ATTENTION young athletes and parents! Today, we’re focusing on a common issue in youth baseball—Little League Elbow.

This condition can be a real curveball for aspiring players, but with the right knowledge and care, it doesn’t have to sideline you or your child. Let’s explore what Little League Elbow is, how to spot it, and most importantly, how to prevent and treat it.

Essential Facts About Little League Elbow:

• What is Little League Elbow?

  • It’s a condition that causes pain and swelling in the elbow, mainly due to overuse and repetitive throwing motions.
  • Most common in young baseball players, especially pitchers (Smith, 2015).

• Signs and Symptoms:

  • Pain on the inside of the elbow.
  • Swelling and tenderness.
  • Difficulty in fully extending the arm.

• Prevention Tips:

  • Limit the number of high intensity per game and ensure adequate rest between pitching sessions.
  • The biggest risk factor we see is a sudden increase in the number of high intensity throws. E.g. the child who played shortstop all year, suddenly pitches in a tournament and then goes back to shortstop.
  • Focus on proper throwing techniques to reduce stress on the elbow (Johnson, 2017). Head to www.rotationalpowerperformance.com for more information
  • Encourage participation in various sports to prevent overuse.

• Treatment Strategies:

  • Rest is crucial to allow the elbow to heal.
  • Ice and anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Physiotherapy can provide exercises to strengthen the arm and improve flexibility (Cook, 2014). We combine our extensive knowledge of baseball performance training with our manual therapy skills to deliver the fastest, safest and surest return to throwing available.

• When to Seek Help:

  • If pain persists or affects daily activities.
  • Difficulty in throwing or a noticeable decrease in throwing performance.
  • Visible swelling or deformity in the elbow area.

In conclusion, Little League Elbow is a bump in the road that can be managed with proper care and attention. Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, understanding this condition is key to keeping young athletes healthy and in the game. Remember, the goal is to enjoy sports while nurturing young talents, not pushing them to the point of injury.

Is your young athlete experiencing elbow pain or showing signs of Little League Elbow? Don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact our physiotherapy practice today to schedule a consultation. Our expert team is ready to assist with tailored advice and treatments to get your star player back in action safely and effectively!