Preventing Softball Injuries

Softball injuries in young athletes are on the rise and nearly as frequent as baseball injuries, but they generally result in less time lost to competition. These injuries most commonly involve the back, shoulder, forearm, wrist, and hand. Pitchers are not more prone to injury than position players; catchers and infielders have similar injury rates. However, pitcher injuries differ from position player injuries because pitchers use a windmill motion that places unique demands on the back, neck, shoulder, forearm, and wrist.

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    WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON OVERUSE INJURIES IN SOFTBALL?
For pitchers, the most common overuse injuries are shoulder tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon), back or neck pain, and elbow, forearm, and wrist tendinitis. For catchers, back and knee problems in addition to overhead throwing shoulder problems are the most common. For other position players, overhead shoulder and sometimes elbow problems predominate.

HOW CAN OVERUSE SOFTBALL INJURIES BE PREVENTED?
Overuse injuries are preventable. Some tips to keep you in the game throughout your life include:

 Warm up properly by stretching, running, and easy, gradual throwing.
 Rotate playing other positions besides pitcher.
 Concentrate on age-appropriate pitching.
 Adhere to pitch count guidelines (see tables).
 Avoid pitching on multiple teams with overlapping seasons.
 Flexibility of pitchers needs to be the focus during the season rather than strengthening.
 Don't pitch with pain, and see a doctor if the pain persists for a week.
 Don't pitch more than two consecutive days until age 13, and then no more than three days in a row.
 Don't play year-round.
 Radar Guns should only be used during competition for best pitch of speed vs. change up (ages 15+).
 Communicate regularly about how your arm is feeling and if there is pain or fatigue.
 Develop skills that are age appropriate.
 Emphasize control, accuracy, and good mechanics.
 Speak with a sports medicine professional or athletic trainer if you have any concerns about softball injuries or softball injury prevention strategies
 Return to play only when clearance is granted by a health care professional.
 The athlete should return to play only when clearance is granted by a health care professional.


Maximum Pitch Counts

AgePitches/GamePitches/Day
Days 1 & 2Pitches/Day
Day 3
8-1050800
10-1265950
13-148011580
15-over100140100

Rest Periods
Once girls begin to play competitively, they often play two games per day on two or three consecutive days. Two days of rest for pitchers is essential to prevent injuries. Additional guidelines include:

Girls < 12 years - only 2 days of consecutive pitching
Girls > 13 years - only 3 days of consecutive pitching

Rest means no live pitches, including batting practice. Pitchers may need to 'loosen up' with a flexibility routine on the second rest day and can participate in hitting and field drills.


HOW IS AN OVERUSE ELBOW OR SHOULDER INJURY TREATED?
The most obvious treatment for overuse is rest, especially from the activity that created the injury. Ice is also used to reduce soreness and inflammation, and Ibuprofen can be taken to help with any pain. If symptoms persist, it is critical that a rehabilitation professional or physician be contacted, especially if there is a lack of full motion. Unlike baseball injuries, most softball overuse injuries do not require surgery, but the care by a professional is advised, especially if pain persists or the injury recurs. Under some circumstances, surgery may be necessary to correct a problem. After a time loss injury, a return to play throwing program should be used (see references).


REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Krajnik S, Fogarty KJ, Y ard EE, Comstock RD. Shoulder injuries in US high school baseball and softball athletes, 2005-2008. Pediatrics. 2010. 125(3):497-501.

Sauers EL, Dykstra DL, B ay RC, B liven KH, Snyder AR. Upper extremity injury history, current pain rating, and health-related quality of life in female softball pitchers. J Sport Rehabil. 2011. 20(1):100-14.

Axe MJ, Windley T C, Snyder-Mackler L . Data-Based Interval Throwing Programs for Collegiate Softball Players. J Athl Train. 2002. 37(2):194-203.

Marshall SW, Hamstra-Wright KL, Dick R, Grove KA, Agel J . Descriptive epidemiology of collegiate women's softball injuries: National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System, 1988-1989 through 2003- 2004. J Athl Train. 2007. 42(2):286-94.

 
CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS
The following expert consultants contributed to the tip sheet:

Mary Lloyd Ireland, MD

Lynn Snyder-Mackler, PT, ScD

Bonnie Jill (BJ ) Ferguson, Coach



Sports Tips provide general information only and are not a substitute for your own good judgement or consultation with a physician.

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