Help with a Stiff Neck
As a sports physical therapist, I often see baseball players dealing with stiff necks, a frustrating and sometimes painful condition that can limit your ability to perform at your best. Whether you’re a baseball player or a regular person, we’ve all woken up with a stiff neck before. Your neck plays a critical role in maintaining your range of motion, reaction times, and overall mechanics. Let’s dive into why stiff necks happen and how you can treat them to stay in top shape on the field.
The Age to Start Throwing Breaking Pitches: A Guide for Young Pitchers & Parents
When is the right time for young pitchers to start throwing breaking pitches? This newsletter dives into the science, expert opinions, and long-term effects on arm health, giving you the facts you need to protect and develop young athletes. Don't miss out on these game-changing insights for coaches, parents, and players!
Decoding the Image Part II: Understanding your knee imaging
Time to to bridge the gap between medical imaging and patient understanding.
In this issue, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about knee imaging in clear, simple terms. From ligaments to menisci, cartilage to bone, we'll help you understand what those mysterious gray and white images really mean for your health. Let's demystify your knee X-Rays & MRIs together!
Exercise of the Month - December
Throwing athletes, listen up! Your biceps aren't just about looking good—they're about keeping your shoulder RESILIENT.
The long head of your biceps tendon is like a hidden hero in your shoulder. It's not about building massive muscles, but about creating a strong, flexible support system that can handle the stress of your sport.
The Lost Art of The Sandlot: When Baseball was more than a Game
In today’s hyper-competitive, highly-structured world of youth sports, the free-flowing, spontaneous play of a Sandlot game has become somewhat of a lost art. Kids are often funneled into organized leagues and instructed by adults from a young age. While structure and coaching are essential, they can sometimes stifle the creativity, the joy, and the raw athleticism that come from simply playing the game for the love of it.
Decoding the Image: Helping Athletes Understand Their Shoulder Scans
Have you ever been in your doctor's office and they pull up your X-Ray or MRI to show you what’s going on, and you nod along even though you have no idea what you are looking at? Well, you are not alone. In fact, most clients I have worked with have had this exact experience. Take a look at this week’s blog post to help you understand what exactly is happening in your body.
Back Pain in Sports: Understanding the Overhead Athlete's Burden
If you’re an athlete involved in sports that require throwing or swinging—like baseball, tennis, or golf—you may have experienced the nagging discomfort of back pain. Our latest blog post dives into why this pain is so common in these activities, how repetitive motions can strain your muscles, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent or manage it. Whether you're a pro or just love recreational play, this guide offers practical tips to keep your back healthy and your game strong!
The Importance of a quality warm up program
A quality warm-up program is the foundation of peak performance and injury prevention in baseball—a game where explosive movements and split-second reactions make all the difference. Yet, many players overlook this critical aspect, diving straight into practice or competition without preparing their bodies for the demands of the game. A proper warm-up doesn’t just get your muscles loose; it primes your body for power, sharpens your focus, and enhances your agility. Whether you're stepping onto the diamond for a high-stakes game or a casual practice, the right warm-up routine can set the tone for success. Ready to level up your pre-game prep? Let’s break it down.
The importance of recovery in baseball
Recovery is the unsung hero of baseball success, the secret weapon that separates good players from great ones. While the spotlight often shines on game-day performances and grueling training sessions, what happens in the hours and days after the final pitch is just as critical. Recovery isn't just about rest; it's about giving your body and mind the tools they need to bounce back stronger, sharper, and more resilient. Whether you're gunning for the majors or just aiming to dominate your weekend league, understanding the importance of recovery could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Ready to unlock your full potential on and off the field? Let’s dive in.
Early Specialization in Baseball: A Game-Changer or a Risk for Young Athletes?
Specialization in sports has become a hot topic due to its potential impact on young athletes' long-term development, both physically and mentally. While early specialization can lead to advanced skills, it also raises concerns about overuse injuries, burnout, and limited athletic versatility.
My Doctor told me that I have “Little League Elbow.” What does this mean and can I play through it?
Are your young athletes complaining of elbow pain after a long day on the baseball field? Our latest blog post dives into the common but often overlooked issue of Little League Elbow — a condition that affects growing players. Learn the signs, prevention tips, and recovery strategies to keep your child’s arm healthy and strong for the season ahead. Don’t let a minor ache turn into a major setback; read on to ensure your star player stays in the game pain-free!
Exercise of the Month - August
In the spirit of recovering from summer ball and preparing for the fall baseball season, here is my foam rolling routine.
Sleep and its role in healing
Ever wondered why a good night’s sleep is often called nature’s best medicine? Our latest blog post uncovers the powerful connection between sleep and your body’s ability to heal and recover. From repairing tissues to boosting your immune system, quality sleep is the foundation of wellness. Discover how to optimize your sleep for better health and faster recovery from life’s daily stresses. Don’t miss out on these essential tips—your path to rejuvenation starts with a single restful night!
What is a SLAP Tear? A dive into the most feared type of labral tears in the shoulder.
Why is the SLAP tear one of the most feared shoulder injuries for a baseball player or overhead athlete? Read about it here.
Exercise of the Month - July
Check out this month’s exercises that emphasizes strengthening of the muscles that decelerate the shoulder which is crucial for baseball players, as it helps to prevent injuries by adding stability to the shoulder joint during the high-stress throwing motion. This improved stability and control can lead to better throwing accuracy and reduced the risk of overuse injuries.
Shin splints and why they happen at the worst times.
Shin splints and why they always seem to pop up at the most inconvenient times. Don't let this pesky leg condition derail your season!
Nutritional considerations for athletes
Nutrition is one of the most important pieces to performance, so why is it so often the most overlooked part of your game?
Exercise of the Month - June
This month, we’re excited to feature the reverse walking bear crawl with sliders as our exercise of the week! This dynamic move is fantastic for overhead athletes, activating the crucial serratus anterior muscle to enhance shoulder stability and performance. Give it a try and feel the difference in your workouts. Whether you’re at home or on the field, this exercise will take your training to the next level. Let's get moving and stay strong!
Arm Care ideas for overhead athletes
Ideas to keep your arm from breaking down during your season.