On the East Coast, spring and summer mean one thing to a lot of people; baseball season. For competitive players, this means practice, doubleheaders, tournaments, and workouts. This intensive schedule that is very common for baseball players presents a likely chance for injury. Baseball injuries are not uncommon, and in many cases, can cause severe pain. If you have recently been injured on the baseball diamond and are now seeking physical therapy in Farmingdale, NY, Farmingdale Physical Therapy East has designed programs for sports-related injuries.
Common Baseball Injuries; Causes and Symptoms
Baseball players are susceptible to the typical bumps and bruises that many other sports cause, but there are also some baseball injuries that separate themselves from other sports. The constant stress baseball players put on their arms, typically the shoulder and elbow bring muscle and joint fatigue. Fatigue is a common precursor to injury and may lead to the following:
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Rotator cuff tears: The rotator cuff is a combination of four tendons that network around the top of the shoulder bone. This injury is common in pitchers, as the tendons break down over time, resulting in a tear. Symptoms include pain while laying down, pain with certain arm movements, and the inability to carry heavy objects. Our expert physical therapy in Farmingdale, NY is highly trained in treating various shoulder injuries.
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ACL and MCL tears: The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) are two major ligaments that allow the knee to function properly. These ligaments are put in harm’s way when running the bases, pursuing the baseball on defense, or any time you make sudden stops in the running process. These injuries are extremely painful, which is the number one symptom. Other symptoms include the inability to walk, swelling on the knee, and a loud “pop” when the injury occurs.
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UCL Sprain: Located in the elbow in the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL). When players overthrow, overwork, or do not warm up properly, it is not uncommon the UCL is injured. Players may be able to diagnose their injury when the inner elbow is in pain throughout the throwing motion, but it is recommended to see a physical therapist in Farmingdale, NY, for a professional diagnosis.
How to Prevent Baseball-Related Injuries
When playing in the hot sun throughout the summer, water is your best friend. Lack of water can leave you dizzy, confused, and fatigued. Fatigue is a baseball player’s number one enemy. When you are fatigued, your body tends to cut corners and not perform naturally, causing injury. Some common ways to prevent injuries include:
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Stretch properly: An adequate amount of stretching will loosen the muscles that may be in harm’s way while playing baseball. Lack of stretching leads to muscle and ligament injuries because these parts of the body are not warmed-up for gameplay.
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Take note of your body: There is a difference between injury and soreness. You should learn your body and be able to locate when something is sore or when something is injured. Typically, if soreness lasts a few days after inception, scheduling an appointment with a physical therapist in Farmingdale, NY, is the way to go.
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Charge the body: Hydration and fueling the body with proper nutrients is crucial to performance and injury prevention. When your body is adequately fueled, it will perform in the healthy ways it is used to, rather than when it is fatigued. Read these ways to keep the body ready to perform.
Physical Therapy in Farmingdale, NY
At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we realize sports injuries can be a dark time for athletes. That is why we strive to be “where the sun rises.” Our mission is to improve the health of our patients through state-of-the-art physical therapy and rehabilitation services. We will strive to get you back to excellence in your respected sport, through an ethically driven protocol, while advocating for your health. To invest in your future as a healthier player, book an appointment online or call (516) 293-0565.
