Pitchers and catchers report to begin pre-season training

What timing. NFL football ended two days ago and today pitchers and catchers report to spring training. How lucky can a sports fan be?

Actually, the pitchers and catchers are not arriving to training camp early for fan enjoyment, but rather to slowly and gradually get their throwing arms and legs ready in time for baseball season and help prevent in-season injuries.  As an orthopaedic shoulder surgeon and sports medicine specialist, I’ve lost count of the times in my 20 years of practice I’ve cautioned throwers, coaches and even players’ parents about the importance of working gradually into a full game pitch count and building pitch types, especially when a thrower is coming off an injury.

To help, I developed throwing guidelines for all age groups that I’m happy to share. Just email contactus@chudikmd.com and provide the age of the athlete(s).

Hopefully the same importance the pro teams give to this issue will reinforce the importance of pre-season conditioning and warming up slowly. However, if a player’s arm becomes painful at any time, stop throwing and consult a physician to get an accurate diagnosis so the correct treatment and rehabilitation can be started.

For an appointment with me, you can schedule an appointment online at https://www.stevenchudikmd.com/schedule-online or call my office 630-324-0402.