Decrease Arm Injuries in Baseball Players

Baseball certainly comes with it’s share of injuries.  NOW, as winter approaches, is the time for rehab, recovery, and preparation for next year.

But what should you focus on to decrease your risk of injury?  It might surprise you but often the cause for shoulder and elbow injuries is not in the arm at all.

In many cases, poor spinal function leaves throwers vulnerable to injury. Spinal function is a key to good throwing mechanics and to decreasing risk of injury.

For better performance and an injury free year, focus your time on core and spinal stability exercises TODAY.

In this video Sue Falsone, PT, MS, SCS, ATC, head physical therapist/trainer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, discusses common injuries in the sport of baseball and provides advice for youth athletes.

For additional information on optimal training for baseball, strength, and functional training, like us on Facebook , follow us on Twitter, or contact our office.

photo credit: Monica M. Davey/European Pressphoto Agency

Performance Training – How to Identify Overtraining Injuries

Too much of a good thing might not be great. Many of you have taken the challenge to get in better shape, compete in a sport or competition, or reach for personal fitness goals. We applaud you for your effort and think it is great! We encourage our clients daily to reach for their goals. Unfortunately, some find injury and setbacks due to overtraining.

Overtraining occurs when we push too much, too fast , and for too long. Each workout puts stress on the body. That stress stimulates the body to to respond by rebuilding the tissue stronger. The body is very good at responding to the stresses we put on it. The problem comes when the breakdown process of the exercise or activity, outpaces the bodies ability to heal and recover. When this occurs, injury, performance lulls and even illness can follow. Often, our minds are ahead of our body’s abilities.

Are you training and having any of the following symptoms?

1) Mood changes.

2) Persistent aching in the joints and muscles.

3) Increased frequency of illness.

4) A drop in performance level.

5) Drop in enthusiasm or passion for the activity.

6) Loss of sleep.

If so, you may be suffering the effects of overtraining. The key to avoiding the performance training injuries is to recognize the warning signs. Although we may be working out with good intentions, it is easy to fall into the trap of overtraining. We adopt the “if a little bit is good, more must be better” philosophy. A little success breeds the drive for more. So we push a harder expecting greater improvement only to find the opposite. Unfortunately, improvement takes time. Our bodies have limits, depending on our current level of conditioning, age, and ability. No matter what the activity, knowing the right amounts to push or train is important. Recognize the signs of overtraining, and train smarter and more effectively.

If you would like more information on performance training and how to train efficiently and effectively, please contact our office, or respond through the comments section.

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Rich Baudry

Photo credit: VinceHuang