200. Dr. Keith Meister on How Pitching Injuries Have Evolved - and What to Do About Them
Jan 28, 2025
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Dr. Keith Meister, a prominent orthopedic surgeon and team physician for the Texas Rangers, dives into the alarming rise of pitching injuries. He discusses how modern training has shifted injury patterns from traditional ligament issues to more acute pains, emphasizing early detection. The conversation covers innovative surgical techniques, the role of biologics in recovery, and the importance of adapting training methods, including eccentric training, to ensure athlete safety. Dr. Meister also suggests rule changes to manage pitch counts and enhance player health.
Dr. Meister highlights the alarming rise of ulnar collateral ligament injuries, significantly impacting professional players' recovery and development.
The introduction of Mark Pro as an effective recovery tool underscores the importance of active recovery techniques in athlete performance.
Shifting injury patterns necessitate a focus on the flexor tendon rather than just ligaments, prompting new treatment approaches and accurate diagnoses.
Deep dives
The Rising Threat of Overuse Injuries in Baseball
Overuse injuries have become a significant concern for baseball players at all levels, with an alarming focus on ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries that can sideline professional pitchers for over a year. This is not only a loss of playing time but also detrimental to player development, especially for youth athletes. Dr. Meister emphasizes that while training to handle the stress of the game is crucial, recovery often does not receive the attention it deserves. Establishing effective recovery strategies is essential to keep players healthy and competitive on the field.
The Importance of Recovery Tools
Mark Pro has emerged as a cutting-edge recovery tool that facilitates active recovery without causing muscular fatigue or stress to the joints, making it indispensable for athletes in maintaining their performance. Its effectiveness was highlighted by Eric Cressy's personal experience, where athletes used it successfully during travel and after games. Initially skeptical, Cressy's perspective changed after observing its benefits in both himself and his athletes, notably elite players like Corey Kluber. Now widely adopted in major league organizations, this tool has become a trusted resource among sports medicine professionals.
Changing Dynamics of Baseball Injuries
Dr. Meister notes that the nature of baseball injuries has evolved dramatically over the last few decades, with a marked increase in both the frequency and severity of injuries, particularly among young players. New injury patterns indicate that the primary problems often stem from the flexor tendon, rather than the ligament itself, which is a departure from traditional understandings of elbow injuries. This shift has changed how injuries are diagnosed and treated, necessitating a new focus on the mechanisms at play during injuries, especially at ball release. Understanding this evolving landscape is crucial for developing effective preventive and rehabilitative strategies.
Challenges in Injury Diagnosis and Management
The complexity of elbow injuries is underscored by the increased incidence of misdiagnosis, as many athletes may present with symptoms linked to multiple structures within the elbow. Dr. Meister emphasizes the importance of accurately identifying the underlying issues, as treating only superficial symptoms can lead to incomplete recoveries or re-injuries. Conventional methods focused primarily on the ligaments must evolve to include the flexor mass, which serves as the primary challenge in many cases. By recognizing the changing nature of these injuries, clinicians can better tailor their approaches and rehabilitation protocols.
Future Directions in Baseball Sports Medicine
Looking ahead, the future of baseball sports medicine hinges on addressing the root causes of the injury epidemic, primarily tied to increased pitch velocities and aggressive training methods. Dr. Meister advocates for a paradigm shift in how baseball training is approached, emphasizing the importance of developing athleticism without compromising the health of young players. The need for MLB to adopt regulations that protect player health at all levels is critical in influencing coaching methods and player training. Implementing suggestions like adjusting game rules may help to reduce injuries and create a better environment for young athletes to flourish.
We welcome Texas Rangers team doctor and renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister for a conversation on baseball's injury epidemic. Dr. Meister shares how injuries have evolved in the overhead throwing athlete over the course of his career; outlines causative factors; and proposes some potential solutions to attenuate the problem.
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