BJSM Podcast
The Throwing Injury Epidemic with Dr. Robert Bowers and Dr. Jason Zaremski EP#557
Jul 19, 2024
Dr. Robert Bowers, an expert on throwing injuries, and Dr. Jason Zaremski, a sports medicine specialist, dive into the alarming rise of throwing injuries in baseball and softball. They discuss intricate risk factors, emphasizing biomechanics and proper conditioning. The duo analyzes the controversial use of weighted ball training and its impact on young athletes' performance and injury rates. They also advocate for updated pitching restriction policies to enhance injury prevention, highlighting cultural differences in injury trends between Japan and the U.S.
21:22
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Quick takeaways
- The prevalence of overuse injuries in baseball and softball highlights the critical need for monitoring young athletes' throwing mechanics and workload management.
- The rising use of weighted ball throwing programs increases pitch velocity but also raises the risk of injuries, necessitating cautious implementation and understanding.
Deep dives
Common Upper Extremity Injuries in Throwing Athletes
Baseball and softball players, particularly pitchers, face a range of upper extremity injuries primarily due to overuse. A significant concern is the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury, which has become prominent in Major League Baseball lately, leading to increased awareness and media coverage. The risk of these injuries often correlates with the athlete's age, position, and physical development; younger athletes may experience issues like little league elbow rather than severe injuries seen in older, more physically mature players. As throwing velocities surpass 80 to 85 miles per hour, the likelihood of such severe injuries increases, highlighting the need for careful monitoring at all competitive levels.
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