Great article about over-use of pitcher arms! Eric Cressey

My only problem with this study is no video was looked at. It was also a passive study - people just checked inObviously, kids shouldn't be throwing 100 innings in four months, but mechanics need to be a part of this. Go to a little league game and watch mechanics. Go to a high school game and watch throwing mechanics. It isn't pretty.


At AB, we are setting up a study where we are going to take a close look at throwing mechanics. We want 100+ kids at 12U, 13-15, and 16+.

The cressey article makes sense, common sense. Common sense is a good guideline. In general, it is correct. Naturally, there are exceptions. All in all, the old adage, " an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure" applies here.

Most often the most determining factor in preventing serious downtime from throwing is your insurance coverage. Sadly, many players with limited coverage or no coverage get access to proper treatment too late( to treat and get back to play shortly)they are simply told to rest,use Nsaid's or not. At some point of unsatisfactory improvement an MRI may be ordered. Lots of cost, both in loss of time and money. Hands-on practitioner's who get results quickly are difficult to find but are worth every penny in treatment costs per visit and case management. Seek someone who performs manual therapy(hands-on)who's educational background includes several years of human cadaver dissection. Orthopedics are good at diagnostics but, very conservative on treatment. Hence, longer downtime generally speaking. Nevertheless, eventually do a good job.

Best Advise, concentrate young arms on location and speed changes. Avoid off-speed pitches until 14-15. If the player has ANY arm complaints,LISTEN! Some whine but, most would rather not say anything to avoid downtime. So, something in the shoulder girdle is brewing already and denial will only worsen it. Rest alone works in only very mild cases. Without professional care it'll re-occur!