Shoulder and Elbow Woes: A Guide to Little League Injuries
Ever heard of Little League Shoulder and Elbow? These sneaky bone-related overuse injuries come from improper throwing techniques. While baseball is a common culprit, these conditions can also pop up in athletes who participate in sports that require overhead movement of the arm- like racquet sports, swimming, gymnastics, and volleyball.
Symptoms
So, how do you know if you're dealing with Little League Shoulder? Look out for a gradual onset of pain in the upper part of the arm bone during throwing and overhead activities. If you notice a drop in your throwing speed or accuracy, that's another red flag. Any shoulder pain that sticks around in a young athlete needs attention from a physician.
Little League Elbow, on the other hand, brings pain to the inner side of the elbow. All that repetitive throwing can stress the ligaments and growth plates, causing irritation, inflammation, and sometimes even separation from the rest of the elbow. Ouch!
Diagnosis
At Elite Physical Therapy in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Ryan will chat with you about your symptoms, take a good look at your shoulder or elbow, and use his in-depth knowledge of sports medicine and baseball to diagnose the problem. Ryan and Troy are both Champion Certified Performance Specialists, meaning they have extra training and know-how when it comes to athletic injuries and performance. They can diagnose and treat injuries or just help a child perform better.
Treatment
Given that these injuries are bone-related overuse issues, resting the affected areas is key. Think of it as giving your bones and muscles a mini-vacation. After some initial rest, treatment kicks off in three phases:
Phase One: Physical therapy focuses on reducing pain and inflammation in the joint. A biomechanical analysis checks for any core, spine, or leg issues, helping you maintain strength in unaffected areas. It's also a chance for the physical therapist to correct those pesky mechanical faults that are causing all the stress.
Phase Two: Time to get strong! This phase strengthens the muscles in the shoulder, elbow, shoulder blades, and upper back to provide stability and absorb stress during throwing or overhead movements. Think of it as turning your arm into a well-oiled machine.
Phase Three: Once the doctor gives the green light, the physical therapist will design a return-to-sport program. By the end of this phase, you'll have retrained your body to move more efficiently, boosting your strength, accuracy, and speed. You'll be back in the game in no time, and maybe even impress your friends with your newfound skills.
Request a Consultation
If you're worried your child might have Little League Shoulder or Elbow, give us a call at (208)666-6665 to schedule an appointment, or request one online at: www.GoElitePT.com/contact
Ryan will diagnose the issue and recommend the best treatment plan. Let's get your young athlete back to doing what they love—without the pain!
