Why Are Throwing Injuries Still Increasing? A Hard Look at the Data
Despite advancements in sports science, throwing injuries in baseball are still on the rise. Dr. Jason Zaremski, a leading sports medicine expert, breaks down why injury rates aren’t improving and what we’re missing in the conversation. Are year-round play, travel ball, and velocity training programs contributing to the problem? In this blog, we analyze the data, discuss workload management, and provide actionable strategies for coaches, parents, and athletes to reduce injury risk.
INJURY PREVENTION & PERFORMANCE BUILDING STRONGER ATHLETES
Coach Leo Young
3/27/20252 min read
Why Are Throwing Injuries Still Increasing?
Throwing injuries among baseball players continue to rise, even with advancements in training and sports medicine. What’s behind this ongoing issue? Dr. Jason Zaremski, a leading sports medicine expert, examines why injury rates aren’t improving and what’s being overlooked in the conversation.
Have you or your athlete dealt with a throwing-related injury? Share your experience in the comments of the video, we'd love to hear your story.
The Key Factors Driving Injury Rates
While modern training methods have evolved, several underlying issues contribute to the rise in injuries:
Year-round play – Without structured rest periods, young athletes accumulate wear and tear at a rapid rate.
Velocity obsession – Players are throwing harder than ever, but many lack the strength and mechanics to sustain it.
Poor workload management – Tracking throwing volume is inconsistent across different teams and levels.
Early wear and tear – Small injuries in middle school often turn into major surgeries by high school or college.
Dr. Zaremski highlights that while throwing harder is rewarded at every level, the long-term consequences aren’t being fully addressed.
How to Reduce the Risk of Throwing Injuries
To keep young pitchers healthy, parents and coaches should prioritize:
Managing workload – Monitor pitch counts and recovery periods to prevent overuse.
Emphasizing rest – Scheduled breaks from throwing allow the body to recover and rebuild.
Strengthening the entire body – Proper strength training can help support the increased demands of velocity.
Teaching smart mechanics early – Bad habits formed at a young age increase stress on the arm and lead to injuries later.
Learn More About Sore to Soaring
At Sore to Soaring, we provide athletes with the education, mentorship, and injury prevention tools they need to stay healthy and perform at their best.
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Disclaimer:
The views shared are those of the guest and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. This content is for informational purposes only and not medical or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before starting any exercise or throwing program. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned.
If you wish to learn more about Dr. Zaremski’s work, visit:UFHealth.org.
#Baseball #MLB #InjuryPrevention #SportsMedicine #ThrowingMechanics #SoreToSoaring
