Prevention of throwing injuries of the shoulder and elbow in baseball

Abstract

There are a number of studies on prevention of injuries caused by excessive throwing. Various attempts have been tested also in Japan to prevent such injuries. However, many young baseball players who suffer a throwing injury, and it is also reported that the number of such players is increasing.

It is difficult to judge whether each of diverse functional deterioration is a cause of a throwing injury or a result of such an injury, or an adaptation to the pitching action. Chronological assessment and observation at the actual site where the sport is practiced are essential for making better judgement ; and assessing changes over time, predicting injuries and preventing them are of prime importance.