Summer is the perfect time for young athletes to enjoy Little League baseball and improve their pitching skills. However, with all the excitement and enthusiasm, it is easy for young pitchers to overdo it and develop Little League Elbow. Frequent throwing places excess stress on developing growth plates, leading to painful swelling and inflammation. Here are three tips to help relieve Little League Elbow this summer.
Take a Break to Rest
One of the most effective ways to relieve Little League elbow is to take a break from pitching and allow the arm to rest and heal. Encourage your child to take a few days off from throwing and engage in other low-impact activities with less strain on the elbow. If pain persists, your child may need to rest the arm for six weeks or longer. Combining rest with physical therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote faster healing.
Engage In Proper Warm-up and Stretching Exercises
Before engaging in any physical activity, it is essential to warm up and stretch the muscles properly. Help your child develop a pre-game routine that includes stretching and warming up the arm and shoulder muscles. This activity can help prevent Little League Elbow by preparing a young athlete’s muscles for the physical demands of pitching.
Seek Professional Treatment
If your child is experiencing elbow pain or discomfort, it is crucial to seek professional treatment from an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist. These medical professionals can help diagnose the condition and provide effective treatment strategies to help relieve pain and promote healing. Applying ice packs and using anti-inflammatory medications can often provide effective pain relief without the need for surgery. Recovery can take approximately 12 weeks.
NYC Little League Elbow Relief
Little League Elbow can be a painful and frustrating condition for young athletes. However, you can help your child relieve their symptoms and get back to enjoying pitching again. Prevention is the key to avoiding Little League elbow, so encourage your child to take breaks, warm up properly and seek professional treatment if needed. As a premier orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Steven Struhl specializes in personalized sports medicine treatments for NYC young athletes. Call to schedule an appointment for a consultation today.
