Avoiding Baseball Injuries

Baseball can take its toll on your shoulder and elbow.  Injuries in these locations are quite common from overuse and from many other issues.  Most of these injuries, however, are preventable with the correct behavior.

To prevent baseball injuries to the elbow and shoulder, make sure to warm up properly by stretching, running and throwing gradually.  Players should be rotated throughout the game so that the burden isn’t on any one player.  Pitching should be done only in an age-appropriate manner. For instance, a 7-8 year old shouldn’t pitch more than 50 pitches in a game, and a 17-18 year old should max out at 105 pitches. There are even charts for the rest period that pitchers should take between games and the age recommendations for various pitches. Following these can significantly reduce injuries.

Pitchers should not continue if they have elbow or shoulder pain; and, if the pain continues, they should see a doctor.  You should communicate regularly about how your arm is feeling and you should work on developing your skill in an age appropriate manner.