Elbow Pain When Pitching? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Are you a young baseball player struggling with elbow pain? Do you feel fine when you start throwing but notice soreness after games or training? If this sounds like you, you might be dealing with an early-stage overuse injury. Ignoring it can lead to bigger problems, keeping you off the field for months. The good news? With the right rehab, you can fix it and get back to playing at your best!
Why Do Baseball Players Get Elbow Pain?
Throwing a baseball places huge stress on the elbow, especially for pitchers and infielders. The most common causes of elbow pain in young baseball players include:
✅ Overuse injuries – Too much throwing without enough recovery (e.g. playing on multiple teams, back-to-back games).
✅ Poor mechanics – Issues with pitching or throwing technique that overload the elbow.
✅ Weakness or tightness – Lack of strength in the shoulder, forearm, or core can put extra strain on the elbow.
✅ Growth-related issues – In younger players, bones and muscles are still developing, making them more prone to injury.
Common Elbow Injuries in Baseball
If you’re experiencing pain on the inside of your elbow, you might have:
👉 Little League Elbow – Irritation of the growth plate on the inside of the elbow, common in pitchers aged 12-16.
👉 Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Sprain – Strain or small tears in the ligament that stabilizes the elbow (often a warning sign before more serious damage).
👉 Flexor-Pronator Strain – Overuse of the forearm muscles that help control throwing movements.
How to Fix and Prevent Elbow Injuries
The key to a quick recovery is identifying the problem early and making the right adjustments. Here’s what to do:
🔹 Reduce throwing load – Give your arm time to recover while focusing on rehab exercises.
🔹 Strengthen your arm – Targeted exercises for the shoulder, forearm, and core to improve throwing mechanics.
🔹 Improve flexibility – Stiffness in the shoulder or elbow can lead to poor movement patterns and added stress on the joint.
🔹 Check your technique – Working with a coach or physiotherapist to fine-tune your mechanics can make a big difference.
When Should You See a Physio?
If your elbow pain is lingering for more than a few days, or if it gets worse after throwing, it’s time to get it checked. Ignoring early signs of injury can turn a minor issue into a season-ending problem.
At our clinic we specialize in treating baseball injuries. Our physiotherapists have extensive experience working with youth, college and professional players, helping them recover from injuries and improve their performance.
Book an Appointment Today!
Don’t let elbow pain take you out of the game. Book an appointment today with our expert physiotherapists and get back to playing pain-free! Click the ‘book now’ button below.
