Baseball players in general, put a lot of stress on their upper extremities due to the nature of the sport. Therefore, it is no surprise that the most common injuries in the sport involve the shoulder and arm from throwing the ball at high velocities and swinging the bat. Most commonly baseball players suffer from rotator cuff injuries, elbow injuries and low back injuries.
Rotator cuff injuries. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles that work together to stabilize the shoulder joint. Due to repetitive throwing in baseball, one or more of these muscles over time may weaken or tear. Symptoms include pain (dull or sharp), difficulty lifting the arm overhead, stiffness, tenderness, clicking and weakness. Prevention of rotator cuff injury involves a comprehensive shoulder strengthening and stretching program, adequate rest, and proper warm up before activity. Treatment for rotator cuff injuries include ice, rest, physical therapy and gradual return to activity. If a player is diagnosed with a tear, and the conservative measures previously mentioned are unsuccessful, surgery may be indicated to repair and restore full function to the shoulder.
Elbow injury. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the ligament that stabilizes the inside of the elbow. Throwing the ball causes a lot of stress to be placed on this ligament, which causes injury. Symptoms of a UCL injury include a possible “pop” and pain in the inner elbow, inability to throw or decreased ability to throw a ball at the same velocity, continuous pain on the inside of elbow, swelling, instability, or feelings of looseness in the elbow and possible numbness in the small finger and ring finger. Players can prevent UCL injuries by adhering to a baseball specific strength and conditioning program, practice proper technique, stick to strict pitch counts, use a variety of pitches, do not pitch through pain, increase arm flexibility, and take time off in the off-season to rest. Treatment for UCL injuries, include ice, rest, physical therapy and a strengthening program. In some extreme cases, surgery is required to reconstruct the ligament and return stability to the elbow (Tommy John Surgery).
Low back injuries. Batting in baseball requires a twisting motion at the waist which puts pressure on the low back. Over time this can lead to an injury known as spondylolysis (spon·dy·lol·y·sis) which is a stress fracture of one of the vertebrae in the back. Symptoms include spontaneous onset of back pain aggravated by arching or standing especially with increased training; pain may radiate to buttock or thigh; pain eased by rest, and often, patients may have an exaggerated back arch and tight hamstrings. Preventing spondylolysis includes strengthening the back and core muscles to better support the spine and avoiding repetitive back extension. Treatment involves a long period of rest to allow the fracture to heal, followed by physical therapy which includes strengthening and flexibility exercises.
Aaron Armstrong, MPE, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Elite Sports Medicine Clinic at the Sports, Spine and Rehabilitation Centre
esmbahamas@gmail.com
Aaron Armstrong holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in Athletic Training and has been a Board Certified Athletic Trainer since 2012. He also earned a Master of Physical Education degree in Athletic Administration from Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID.
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