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Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Conquering Little League Elbow!
Introduction
Hey guys! Dr. Kyler Offenbacker here. On this page, we're talking all things related to Little League Elbow! This condition is not just about managing pain; it’s about understanding the injury, adopting effective treatment strategies, and implementing preventive measures to ensure athletic longevity and health!
What is Little League Elbow??
Little League Elbow is a stress-related condition that affects the medial epicondyle growth plate in the elbow. It is prevalent among young baseball players who engage in repetitive throwing motions, putting excessive force on the elbow’s growth plates, which are not fully developed. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and if not properly managed, more severe complications like growth fractures that might require surgery.
This condition is primarily seen in younger athletes where the growth plate hasn't fully closed because they're still growing and developing. The growth plate on the inside of the elbow typically closes around age 15-17 in boys. There's variability in when it actually closes, but regardless is one of the most common areas of injury in adolescent aged baseball players!
How is Little League Elbow Diagnosed?
Effective management of Little League Elbow begins with an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis. At Pro Arm Academy, our diagnostic approach includes:
✅ Detailed Patient History: We start with a thorough review of the athlete's arm health and any history of injury, discuss what they've done in the past for arm care, and develop an understanding of how much throwing they do throughout the year. We discuss the onset of symptoms, frequency of play/pitching, and any recent increases in activity, intensity, or changes in mechanics related to throwing.
✅ Physical Examination: A detailed assessment to identify location of pain, how symptoms behave/respond to activity, any swelling/redness, and range of motion and mobility assessments. Depending on symptoms, we need to assess throwing mechanics to idenify any areas of inefficiency or mechanical breakdowns associated with throwing mechanics.
✅ Advanced Imaging Techniques: We do not order or do in house imaging at Pro Arm Academy. However, we do partner with a multitude of orthopedic physicians locally that we will send our patients to for further evaluation and to assess the integrity of the growth plate. X-Rays are a common first line of imaging for assessing the growth plate, but for more detailed assessments, an MRI may be ordered by the physician to evaluate other surrounding structures such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, soft tissue, and of course the growth plate as well.
Symptoms to Watch For
Recognizing the symptoms early can make a big difference in recovery time. Here are some key signs to watch for:
➡️ Localized pain directly over the bone on the inside of your elbow!
➡️ Swelling/redness around the elbow
➡️ Decreased elbow mobility, especially fully extending the elbow
➡️ Decreased recovery time post throwing
➡️ Reduced velocity or control while pitching
➡️ Visible discomfort when playing
➡️ Compensation in throwing mechanics due to pain
Treatment and Recovery: The Pro Arm Approach
Here at Pro Arm Academy, we take a comprehensive approach to treat Little League Elbow. The initial steps for recovery is rest from throwing!
The typically recommendation is 12 weeks of NO throwing. This highly depends on the severity of the condition, but regardless, the growth plate and bone needs time to fully heal. Following a period of rest, many athletes are just released to gradually get back to throwing...
We do NOT recommend that athletes just start throwing again. There needs to be a formal rehab process where athletes are able to build back up their strength, mobility, and power prior to initiating a return to throwing program. This allows athletes to feel strong and confident once they get a baseball in their hand!
Here's a breakdown of the Treatment and Recovery Timeline:
1️⃣ Rest and Recovery: The first step is to give the elbow a break from throwing. This means no throwing for a specified period, depending on the severity of the injury. Typically, this is up to 12 weeks!
2️⃣ Physical Therapy: The right rehab for Little League Elbow can be the difference in an athlete getting back on the field to full performance, or not... We focus on exercises that strengthen the shoulder, upper back, elbow, and core. This allows athlete's to build resiliency and be able to take on the demands of throwing. Prior to starting a return to throwing program, our athletes are required to pass a multitude of testing procedures and drills!
3️⃣ Return to Throwing Program: Most athletes that see generalist provider will be given a generic "throwing protocol", if they even are give this! Most of these are very old throwing programs and are not up to date on the most recent developments in return to throwing programs! To get back into throwing and to a REAL return to throwing program, it requires the right technology to quantify how much stress is being put on the elbow.
Every athlete we see has a unique process to getting back to throwing. If this isn't part of the conversation with your current provider, then it's time to make a change!
4️⃣ Education and Prevention: Part of our program involves educating athletes and their support systems on proper techniques and preventive measures to avoid recurrence. It's important to continue with strength training to continue to build arm resiliency. Athlete's that are the strongest don't get injured as often AND no one has ever complained about getting stronger!
Final Thoughts
Little League Elbow can be a setback... but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to end a young athlete's career. Remember, early intervention is key to a full recovery. Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, staying informed and vigilant can help keep these young athletes safe and successful on the field.
For more information, personalized assessments, or to start a recovery program, reach out to Pro Arm Academy or fill out the complimentary arm health assessment form below!
Together, we’ll get you feeling confident, strong, and back in the game at a higher performance compared to pre-injury!
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*Note: complimentary arm health assessments are 15-20 minute "mini" assessments.
Depending on your situation, a full evaluation may be more appropriate.
Full evaluations are required PRIOR to proceeding with any physical therapy or training plan of care*
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Disclaimer
The content on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational and educational purposes only. We at Pro Arm Academy strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information concerning the steps for diagnosis and potential treatment strategies of Little League Shoulder, the content provided should not be considered complete or exhaustive and does not cover all aspects of the condition or its treatment.
It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The opinions and methods discussed on this site are based on current research/recommendations, and are provided in good faith. However, outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances. As such, we at Pro Arm Academy, cannot be held liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.
For personalized advice and treatment options, please contact a healthcare professional that specializes in working with baseball athletes. If you wish to consult with Pro Arm Academy directly, please fill out the contact form available on this site to schedule an appointment.
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