By now, it is no secret that we have seen an increase in shoulder/elbow related injuries in the overhead athletes. Specifically, the adolescent athletes. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 20% of children between 8-12 will develop arm pain during a single youth baseball season and that number jumps to 45% with those aged 14-15. Since 2000, there has been a fivefold increase in serious shoulder and elbow injuries among youth baseball and softball players. These numbers are alarming. So is there any arm care?
What is a parent to do to prevent these serious injuries?
Arm Care: Preventing Serious Injuries
First and foremost, I would recommend parents and coaches of these athletes review the information on the American Sports Medicine Institute’s website for guidelines and recommendations for overhead athletes.
Secondly, I would work hard to prevent any such injuries from occurring. I see a lot of adolescents undergoing strength, conditioning, and baseball specific programs in the off-season. These are most certainly a good start.
The biggest area I see that needs improvement is for the athletes during their season. I know, it can be tough taking the kids to practices and games, taking care of your parents, and finding time to enjoy a little ‘me’ time. But, keep in mind what your son/daughter’s arm is going through. All the repetitions associated with throwing overhead during practices, games, and possibly during their club sport. The arm most certainly needs some attention during the season.
How do you take care of the arm during the season? This can be with properly guided exercise routines to promote healing in the shoulder/elbow. Improve and re-gain motor control in the shoulder. Working on flexibility of the shoulder/forearm. And, continuing with the lower extremity strengthening exercises to ensure they don’t lose power or performance during the season.
One way I am looking to help reduce the incidence of shoulder/elbow pain for athletes in the Gilbert/Mesa area is by offering an arm care program for them during their season. These sessions will be performed to help reduce inflammation/swelling, regain motor control, and improve flexibility that is lost during repetitive throwing.
Please take the time to consider signing your athlete(s) up for this program to reduce the risk of a serious injury, such as Tommy John surgery.
To sign up, or if you have questions, feel free to reach out to me at: [email protected]
