APRIL NEWSLETTER
Spring is here: the weather is getting a little warmer, birds are chirping, and flowers are beginning to bloom. Soon we’ll be hearing the crack of the bat and the cheering of the crowds as baseball returns to our area. I grew up playing little league baseball for many years and have fond memories of the good times and the not-so-good-times. I couldn’t bat very well, but was an excellent fielder and pretty good pitcher (usually). Like most boys during their adolescent years, I wanted to have the best fast ball, the hardest slider, and the biggest rainbow curve, and I often dreamed of throwing no hitters and making it to the championships.
Unfortunately when you throw overhand alot, it usually takes a toll on the elbow. Incidentally, girls’ fast pitch softball pitchers can develop shoulder problems, but more on that later. There were a number of days I experienced a sore right elbow, and those who pitched alot more than me were on ice a lot more often. Sadly, some were unable to progress further in their athletic future due to the chronic (long-term) stress to the elbow causing these young men to lose control and velocity on their pitches. Proper control and velocity is everything in pitching.
“Little league elbow” results from repetitively irritating the tendons of the arm either from overuse or improper use, or a combination of both. In my day, it was the envy of every young man to have a fastball like Nolan Ryan or a curve ball like Rod Guidry, and we often tried to emulate these professionals. Much to our dismay, we were asking our immature, developing elbows to do things they were not capable of, and injury was a likely result.
The good news is that something can be done before it’s too late. We love kids here at ABC Wellness & Rehab, and it’s our goal to educate more youngsters (and their parents) about proper body biomechanics and dietary habits. During the week of April 16-21 we will be hosting a special event specifically for kids aged 8-16 years old who are playing baseball or softball. We will be screening them for developing problems and educating them as to how they can take better care of themselves to avoid injury while still desiring more optimal performance.
PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS ON “LITTLE LEAGUE ELBOW.”
As was mentioned previously, the whipping motion of underhand fast pitch softball can also cause shoulder and back problems in girls. We have successfully treated a number of patients over the years with this and other sport-induced joint injuries. We also help kids with other conditions such as ear infections and allergies.
We at ABC Wellness & Rehab wish you a safe and healthy spring. As the weather improves people will become increasingly more active in outside activities. Whether it is shoveling snow in winter or playing a pick up basketball game in summer, adults and kids both please remember to warm up and stretch. HAVE FUN!
Dr. Nabzdyk is a holistic physician with over 15 years experience. He owns and operates ABC Wellness & Rehab, providing individualized nutritional coaching, acupuncture, and chiropractic, as well as hormonal and allergy testing. Call (815) 609-7735 for more information.
