It’s that time of year again when players descend on diamonds and fans fill the stands nationwide to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. As with any sport, baseball is very physical and poses several risks for players’ bones and joints.
“While we know that all sports can lead to injuries, there are many measures baseball players and other athletes can take to help mitigate their risks,” said Dr. JT Glomset, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with SSM Health Bone & Joint/OSOI in Oklahoma City. “So much of ‘playing it safe’ has to do with preventive measures long before you make it into the ballpark, so being prepared can really make a big difference.”
According to Dr. Glomset, most baseball-related injuries are caused by throwing and typically impact the shoulder and the elbow. However, risks can be lowered with thoughtful pre-season training and a conditioning program that focuses on technique, flexibility, mobility and strengthening. Players should also take a conservative approach, slowly increasing the distance and velocity at which they throw the ball in practice.
Another key aspect of injury prevention is warming up. A strong warm-up routine lasts at least 10 minutes and includes light jogging, mobility drills and flexibility drills.
One potentially surprising step that can help lessen the chance of injury is simply for athletes to listen to their bodies and avoid playing through pain of the shoulder, the elbow or other joints. It is recommended that players get adequate rest by:
Learn more information about orthopedic care at SSM Health.
“While we know that all sports can lead to injuries, there are many measures baseball players and other athletes can take to help mitigate their risks,” said Dr. JT Glomset, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with SSM Health Bone & Joint/OSOI in Oklahoma City. “So much of ‘playing it safe’ has to do with preventive measures long before you make it into the ballpark, so being prepared can really make a big difference.”
According to Dr. Glomset, most baseball-related injuries are caused by throwing and typically impact the shoulder and the elbow. However, risks can be lowered with thoughtful pre-season training and a conditioning program that focuses on technique, flexibility, mobility and strengthening. Players should also take a conservative approach, slowly increasing the distance and velocity at which they throw the ball in practice.
Another key aspect of injury prevention is warming up. A strong warm-up routine lasts at least 10 minutes and includes light jogging, mobility drills and flexibility drills.
One potentially surprising step that can help lessen the chance of injury is simply for athletes to listen to their bodies and avoid playing through pain of the shoulder, the elbow or other joints. It is recommended that players get adequate rest by:
- Only playing for one team per season
- Resting for three months after the season is over
- Adhering to recommended guidelines for pitch count based on age and size
Learn more information about orthopedic care at SSM Health.
