PRESS RELEASE

May 3, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
HOW CAN COACHES, PARENTS AND PHYSICIANS HELP TO PREVENT SHOULDER AND ELBOW INJURIES IN YOUTH BASEBALL?
 
Tracy Ray, MD recently presented a summary of research that indicates there are interventions that can be initiated to minimize injuries to young throwers.  The lecture was given at American Medical Society of Sports Medicine’s (AMSSM) 13th Annual Meeting in Vancouver, B.C., Canada.  Studies conducted at the American Sports Medicine Institute have demonstrated some common practices that have led to an increased number of injuries to the shoulder and elbow.  Dr. Ray pointed out the need for close monitoring of pitch counts, pitch types, and adequate rest in these young athletes.
 
Studies indicate that excessive number of pitches in a game, and also during a season, can lead to injury.  There are also strong associations between throwing a curve ball before the age of 14 and arm problems.  Overuse is a major contributor to injury, and therefore days of rest between outings are also very important.  Lastly, off-season conditioning and listening closely to youth baseball participants regarding arm pain is important.  Variable recommendations regarding pitch counts, types of pitches, and days of rest between outings based on level of competition and maturity were provided to the numerous sports medicine physicians attending the meeting.  Tracy Ray, MD is a member of AMSSM and Director of Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship and Medical Aspects of Sport at the American Sports Medicine Institute, Birmingham, Alabama.
 
The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) was organized in 1991by physicians who recognized the need for an organization within the field of sports medicine that approached athletes, exercising individuals, and teams comprehensively with consultative and continuous care of their orthopedic, medical, nutritional, and psychosocial issues.  Although sports medicine concepts are often thought of in conjunction with professional and elite athletes, these concepts apply to athletes of all levels including grade school, high school, college and recreational athletes.  AMSSM is comprised of over 800 Sports Medicine Physicians whose goal is to provide a link between the rapidly expanding core of knowledge related to sports medicine and its application to patients in a clinical setting.

NOTE: For more information, please contact the AMSSM, 11639 Earnshaw, Overland Park, KS 66210, (913) 327-1415 or office@amssm.org .