Diagnosed with Little League Shoulder??
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Your Ultimate Guide from Pain to Performance!
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Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Conquering Little League Shoulder!
Introduction
Hey everyone, Dr. Kyler Offenbacker here from Pro Arm Academy. Today, we're diving deep into a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects many young athletes—Little League Shoulder. This isn't just about the pain; it's about understanding the root causes, recognizing the symptoms early, and most importantly, ensuring a safe and effective recovery so you can get back to doing what you love—playing baseball.
What is Little League Shoulder??
Little League Shoulder is a stress injury to the growth plate in the upper arm bone near the shoulder. Primarily affecting pitchers aged 10 to 16, this condition results from repetitive throwing motions, which can lead to inflammation and, if not treated properly, chronic pain or more serious injuries. It can affect other overhead athletes such as tennis players, but we see it primarily in baseball players.
How is Little League Shoulder Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Little League Shoulder isn't just about spotting pain; it involves understanding the athlete's history, physical exams, and most of the time requires imaging like X-rays. As a physical therapist specializing in baseball injuries, we use a variety of detailed assessment procedures and will refer patients to appropriate orthopedic physicians for imaging. Complaints of a gradual onset of shoulder pain or a sudden drop in performance such as velocity/accuracy could be your cue to get things checked out!
Symptoms to Watch For
Recognizing the symptoms early can make a big difference in recovery time. Here are some key signs to watch for:
➡️ Pain in the shoulder during or after pitching
➡️ Decreased recovery time post throwing
➡️ Swelling around the shoulder
➡️ Reduced velocity or control while pitching
➡️ Visible discomfort when playing
➡️ Compensation in throwing mechanics due to pain
Treatment and Recovery: The Pro Arm Approach
Here at Pro Arm Academy, we take a comprehensive approach to treat Little League Shoulder. The initial steps for recovery is rest. However, it's not just resting for 12 weeks, and then getting right back into playing... Treatment involves a combination of rest, addressing the possible root physical cause of "why" this developed (strength/mobility training), and most importantly, a structured rehab and return to throwing program tailored to the individual needs of the athlete. Here’s how we tackle it:
1️⃣ Rest and Recovery: The first step is to give the shoulder a break. This means no throwing for a specified period, depending on the severity of the injury. Typically, this is up to 12 weeks!
2️⃣ Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises are crucial. We focus on exercises that strengthen the shoulder, upper back, and core, enhancing the athlete's overall athleticism, stability, and throwing mechanics.
3️⃣ Return to Throwing Program: Most athletes that see generalist provider will be given a generic "throwing protocol", if they even are give this! Most of these are very old throwing programs and are not up to date on the most recent developments in return to throwing programs! To get back into throwing and to a REAL return to throwing program, it requires the right technology to quantify how much stress is being put on the arm.
Every athlete we see has a unique process to getting back to throwing. If this isn't part of the conversation with your current provider, then it's time to make a change!
4️⃣ Education and Prevention: Part of our program involves educating athletes and their support systems on proper techniques and preventive measures to avoid recurrence. It's important to continue with strength training to continue to build arm resiliency. Athlete's that are the strongest don't get injured as often AND no one has ever complained about getting stronger!
Final Thoughts
Little League Shoulder can be a setback, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to end a young athlete's career. Remember, early intervention is key to a full recovery. Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, staying informed and vigilant can help keep these young athletes safe and successful on the field.
For more information, personalized assessments, or to start a recovery program, reach out to Pro Arm Academy or fill out the complimentary arm health assessment form below!
Together, we’ll get you feeling confident, strong, and back in the game at a higher performance compared to pre-injury!
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*Note: complimentary arm health assessments are 15-20 minute "mini" assessments.
Depending on your situation, a full evaluation may be more appropriate.
Full evaluations are required PRIOR to proceeding with any physical therapy or training plan of care*
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Disclaimer
The content on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational and educational purposes only. We at Pro Arm Academy strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information concerning the steps for diagnosis and potential treatment strategies of Little League Shoulder, the content provided should not be considered complete or exhaustive and does not cover all aspects of the condition or its treatment.
It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The opinions and methods discussed on this site are based on current research/recommendations, and are provided in good faith. However, outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances. As such, we at Pro Arm Academy, cannot be held liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.
For personalized advice and treatment options, please contact a healthcare professional that specializes in working with baseball athletes. If you wish to consult with Pro Arm Academy directly, please fill out the contact form available on this site to schedule an appointment.
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