Preventing Baseball Injuries

Baseball is a great sport, but it’s important to take preventive steps to avoid injuries. Players collide with one another and the ground, and are prone to shoulder and elbow injuries, as well as lower extremity injuries from running the bases and sliding.

There is increasing interest in the epidemiology and prevention of baseball-related injuries, especially with youth athletes as more young kids are getting involved in the sport. Specialization at a younger age, year-round participation in baseball, and participation in showcase events puts these athletes at greater risk for overuse injuries.

Pitchers in particular are at increased risk for injuries to the elbow and shoulder, such as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury — better known as Tommy John Surgery – and rotator cuff tears or labral tears. These injuries occur from repetitive throwing motions and can lead to pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion.

Baseball players are also prone to knee injuries, particularly hamstring strains. They can happen from pivoting to throw, running the bases, and slipping while playing the game. These types of injuries can be prevented by doing proper strength training, stretching before and after the game, and being sure to run at a slower pace.

It is also important to make sure players wear a face mask and a helmet to reduce the risk of facial injuries. Most of these injuries can be treated with a combination of physical therapy, including EPAT Therapy, to strengthen the injured area and decrease recovery time so that the athlete can return to play as soon as possible.