Baseball Pitching Injuries in Youth Athletes: What Parents Should Know

   Youth baseball pitching injuries have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Elbow

   surgeries that were once reserved for professional pitchers are now being performed on

   teenagers — and in some cases, middle schoolers. At Franklin Lakes Chiropractic and Sports

   Medicine in Franklin Lakes, NJ, we believe most of these injuries are preventable.

The Growth Plate Problem

   Young athletes are not small adults. Their bones are still developing, and the growth plates at

   the ends of bones are significantly weaker than the surrounding ligaments and tendons.

   Repetitive throwing stress on an immature skeleton creates injury patterns that simply don't

   occur in adult athletes — including Little League Elbow (medial apophysitis) and Little League

   Shoulder (proximal humeral epiphysiolysis).

Warning Signs Every Parent Should Know

   • Elbow pain on the inside (medial) aspect — the most common location

   • Shoulder pain at the very top of the arm, especially with follow-through

   • Decreased throwing velocity or sudden loss of control

   • Pain that persists into the next day after pitching

   • Any audible pop during throwing

The Pitch Count Problem

  Most leagues now mandate pitch counts, but the rules don't account for total arm stress from

  playing multiple positions (catcher to pitcher), travel ball, showcases, and year-round

  competition. The cumulative load is what causes damage — not any single game.

How We Help

   • Thoracic spine and cervical mobilization to optimize shoulder mechanics

   • Shoulder and elbow soft tissue therapy

   • Assessment of hip and core mechanics — the real source of pitching velocity

   • Communication with coaches about appropriate load management

Ready to Feel Better? We Can Help!

   If your young pitcher has been dealing with arm pain or soreness that persists, our team at

   Franklin Lakes Chiropractic and Sports Medicine in Franklin Lakes  is here to help. We

   specialize in sports chiropractic care for active people of all ages.

Call us: 201-891-6065

Visit: www.franklinlakeschiro.com