Softball is a highly popular sport for participants, from children to senior citizens. More than 3 million people play the sport yearly, according to the Amateur Softball Association. Playing softball requires significant use of the shoulder and arm, from throwing the ball, catching the ball and swinging a bat. Players can put themselves at risk for developing shoulder injuries if they do not take proper precautions.
Windmill Pitching Mechanics
Softball pitching in the fast-pitch format uses the windmill delivery. This delivery consists of rotating the arm and shoulder a full 360 degrees and then some--as much as 485 degrees in college softball--before releasing the ball. The mechanics of windmill pitching put great stress on the shoulder and elbow, and can cause injury if the pitcher is not properly warmed up and using correct technique.
Common Injuries
Rotator cuff tears and tendinitis are common shoulder injuries sustained when playing softball. Softball players also can experience dislocation of the shoulder joint during a game that includes forceful sliding into bases or collisions, but this type of injury is more likely in full-contact sports such as football and basketball. The rotator cuff is a network of muscles that surround and support the shoulder joint. Tears in the rotator cuff muscles can stem from overuse. Pitchers are especially prone to strains and tears in this area of the shoulder. Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons around a joint and also is possible from overuse.
Comparison with Baseball
Softball and baseball are similar sports, with one of the differences being the pitching style. Due in part to the overhand pitching style in baseball compared to the windmill mechanics of softball, Reuters news service reported in February 2010 that fewer high school softball players suffer from shoulder injuries than baseball players. Nearly 70 percent more baseball players studied by the Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, showed signs of classic shoulder injuries than softball players. The typical strength of males during adolescence when compared to females also played a part in the lower percentage of shoulder injuries. The upper body strength of boys in this age bracket is greater than that of girls, and the increased force with which male baseball players throw leads to more shoulder injuries.
Treatment
Softball-related shoulder injuries typically are treated first and foremost through rest, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Rotator cuff tears, tendinitis and dislocated shoulder joints can heal without surgery when the injury is minor, but the overuse that created the weakened spot must be addressed. Surgery to repair the joint may be needed in cases of more severe trauma. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles is required after shoulder surgery before athletes can get back into the game.
Prevention
Shoulder injuries due to softball most often occur over time; you may not realize your arm is weakening until one day you find yourself in severe pain. Making sure you stretch your rotator cuff muscles adequately before a practice or game can strengthen the area around your shoulders and may prevent injuries. A simple shoulder stretch can be done by extending your arms behind your body and grasping your hands together. While keeping your arms straight, lift your hands as high as possible and hold the position for up to 20 seconds. Repeat two or three times. Science Daily points out that, in some cases, pulling a pitcher out of a game when she appears fatigued can prevent injury. Competitive softball pitchers may throw more than 100 pitches a game, and pitching several games in a short time span can wear out the shoulder muscles.
References
- American Sports Medicine Institute: Biomechanics and Injury Rates in Windmill Softball Pitching
- Science Daily: Analysis of Windmill Pitching Shows Risk of Injury to Biceps in Softball Players
- Your Orthopaedic Connection: Rotator Cuff Tears and Treatment Options
- Reuters: Shoulder Injury Rate Higher in Baseball Than Softball
- The Stretching Handbook: Rotator Cuff Injury and Shoulder Tendonitis Stretches
