Rehabilitation of the throwing athlete requires an in-depth analysis of throwing mechanics in order to identify and treat the causes. In blog content by Strobe Sport on Strobe Training Glasses , therapists must identify risk factors and develop prevention strategies. Throwing injuries can occur as a result of many different factors.
Rehab of the throwing athlete
The throwing athlete’s body needs a full head-to-toe strength and conditioning program to return them to the sport. This program will focus on restoring joint proprioception and kinesthesia and strengthening the entire upper quadrant. This will reduce stress across the elbow and shoulder. Rehabilitation exercises will also focus on enhancing lower extremity stability.
During the acute phase, rehabilitation exercises are completed in a limited range of motion. This phase will vary depending on the healing constraints of the muscles and ligaments involved. During this phase, throwing athletes will perform range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, starting with passive or active-assisted ROM. It is important to note that the glenohumeral ROM of throwing athletes is usually asymmetric, with the dominant humerus experiencing greater retrotorsion.
The second phase of rehabilitation involves strengthening specific muscle groups in the shoulder and elbow. Throwing mechanics become more complex as athletes progress to throw 120 to 180 feet, or more for position players. Throwing athletes who are ready for return-to-play must meet certain criteria, including full range of motion, full muscle strength, and a satisfactory shoulder exam.
Plyometrics
Plyometric exercises help athletes develop power, which is the ability to rapidly produce large amounts of force. This is crucial for enhancing explosive strength and overall fitness. They can also improve everyday activities. Using plyometric exercises can help injured athletes return to their sport with improved performance and less risk of injury.
Plyometrics are a great way to progress in performance rapidly and develop power while undergoing rehabilitation. Sports place tremendous demands on the body, particularly the extremities. The imposed demands require periodization of rehabilitation programs, and plyometric exercises assist in developing power, which is fundamental to sport skills.
Plyometric exercises are generally safe, but there are certain limitations. Certain injuries, including acute or subacute sprains and strains, and joint instability, may make plyometric exercises unsafe. Additionally, if an athlete has not recovered enough foundational strength or training base, plyometric exercises can lead to a lack of motor control and coordination.
Dynamic stabilization
Athletes should be able to dynamically stabilize the shoulder complex during high-velocity play. Various tests are available to assess this ability. Some tests are performed with the athlete’s eyes closed, while others utilize a closed kinetic chain. The tests should be appropriate for the sport in which the athlete is participating.
The goal of any stabilization training program is to help the athlete improve performance and reduce the likelihood of further injury. It is important to remember that the stabilizing muscles work together in coordination with one another, which is essential for joint function. how to do baseball training equipment for hitting and how to implement it between these muscles determines global anatomical and biomechanical parameters. Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) training programs use specific muscle positions determined by developmental kinesiology to optimize the function of these muscles and facilitate recovery.
Overhead throwing is an extremely demanding task, and injuries often involve the upper extremity. As a result, it is imperative that youths learn how to safely train and perform their sport without risking injury. The Youth Throwers Ten Program is a comprehensive program that can help athletes improve their overall physical condition and return to competition safely.
Neuromuscular control drills
Throwing athletes can greatly benefit from neuromuscular control training. This type of training involves alternating dynamic and static movements in the shoulder girdle, as well as reflex stabilization and activation of muscles in the arm. Neuromuscular control is an important aspect of throwing athletics, and can help athletes avoid injuries that can occur during excessive motions.
Athletes should perform neuromuscular control exercises that target the shoulder girdle and trunk muscles. These drills should be performed with the athlete in a functional throwing position. The exercises should also work on proprioception and end-range stability.
Surgical intervention
The goal of surgical intervention in throwing athletes is to eliminate the repetitive stresses that lead to elbow pain. This is accomplished by correcting throwing mechanics and adjusting body positioning. In addition, patients can also change their sports to minimize repetitive stress on the elbow. This may result in long-term pain relief.
Throwing athletes often sustain ulnar collateral ligament injuries. These injuries cause significant pain and loss of time from competition. Over the last 10 to 15 years, the incidence of UCL injuries has increased significantly. baseball training equipment for hitting campaign involves multidisciplinary rehabilitation, individualized physical therapy programs, and biologic adjuncts. Treatment protocols should focus on strengthening the periscapular muscles and rotator cuff before a progressive throwing program can be initiated.
In throwing athletes, the most common ligament injured is the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This ligament can suffer damage that is as small as a tear. Symptoms of UCL injury include pain on the inside of the elbow and decreased throwing velocity. Throwing forces cause the olecranon and humerus bones to rotate in a valgus extension overload, which wears away the protective cartilage. Athletes may also suffer from swelling at the point of maximum contact.
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