Baseball season is here and as players start returning to the field, throwers are at risk of injury. Pitcher’s arm injury is a common concern among baseball players, particularly pitchers who undergo repetitive stress on their arms during games and practices. In this blog, we’ll explore what a pitcher’s arm injury is and discuss some of the techniques athletes can use to help prevent a pitching-related injury.

What Is a Pitcher’s Arm Injury?

Pitcher’s arm, also known as pitcher’s elbow or pitcher’s shoulder, is an injury that refers to the overuse or strain of the arm muscles, tendons, and ligaments that occurs due to the repetitive throwing motion in baseball. This can lead to various issues such as tendonitis, ligament tears, and stress fractures. This type of injury is most common in baseball or other throwing sports, but can also be seen in those who perform a similar repetitive motion.

What Can I Do To Prevent Pitcher’s Arm?

Warm-Up and Stretching

Before pitching, it’s crucial to warm up the muscles and joints through dynamic stretches and exercises. This helps improve flexibility and reduces the risk of strain during pitching. Focus on stretching the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and forearm muscles to prepare them for the throwing motion.

Proper Mechanics

Work with a coach or trainer to ensure proper pitching mechanics. This includes proper foot placement, arm angle, and follow-through to minimize stress on the arm. Avoid overstriding or overexerting the arm during pitching, as this can increase the risk of injury. 

At Advanced Kinetics, we offer an Overhead Throwers Program that includes video analysis that allows us to examine a thrower’s form and correct any problems that could be causing decreased performance or a predisposition for injury.

Rest and Recovery

Allow adequate time for rest and recovery between pitching sessions. Athletes are often encouraged to push through the pain and keep playing or training. However, it’s important to stay in touch with your body and understand the difference between the burn of working out and acute pain. If you are feeling acute pain you should stop immediately as that can be a sign of an injury. 

Remember that just because what you’re feeling is the typical burn associated with a workout doesn’t mean you can completely ignore it. The burn and fatigue of working out can often lead someone to fall into improper form due to the strain. If you find yourself unable to keep proper form when exercising it is also time to stop and take a break as this can potentially lead to an injury.

Cross-Training and Conditioning

Incorporate cross-training activities such as swimming, yoga, or resistance training to improve overall strength and flexibility. Strengthening the core muscles and lower body can also improve pitching performance and reduce arm strain. No movement in your body is completely isolated. The muscles you’re using primarily for a specific motion or workout still rely on the strength of other parts of the body to be executed properly.

Gradual Increase in Intensity

Gradually increase the intensity and duration of pitching sessions to allow the arm to adapt to the stress. Avoid sudden spikes in pitching workload, as this can overwhelm the arm and lead to injuries.

Consider your off-season training intensity when beginning regular-season training. Professional athletes will typically be able to jump into more intensive training at the beginning of their regular season due to the intensity of their training in the off-season. For younger players, be mindful that they don’t jump into training too heavily at the start of the season and give their arm time to gradually warm up to the higher level of use again.

Seek Professional Guidance

Consult with a sports medicine specialist or physical therapist for personalized advice on preventing a pitcher’s arm injury. They can assess your pitching technique, provide specific exercises, and recommend adjustments to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, they can assess you for any previous injuries that could be affecting your form or performance and begin a rehabilitation regimen.

Use Proper Equipment

Ensure that your pitching equipment, including gloves and balls, is appropriate for your size and pitching style. Consider using elbow and shoulder braces or sleeves for added support and protection during pitching.

This is especially important for pitchers who are still growing and might be using hand-me-down equipment. Ensure that used equipment is still the appropriate size for the pitcher to reduce the risk of injury due to improper form.

Where Can I Get Help In Treating My Baseball Injury Near Me?

At Advanced Kinetics Physical Therapy we offer both rehabilitation and preventive services in Falls Church and McLean, Virginia. If you have already suffered from a baseball-related injury and are looking for rehabilitation services to prevent further injury and get back on the field, we can help! Alternatively, if you’re worried about your risk of injury as a baseball player, we have an Overhead Throwers Injury Prevention program designed to address the specific needs of the overhead-throwing athlete. If you’re interested in learning more about our overhead throwing prevention or rehabilitation options, please get in touch with us!