Baseball Injuries to the Elbow and Shoulder
    Baseball is played by young athletes world-wide, more than five million youth in the
    US participate.
    While traumatic injury is less common in baseball than football, over use injury may
    be more common in baseball. The most common overuse complaint is elbow pain
    followed by shoulder pain. Pitchers are at most risk- although second and third
    basemen are certainly at risk as well.
    The most common causes will be explained- an exam by a health care provider is ALWAYS
    needed if your son or daughter is experiencing elbow or shoulder pain- this article may be used
    as a complement but never a replacement to a good exam.
Reasons for Overuse Pain in Elbow or Shoulder of Young Pitchers
    Improper Technique- insure coach is well trained to observe and alter technique
    Over pitching- observe pitch counts!
    Incorrect Pitching- don't allow young pitchers to throw curve balls until at least 14 years old!
    Another injury- pitcher may be compensating due to another injury (such as neck/back pain)
    Over throwing- Once done pitching- throwing at short stop, second or third base on the same
    day should be considered continued over use of the elbow and shoulder even though not
    pitching!
One example of pitch counting as well as safe pitches to consider
    Age       #pitches/game day     per week        per season          Safe Pitch type
    8-10                            50                                 75                         1000                         Fastball
    11-12                          75                                100                        1000                         add Changeup
    13-14                          75                                125                        1000                         add Curve
    15-16                          90                                                                                                 add Slider
    17-18                         105                                                                                                
    Treatment strategy for Elbow and Shoulder Pain
    In many overuse injuries it is safe to partially restrict activity while continuing some
    sport during treatment. In overuse throwing injuries to the elbow and shoulder-
    complete restriction from throwing should be considered to prevent potential surgery
    or career ending injury!  The most aggressive sports doctors DO NOT advise "throwing
    with pain" or "working through it".   Doing so may result in never throwing again!