Written by Dr. Lucas Glomb
Little League Elbow, a common overuse injury among young baseball players, occurs when repetitive throwing motions place excessive stress on the growth plate of the elbow. This condition, also known as medial epicondylitis, can lead to pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion in the affected arm, therefore limiting an athlete’s ability to participate in their sport. As noted by a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, the prevalence of youth elbow injuries has increased due to the rise in youth sports participation and specialization. When not treated, this can lead to long term dysfunction including trauma to the ligamentous and bony structures in the elbow.
Recognizing the Signs
If your young athlete is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek professional evaluation:
Pain: Tenderness or pain on the inside of the elbow, especially during or after throwing.
Weakness: Difficulty throwing or gripping a baseball.
Decreased range of motion: Limited ability to fully extend or flex the elbow.
Loss of velocity: A noticeable decrease in throwing speed.
Mend’s Model: A Personalized Approach
At Mend, our experienced physical therapists, some of whom are former collegiate baseball players and parents of youth athletes in the Boulder community, understand the unique challenges faced by young athletes. We’re committed to getting your child or athlete back to the field as quickly as possible. Our personalized treatment plans include:
Handheld Dynamometry Testing: Evidence-based, functional symmetry testing to correctly identify each athlete’s unique asymmetries and weaknesses.
Therapeutic exercise: Evidence-based specific exercises prescribed uniquely to each athlete. Exercises include progressive strengthening and stretching of the muscles directly at the elbow, as well as considering other regions that contribute to elbow function, such as the shoulder, thoracic spine, and core stabilizers.
Manual therapy techniques: Interventions such as joint mobilizations, trigger point dry needling, and soft tissue mobilizations work to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Return to Sport Testing: Evidence based return to sport testing protocols to safely return athlete’s to sport.
Early intervention is key to preventing further injury and promoting a full recovery. If you, your child or your athlete is experiencing symptoms of Little League Elbow, contact one of our Throwing Specialists, Dr. Lucas Glomb or Dr. Russ Ovary, to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Lucas Glomb: lucas@mendcolorado.com
Dr. Russ Ovary: russ@mendcolorado.com