More than 2.2 million kids play Little League baseball every year. Little League, travel ball, school teams and the ever-increasing pressure to perform at a higher level means today's ball players are throwing more pitches than ever before. Pre-pubescent pitchers that throw too hard or too often can overstress the ligament attached to the inner side of the elbow, which can pull one of the growth plates away from the rest of the bone. This condition is known as Little League elbow. The obvious remedy is rest, but rest alone may not be enough to correct the mechanics that cause this injury.
What Therapy Can Do
Patients with Little League elbow are often placed in protective splints to restrict motion and allow healing. Therapy is often prescribed to maintain range of motion during this time. An occupational therapist can gently stretch the elbow while staying inside physician's guidelines to prevent stressing the healing joint. Therapy can also help manage pain and inflammation with the additional use of ice or massage. As the elbow heals and pain subsides, therapy can strengthen the surrounding muscles that give the joint stability.
Change in Technique
A therapist can also direct the young athlete in changes in technique that can prevent further injury. Home exercise programs to maintain the strength and stability gained in therapy are developed for the individual needs of the patient. Gradual progression back to play is also monitored to ensure pain free range of motion through each stage. The therapist might begin soft tosses or short throws to build throwing strength slowly, with an emphasis on technique. Good technique is the key to injury prevention.
Prevention
A physical or occupational therapist can give you guidelines on prevention of future injuries, but responsibility lies with parents and coaches of young athletes. Playing on multiple teams, throwing curve balls or change-ups before high school, or sudden increases in intensity or duration of throwing can lead to more damage. STOP Sports Injuries, a campaign of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, is a resource for parents and coaches of young athletes. The site includes guidelines for pitchers such as pitch counts by age, as well as age recommendations for various pitches.
Sport For a Lifetime
Too often talented young athletes are used up because of their natural ability. It seems natural to allow a young pitcher all the pitching time and opportunity possible, but doing so may result in injury and permanent loss of function. If your young athlete does suffer from Little League elbow, take the time to follow up with a sports medicine professional, and follow through with therapy. A healthy pitcher maximizes his potential, and can enjoy a lifetime of sport.
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