The ongoing issue of injuries in youth sports is a topic that will never fully go away. Making it impossible to prevent every injury that comes their way, many have been optimistic on the approach to address the issue and find safer alternatives. Speaking of the sport of baseball, limiting pitchers to a certain amount of pitches per start is one way to protect our youth’s arm. Today, youth baseball has become year-round with no break in sight. Players at a very young age are exhausting their arms, increasing the pitch count, and pitching more frequently through the spring, summer, and fall. For those who want a break with their arm, I would suggest not limiting yourself to one sport year-round. It can become mentally and physically exhausting. Bottom line, become a multi-sport athlete. I do not expect everyone who reads this to stop playing baseball year-round, it is merely a helpful suggestion.
With that being said, an app has been created for coaches, scorekeepers, and parents nationwide. The “GameChanger app” was released in 2010 and is dedicated to helping young pitchers keep their pitches in check, while staying healthy. In hopes to reduce the amount of injuries, the GameChanger app monitors the overuse of a pitchers arm by keeping track of their pitch count. Official Little League rules have already put a limit on pitch count and number of days in between starts that needs to be met. This app just makes it easier by providing organization and structure to the game.
Since 2000, there has been 5x the amount of shoulder and elbow injuries to youth baseball and softball players. “Little Leaguers Elbow” is an overuse, where the ligament attached to the middle part of the elbow, slowly tugging the growth plate away from the rest of the bone. Parents believe that turning to “Tommy John” surgery for their star pitcher is the answer. This is not a safer alternative, especially for an athlete who experiences minimal discomfort to their elbow. When something doesn’t feel right, tell your coach, and make the necessary adjustments that will ensure a long career playing the sport you love, it’s that simple.
This app also allows you to be more efficient and connected to the game. Guiding you through every play, the GameChanger app provides play-by-play information along with a game recap once the last out has been made. The features provide you with an all-in-one app that can help both baseball and softball with updates and prevention. Becoming the official scorekeeper of the Little League, it is no shock that the necessary precautions have already been in place.
Are you a pitcher suffering from elbow pain? Schedule a consultation today and we can help.