Baseball is an exciting and competitive sport, but it also comes with injury risks, especially for young pitchers.
One of the most common injuries in this age group is a growth plate injury, often referred to as “Little League Elbow” or “Little League Shoulder”. These injuries can sideline a player for weeks or even months, impacting their development and long-term health. As a physical therapist specializing in sports injury prevention and rehabilitation, here are a few pieces of advice on growth plate injuries and how to keep young athletes safe while continuing to develop their skills.
What is a growth Plate injury?
Growth plates are areas of cartilage at the ends of bones that are still open and growing. In young baseball players, these areas are the weakest spots in the throwing arm, making them highly susceptible to stress and damage from repetitive throwing.
For pitchers and other young athletes who throw frequently, excessive stress on the growth plates in the shoulder and elbow can lead to inflammation, pain, and even fractures if not properly managed. Growth plate injuries are most prevalent in baseball players between the ages of 11 and 13, as their bones are still developing and cannot withstand the same workload as more mature athletes.
If you have concerns that your child may be suffering from a growth plate injury, schedule an evaluation at a location nearest to you.
Common Risk Factors for Growth Plate Injuries
Understanding the risk factors is the first step in preventing these injuries. The most common contributors include:
Overuse & Excessive Throwing - Exceeding recommended daily and seasonal pitch counts, playing on multiple teams, or throwing year-round without proper rest
Lack of Shoulder & Arm Mobility - Limited flexibility in the shoulder, elbow, or surrounding muscles increases stress on the growth plates
Weakness in the Throwing Arm, Core, and Lower Body - Strength imbalances can lead to improper throwing mechanics and extra stress on vulnerable areas
Poor Throwing Mechanics - Flawed mechanics can result in excessive strain on the shoulder and elbow, increasing the risk of injury
High Throwing Velocity at a Young Age - Some young athletes throw exceptionally hard but lack the physical maturity to sustain such force over time
Warning Signs: How to recognize a Growth Plate Injury
If your child experiences any of the following symptoms, it is essential to address them immediately to prevent long-term damage:
Pain and tenderness in the shoulder or elbow, especially after throwing
Swelling around the affected joint
Difficulty bearing weight on the arm
Decreased range of motion in the shoulder or elbow
Ignoring these warning signs and continuing to play through pain can lead to more severe injuries, including fractures or long-term joint instability. Don’t wait, schedule an evaluation today.
How to prevent and treat growth plate injuries in baseball players
The good news is that growth plate injuries are preventable with the right approach. Here are some key strategies to reduce the risk and promote safe development in youth baseball players:
Strength Training, Mobility, and Workload Management
A properly designed strength program focusing on the throwing arm, core, and lower body can significantly reduce injury risk. Strengthening these areas ensures that the athlete has the stability and power needed for efficient throwing mechanics. Young players should also avoid overuse, especially if playing on multiple teams, and allow adequate recovery time.
Full-Body Assessment and Individualized Treatment
Each athlete is unique, and a full-body assessment by a physical therapist can help identify mobility restrictions, strength imbalances, or mechanical flaws that increase injury risk. An individualized plan can address these deficits to optimize performance while reducing stress on the growth plates.
Proper Throwing Mechanics and Progressive Throwing Program
If an athlete has suffered a growth plate injury, a structured throwing program is essential for a safe return to the field. Gradual progression in throwing volume and intensity helps rebuild arm strength and ensures that the athlete is ready to perform without risk of re-injury. To get involved in an arm care or throwing program, click here to be evaluated at one of our sports performance clinics.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Young Athletes Healthy
Preventing growth plate injuries in youth baseball players requires a proactive approach that combines strength training, proper workload management, and professional guidance. As physical therapists, our goal is to help young athletes develop safely while maximizing their potential on the field. By recognizing the risk factors and implementing smart training strategies, we can keep players healthy and performing at their best for years to come.
If you have concerns about your child's arm health or want to learn more about injury prevention strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Performance Therapy today for a full assessment and personalized injury prevention program!
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