Throwing Injuries

Spring is here, which means baseball season is in full swing. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, more than 627,000 baseball-related injuries are treated each year.
The most common injury developed by a throwing athlete is glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, GIRD, which occurs when the athlete loses internal rotation in his shoulder. This happens because as the shoulder stretches to allow more external rotation, the motion just before the athlete lets go of the ball, the tissue on the back of the shoulder tightens. Other injuries to the shoulder include swelling, bicep tendon injuries, rotator cuff tears, abnormal shoulder blade movement and tendonitis. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these types of injuries.
As young people learn to play baseball, it is imperative that they learn the correct techniques to help protect their throwing arm and other muscles. The USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee makes specific recommendations for athletes under age 18. For example, they recommend that athletes ages 8-10 pitch no more than 50 pitches per game, or 75 pitches in a week. Athletes 17-18 can pitch up to 105 pitches per game and up to two games in a week. They also offer recommendations on when athletes of a certain age are prepared to perform certain pitch techniques, including curveballs and fastballs.
When an injury is a direct result of overuse, a non-operative treatment is usually prescribed. Most injuries will respond to ice, splints, rest, rehabilitative exercises and pain medication. In order to properly diagnose the injury and recommend a treatment, it is important to seek the opinion of an orthopedic specialist. If an athlete does not respond to these treatment options, the orthopedic specialist may consider surgery. For example, if an MRI reveals a rotator cuff tear, surgery would be necessary.
To avoid sustaining a throwing injury prepare appropriately for each practice and game. Always take the time to warm and stretch before beginning play. Warm up with a light run around the bases and follow that with gentle stretching of your back, hamstrings and shoulders. If you are under the age of 18, try to follow recommended guidelines, and maintain a balanced training program. If and when you do experience pain or an injury, consult an orthopedic surgeon so you can begin the appropriate track to recovery.

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