Little league shoulder is an overuse injury seen in young baseball players that results from repetitive stress placed on the shoulder and humeral growth plates from overhead throwing. Over time, without sufficient rest time for healing of the tissues, the repetitive stress of throwing can cause the growth plate to become injured, inflamed, and even fracture in severe cases. Physical therapists play a key role in helping young athletes with little league shoulder recover, addressing muscle weaknesses, range of motion restrictions, and throwing mechanics with a targeted sport-specific therapeutic exercise program.

Throwing injuries to the shoulder among baseball players are very common, often due to overuse and repetitive high stress of overhead throwing. Rehabilitation after a shoulder injury involves a gradual restoration of range of motion, strength, muscular endurance, dynamic stabilization, and neuromuscular control via targeted therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, rebounder therapy, and aquatic therapy. When preparing for a return to throwing, using the rebounder can be a highly effective way to prepare the shoulder gradually and safely for the dynamic act of throwing. Mangiarelli Rehabilitation physical therapist Bobby demonstrates a return to throwing progression using the rebounder to rehabilitate after a shoulder injury.

Overhead throwing is an extremely complex movement that places significant stress on the shoulder joint of a pitcher. The shoulder is a hypermobile joint that is susceptible to injury from the repetitive high stress of pitching. Upper extremity injuries comprise more than half of all baseball injuries, the majority of which are shoulder injuries and affect pitchers more than position players. Physical therapy can effectively treat baseball-related shoulder injuries and help pitchers prevent injury through a throwing mechanics assessment and pre-season conditioning program. A successful rehabilitation program is multi-phased, gradually re-introducing the functional demands of the pitcher’s position for a safe return to sport.

Pitcher’s elbow, an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), is caused by repetitive motion and stress on the elbow that results in pain and limits elbow range of motion and strength. Pitcher’s elbow is common among overhead throwing athletes like baseball pitchers, softball and tennis players, and javelin throwers. Physical therapy can effectively treat UCL injury, improving arm and elbow strength and range of motion and enhancing shoulder and core stability for a safe return to sport.

Baseball is America’s favorite pastime, a sport beloved and played by those of all ages from Little League and high school through college and the Major Leagues. As we start the baseball season, it’s critical to address common baseball injuries, particularly to the shoulder and elbow, that can result from overuse in a timely and effective manner. Physical therapy provides effective treatment for common baseball injuries to help players return to their previous level of function, improve body and throwing mechanics, and return players to sport as quickly and safely as possible.