Proper Pitching Mechanics Prevent Injury

Pitching is a strenuous activity that, when done incorrectly, can lead to serious arm problems. It is crucial to teach pitchers proper mechanics from a young age in order to reduce stress on the pitchers’ arms and reduce the chances for injury. The growing trend among youth baseball organizations to promote throwing year round further demonstrates the importance of proper mechanics. All of the extra throwing that pitchers these days are doing is adding to the stress put on their shoulders and elbows and increasing their chances of injury.

A report conducted by Major League Baseball showed that there have been 83 Tommy John surgeries (a procedure in which a torn ligament in the elbow is replaced with a healthy ligament from the ankle) and 35 rotator cuff surgeries in the MLB since 2011 alone. Pitchers who undergo either of these surgeries must endure months to years of painful physical therapy before they can get back on the mound. Those who are lucky enough to return to Major League Baseball following a major arm surgery often return to the league at a vastly diminished level.

There are many different styles of pitching taught to and utilized by pitchers of all levels. However, there are certain guidelines that all pitchers should follow in order to have proper mechanics. They should use their legs to relieve stress on their elbows and shoulders, be fluid and avoid stopping and starting throughout the delivery, find a comfortable arm angle, and refrain from trying to stop their arms before they complete their deliveries. Pitchers who abide by these parameters drastically reduce their chances of severe arm injuries.

While good pitching mechanics are imperative to injury prevention, there are other factors that are equally as important. Pitchers must strengthen their legs, core, and shoulders in between starts and during the offseason through weight training and a carefully thought out throwing program. They must also stretch before and after pithing, and ice and run following an outing. Running after pitching reduces the lactic acid buildup in a pitcher’s elbow and reduces general soreness and ice reduces inflammation. It is also important for pitchers to take some time off from throwing to allow their arms to recover. Through proper pitching mechanics and arm maintenance pitchers can decrease the chances of injury.

Swinging Safely: A Consideration for Golfers

A golfer’s form is a serious matter, as improper swing technique can lead to serious injuries and pains in the shoulder, back, and neck regions. In fact, swing mechanics are so important and delicate that most amateur golfers who have not received proper training experience some discomfort that stems from their swinging. This can be dangerous, and mild discomfort can develop into a more serious issue if the habit is not corrected.

Improper swinging usually occurs as a result of inadequate strength or flexibility. Since the golfer’s goal is often to achieve maximum distance, the main focus becomes the force with which they hit the ball instead of the appropriate form or technique. An inflexible shoulder, neck, or back, can also cause unnecessary strain on the muscles involved in these repetitive and strenuous swinging motions.

Few people think of golf as intensive physical activity, and therefore it does not seem inherently obvious that this golfers need to stretch before they head off onto the green. Yet the range of motion required to swing a golf club is one that requires substantial flexibility. Therefore it’s important for golfers to stretch, with special attention given to their arms, shoulders, necks, and lower backs.

The best way to avoid an injuring from swinging is to receive proper training in swing mechanics, and to remember that the force driven into a swing should not take priority over the correct form and technique.

Track and Field Injuries

With spring time sports in full swing, many athletes will be spending long hours in practices, and it is important to remember the potential injuries that come with extensive training. Track and field sports require repetition of powerful explosive movements to refine athletic techniques. As athletes push to perfect these skills, they need to be aware of their vulnerability to injury. Here are some common causes for track and field injuries:

Often injuries can be attributed to the surface being trained on, the load of the training, inadequate footwear and musculoskeletal deformities.

Surface Quality:

Athletes should always search from a smooth even surface for running. Continuous exposure to uneven running surfaces will prompt excessive force on the leg resulting in injuries to the knee, ankle, or Achilles tendon.

Excessive Training:

When developing muscle and conditioning, it is important to allow your body time to recover and recuperate. Not allotting for this time can result in stress fractures, shin splints, bursitis and tendonitis.

Musculoskeletal Deformities:

Participation in athletics can bring to light certain musculoskeletal deformities or abnormalities. For examples, knee problems might not be apparent in daily activity but will certainly manifest during sports activities.

Footwear:

Without proper shoes blisters can occur and you can be more prone to shin splints. It is important for runners and track event participants to select a shoe with a flexible sole and good support for the foot. It is also important to select a shoe with a good cushion, to help absorb some of the shock from the repetitive shock of running.