Play Ball Without Pain: Little Leaguer’s Elbow MossRehab Offers Spring Training Tips
Elkins Park, PA, May 24, 2005—Baseball is one of the most popular spring sports for children and, with its low incidence of traumatic injury, is one of
the safest, too. However, due to the repetitive nature of throwing and pitching in baseball, many seasoned players do develop
overuse injuries that, if left untreated, can lead to long-term problems.
A common overuse injury among adolescent baseball players is called “little leaguer’s elbow.” Pitchers are most likely to
be affected by this condition, but it can occur in other field positions that throw frequently and forcefully.
“A sore elbow is common in baseball players,” said Robert DiGiacomo, Physical Therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer, MossRehab
Outpatient Center, Jenkintown, PA. “But, when the pain limits movement and/or occurs while at rest, there may be a more serious
problem brewing.”
Early recognition and treatment of symptoms associated with little leaguer elbow -- pain on the inside of the elbow, restricted
range of motion, and locking or clicking at the elbow joint -- is important because the condition can worsen over time and
develop into a more serious, chronic problem, such as arthritis.
“If symptoms of overuse do develop, a child needs to rest, apply ice to the affected area, and seek medical attention before
returning to play,” stated DiGiacomo.
It is equally necessary for parents and coaches to take preventative measures before any symptoms begin. DiGiacomo recommends
the following:
- In pre-season, perform strengthening exercises, using weights, to help strengthen the stabilizing muscles in the shoulder
and arm.
- Teach and practice good technique and proper body mechanics.
- Perform adequate warm-up and stretching activities before play.
- Encourage gradual increases in throwing intensity early in the season.
- Limit a player’s throwing time in both practice and during a game. The Little League Baseball Organization actually limits
a young pitcher to a maximum of six innings per week and mandates rest periods between pitching appearances.
- Advise players to report any elbow discomfort immediately and not to play through pain.
Ultimately, by learning about the potential risks of throwing injuries, adults can help children play ball safely and avoid
overuse injuries.
Recognized as a national leader in medical rehabilitation, MossRehab provides high-quality, compassionate medical care for
individuals with physical disabilities. MossRehab offers a wide range of specialized services, including comprehensive programs
for brain and spinal cord injury, stroke, amputation and orthopaedic conditions. MossRehab has two main facilities – MossRehab
at Elkins Park at 60 East Township Line Road in Elkins Park, PA, and MossRehab at 1200 West Tabor Road in Philadelphia. It
also operates inpatient units, outpatient sites and various community programs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
For more information, call 1-800-CALL MOSS or visit
www.einstein.edu/mossrehab.
CONTACT: Michele Stefan
Marketing Communications Specialist
MossRehab
215-663-6399 ·
stefanm@einstein.edu
Publish date: May 24, 2005
