Why Preventing UCL Injuries Matters More Than Fixing Them
Tommy John surgery has become common in baseball, but young pitchers need to understand that prevention is always better than surgery. Dr. Jason Zaremski explains why UCL injuries are increasing, why surgery isn’t a guaranteed fix, and what players, parents, and coaches can do to reduce the risk before it’s too late.
INJURY PREVENTION & PERFORMANCE BUILDING STRONGER ATHLETES
Coach Leo Young
4/17/20252 min read
Why Preventing UCL Injuries Matters More Than Fixing Them
Tommy John surgery is often seen as a solution to elbow injuries, but the reality is that no surgery can restore an arm to its original condition. Instead of assuming UCL surgery is inevitable, young pitchers need to focus on prevention and smart training. Dr. Jason Zaremski breaks down what’s leading to the rise in UCL injuries and how to keep young arms healthy.
Do you think youth baseball is doing enough to prevent UCL injuries? Share your thoughts in the comments
Why Are UCL Injuries More Common Than Ever?
Increased velocity focus – Players are throwing harder than ever, adding more stress to their elbows.
Year-round baseball – Young athletes rarely take breaks, leading to overuse injuries.
Lack of workload tracking – Many pitchers play for multiple teams without anyone monitoring their total throwing volume.
Early specialization – Young players skip other sports that could help develop overall athleticism and reduce arm stress.
The Problem With Relying on Surgery
Many players assume that if they get injured, surgery will fix everything. But that’s not the reality:
Not every player returns to full strength – Velocity, control, and mechanics often change.
Rehab is long and demanding – It can take 12+ months to return, and even then, success isn’t guaranteed.
Re-injury rates are high – Many pitchers need a second surgery later in their careers.
Surgery does not prevent future injuries – If workload and mechanics don’t improve, the same issues can happen again.
How to Prevent UCL Injuries Before They Happen
To avoid the risks of Tommy John surgery, pitchers should:
Track workload – Monitor pitch counts, innings, and throwing volume across all teams.
Prioritize arm care and recovery – Strength training, mobility work, and rest periods are essential.
Develop proper mechanics – Poor form adds unnecessary stress to the elbow.
Limit year-round throwing – Taking offseason breaks helps the body recover.
Learn More About Sore to Soaring
At Sore to Soaring, we help young athletes train smarter, avoid preventable injuries, and build long, successful careers.
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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 #UCLInjury #PitchingHealth #TommyJohnSurgery #InjuryPrevention #SoreToSoaring
