Pitchers are at a higher risk for catastrophic and overuse injuries than their fielders. Being central to the game, pitchers have increased contact with the ball as well as many more high velocity throws per game.
Location
Pitchers are in the center of the action, closer to home plate than any other player besides the catcher. Being so close to the plate puts pitchers in the direct line of fire of the batted ball. Also, pitchers touch the ball more than any other player on the field, except the catcher.
Overuse
Pitchers are at a high risk for overuse injuries due to repetitive throwing. According to the Sports Medicine Institue at Children's Memorial hospital, as many as 40 percent of pitchers develop overuse injuries. These may occur at the elbow or the shoulder. The more a pitcher throws, the more likely he is to develop an injury. The speed and style of throws also directly impacts the risk, making pitching inherently stressful on joints.
Prevention
According to Petty Orthopaedics, preventing baseball injuries involves good communication. This decreases the risk of collision and direct ball injuries. Proper warm up and pitching techniques will reduce stress on the throwing arm. Stretching for increased mobility, as well as strengthening to decrease strain on muscles, will also help avoid injury. Ice after pitching can reduce inflammation to the soft tissue of the shoulder and elbow.
Coaching
Good coaching can reduce injury to fielders and pitchers. Increasing communication between players so that everyone knows what is expected is a primary goal. Following the guidelines set forth by the USA Baseball Medical and Safety Advisory Committee for number of maximum throws per game and per week will decrease risk to their players. Allowing for adequate rest between games will also increase the healing of tissue damage that occurs from repetitive throwing. Paying careful attention to proper technique is also beneficial.
References
- American Institute of Sports Medicine:Pathomechanics Biomechanics of Elbow Injuries During Throwing
- Children's Memorial Hospital Institute of Sorts Medicine: Injury prevention guidelines for young baseball pitchers
- Petty Orthopedics: Preventing Baseball Injuries
- National Centers For Sports InjurySports Injury Facts
- University of North Caroloina at Chapel Hill: National Center for Catastrophic Injury Research
