Affectionately known as America’s pastime, baseball is a relaxing sport for spectators who eat peanuts and Cracker Jacks. The athletes who are playing the sport are not so relaxed. In fact, many find themselves with serious injuries including those of the shoulder. Whether you play high school, college, minor league or professional baseball, be aware of shoulder injury prevention for baseball players.
Who Is Most Prone To Shoulder Injuries
If you are an athlete or simply a spectator, you are aware of how some players might injure their shoulders. Baseball pitchers who constantly throw the ball overhead with amazing speed are most at risk. One hundred mile an hour pitchers are a dime a dozen these days and paid handsomely for their talent. In addition, those players who run the bases and tend to slide head first can also damage their shoulder that way.
Someone who plays tennis also uses those same muscles, tendons, and ligaments which are prone to becoming injured. These muscles are known as the rotator cuff. Any other sport where a player constantly uses his or her shoulder is also susceptible to shoulder injuries.
The Best Medicine
When it comes to playing any sport, you must keep your shoulder healthy. The shoulder is used throughout daily tasks, and injury can significantly impact that. The best medicine is alway prevention.
For a baseball player consider these three ways to prevent injury.
Proper Technique
Proper throwing technique is the most important thing you can do to prevent injury. Your current coach or trainer should evaluate your body mechanics and provide some critique. Then practice and improve your throwing technique.
Exercise All The Muscle Groups
Train all parts of your shoulder muscles, not just the rotator cuff. Also concentrate on the other muscle that performs the opposite motion. Do strengthening exercises that include equal conditioning of both muscle groups as it will prevent the humerus from slipping out of the socket.
Know Your Body
Listen to your body. If your shoulder is weak, fatigued, or sore, rest those muscles. Take a few days off from training to prevent a future injury. If you still have pain after resting and using warm compresses, see your trainer or make an appointment with The Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic in the DMV.
You don’t have to earn the big bucks of a professional baseball player to utilize these preventative tips for shoulder injury prevention.
Contact The Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic at 703-892-6500, or request an appointment online, for an evaluation if you are having pain or fatigue in your shoulder.