FourBases posted:When I saw your post, it reminded me of what happened to my son, I am actually pasting up a response I had to a fellow poster on this site where I gave my experience/opinion. My son is now a sophomore in college (D1). There are basically three types of SLAP tears, type 1, 2 and 3 tears, and depending on the severity, the solutions may differ. Here is what I wrote...
Hello PitcherOnlyDad...I can relate with you and feel for you. My S had a slap tear couple of years ago, went to 1st dr (sports medicine) and examined, said 'bruised' biceps, to rest. Pain continued, and I requested MRI, and he agreed and we did the MRI with contrast (arthrogram) which is the only way to really see well the results. Turns out there was a slap (close to type 1) and the guy (dr) wanted to operate. I wanted a second opinion and went to a 'baseball' sports medicine dr. He said that S did not need surgery, that he has seen a lot of BB players and a lot has some kind of tear in the labrum ( this guy is the md for an MLB team as well as a power D1 school). He recommended PT at a 'baseball' PT place with therapist that know baseball. The PT guy was incredible although it took 24 hard working sessions to strengthen all the muscles around the labrum so that everything works in perfect harmony. Although S is not a pitcher, he recovered extremely well following all procedure, only missed the fall of his junior year. Now he is a freshman at a D1 school and throws 90+ in the infield (he is a ss). Absolutely no pain whatsoever after the PT and the shoulder is incredibly strong.
My take...I am a firm believer in PT if done properly by the right people and if the right physician examines your son, a guy that truly understands baseball players and deals with them on the daily basis. A note...after the first 12 PT sessions we went back to dr and we felt that S was not ready and requested another 12 PT sessions (an insurance thing, 12 and then ask for another 12). Each session of S was 2.30 hrs, but it worked. Son was even allowed to work out with the exception of over the shoulder exercises. PT for the kids may be very boring but it really works.
Thanks for the reply. I think the doctors told us that it was a type 2,which most pitchers have.
One of the doctors told us that "you need to have a SLAP TEAR to throw 90" so I was wondering if throwing faster after a tear is a normal thing?