to help you protect your child’s arm:

1. Number of pitches. This has been a huge point of contention with coaches, parents and institutions such as the Little League Baseball Association. In 2009 Little League baseball instilled a two-option rule that any pitcher that pitches more then 61 pitches must have 3 or 4 days off from pitching thereafter with at least one intervening game. The renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews and others recommend no more than 75 pitches per game and no more then 100 pitches per week for 11-12 year olds in Little League. I think I speak for the medical community by saying these rules are not being followed, we are seeing more and more overhead throwing injuries then ever before. It is not uncommon in the ever popular Little League World Series in Williamsport, that an athlete throws 170+ pitches in a 4-5 day span. Every parent must be proactive and outspoken about their child’s throwing regiment.
2. Proper throwing technique. Pitch count is extremely important, but if a young athlete has been taught the proper throwing mechanics he/she is infinitely less likely to have a serious injury. Baseball and softball are two of the most technical sports you will find and not many of the mechanics or techniques come natural for children. I recommend reading literature on proper throwing mechanics or consult with a local baseball or softball academy. I didn’t learn the proper way to throw until I played collegiate baseball, this advice could have saved me a lot of sore arms throughout my childhood!
3. And lastly, conditioning. This third area ties together the first two points. Without strength training and aerobic conditioning your child has no foundation to build on. The emphasis on core training specific to the overhead athlete’s scapular or shoulder blade strengthening is critical. Studies have shown it is not harmful to an 11-12 year old child to perform strengthening and aerobic conditioning programs. When considering your child for such a program it is imperative that you consult with a physician and/or physical therapist that is experienced and knowledgeable in an athletic conditioning program.

If you would like more information about Advent Rehab’s Throwing Enhancement Program, or any of the above information email me at matt.grimm@adventrehab.com.

Matt Grimm PT, DPT, is a clinical supervisor at the Alpine and 3 Mile Advent PT clinic. He played collegiate baseball at Grand Valley State University from 1998-2002.