Baseball and Softball Injury Prevention and Performance Program
Over 150,000 injuries occur in baseball and softball per year. Over 50% of the injuries are due to overuse. These statistics are on the rise often resulting in devastating injuries to young athletes. Many athletes focus too much attention on repetitive throwing to improve skills, sacrificing the fundamental strengthening and stretching to condition the body for throwing activities.
Velocity Sports Performance, The Training Room and Rothman Institute have joined together to offer a medically based injury prevention and performance program for baseball and softball athletes. The program is based on the latest scientific research in preventing shoulder, elbow and other musculoskeletal injuries. In addition, Velocity's curriculum to enhance speed, power, core stability, flexibility, joint mobility and strength gives every athlete the tools necessary to perform at optimal function with the reduced likelihood of injury. |
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| Our program includes the following: |
| Functional Movement Screen performed by a certified FMS provider. This assessment will uncover any faulty movement patterns with the whole body due to muscle imbalances, weaknesses, stability, mobility and flexibility deficits. With this information, a corrective exercise program will be designed specifically to eliminate any deficiencies. |
| Shoulder & Elbow Assessment performed by one of our expert physical therapists from The Training Room. We will evaluate the mobility, stability and strength of the throwing arm. This is where most injuries in baseball and softball occur and often these injuries can be prevented with the correct stretching and strengthening program. A prehab program will be designed to eliminate any dysfunctions that may exist. |
| Maintenance by our physical therapists includes 1 time per week visit while in-season to maintain total arm strength and flexibility. Our PT will work with the athlete to focus on the health of the arm and help eliminate any nagging issues that arise throughout the season. |
| Performance Training by Velocity Sports Performance. Athletes take part in VSP's core training programs, which focus on speed, power, agility, coordination, balance, flexibility, mobility, strength and stability. In addition, the athlete's individualized corrective exercise program will be included in the performance program. |
| Physician consultations with Rothman Institute Sports Medicine Physicians are made available as needed by athletes. Athletes will have access to immediate appointments with physicians who are experts in managing baseball and softball injuries. |
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We recommend that the Functional Movement Screen and the Shoulder & Elbow Assessment be performed at a minimum of 6 weeks prior to the start of a season. This will allow the opportunity for the corrective exercises to reduce any dysfunctions and prepare the athlete for healthy participation in baseball or softball. Performance training should also be started at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to competition to allow for maximum gains to be acquired.
