Track & Field Injuries: What We See Most in Spring Season Athletes

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 02:33:08 GMT

Franklin Lakes Chiropractic and Sports Medicine | Franklin Lakes, NJ | 201-891-6065 | www.franklinlakeschiro.com

Track and field is deceptively demanding. The sport looks simple — run fast, jump far, throw

hard — but the injury profiles for sprinters, jumpers, and throwers are remarkably different from

one another. At Franklin Lakes Chiropractic and Sports Medicine in Franklin Lakes, NJ, we see

a significant influx of track athletes each spring, and the injuries we treat depend heavily on

event specialty.

Sprinters: Hamstring and Hip Flexor Strains

High-speed sprinting generates enormous forces in the hamstring at the moment of foot strike.

Hamstring strains — particularly at the proximal attachment near the sit bone — are the most

feared injury in sprinting. Hip flexor strains from the explosive drive phase are also common.

Both respond well to soft tissue therapy, chiropractic care, and a structured return-to-speed

protocol.

Distance Runners: Overuse Injuries

Track distance runners face the same overuse injury spectrum as cross country athletes: shin

splints, IT band syndrome, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis. The track surface — while

consistent — is also very hard, which increases tibial stress compared to trail running.

Jumpers: Hip, Knee, and Landing Injuries

Long jumpers, high jumpers, and triple jumpers absorb massive impact forces at landing.

Patellar tendinopathy, hip flexor strains, and lumbar compression injuries are common. We

assess the full kinetic chain from the lumbar spine down to ensure athletes can generate and

absorb force efficiently.

Throwers: Shoulder, Elbow, and Back

Shot putters, discus throwers, and javelin athletes develop significant thoracic rotation demands

and shoulder stress. Lumbar rotation under load during the throw also creates back injury risk.

Thoracic spine mobility work is often a game-changer for throwing athletes.

Ready to Feel Better? We Can Help!

If your track and field athlete is dealing with event-related pain, 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

Baseball Pitching Injuries in Youth Athletes: What Parents Should Know

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 02:01:30 GMT

Franklin Lakes Chiropractic and Sports Medicine | Franklin Lakes, NJ | 201-891-6065 | www.franklinlakeschiro.com

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

Franklin Lakes Chiropractic and Sports Medicine Blogs

Track & Field Injuries: What We See Most in Spring Season Athletes

Baseball Pitching Injuries in Youth Athletes: What Parents Should Know