Baseball might look smooth and effortless from the stands, but anyone who’s played the game knows it takes a serious toll on your body. The repetitive throws, quick sprints, and sudden twists can all add up—whether you’re playing for fun on weekends or competing at a high level.
Certain injuries tend to show up again and again in baseball players, and they can really throw you off your game (pun intended). The good news? Chiropractic care might be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed to stay healthy and in the lineup.
So, if you’re currently in pain after your most recent game, here’s a list of the top injuries that might be causing you angst. From there, your Plano chiropractor is ready to help you get back into the game! Keep reading to learn more.
1. Pitcher’s Shoulder: SLAP Tears and Impingement
Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior (SLAP) tears affect the cartilage ring surrounding the shoulder socket. These injuries occur primarily in players who engage in overhead throwing motions. Symptoms include deep shoulder pain, catching sensations, reduced throwing velocity, and discomfort when reaching overhead.
Shoulder impingement often accompanies SLAP tears when rotator cuff tendons become compressed between the shoulder bones. This creates a complex condition affecting performance and comfort.
Yet, chiropractic care addresses these issues through specific adjustments to restore proper shoulder biomechanics. By correcting alignment throughout the kinetic chain—from neck to core—chiropractors help distribute throwing forces more efficiently, reducing pressure on the labrum and creating space for proper tendon movement.
2. Spondylolisthesis in the Lower Back
The rotational forces of batting and the repeated extension in pitching can cause spondylolisthesis—where one vertebra slips forward over another. This condition commonly affects younger players whose spines are still developing.
Players with spondylolisthesis experience lower back pain that worsens with activity, hamstring tightness, and sometimes radiating pain down the legs. But chiropractors can help manage this condition through targeted adjustments that stabilize the affected area and address compensatory patterns throughout the spine.
In fact, regular chiropractic assessment helps detect early signs of spinal issues before they progress to more severe stages requiring extended time away from baseball.
3. Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injuries
UCL injuries affect the inner elbow ligament that stabilizes the joint during throwing. The extreme stress during the acceleration phase gradually damages this structure.
Symptoms include inner elbow pain during throwing, decreased velocity, and sometimes ulnar nerve symptoms like tingling in the ring and small fingers.
While severe tears often require surgery, chiropractic care plays an important role in prevention and rehabilitation. Chiropractors assess and optimize the entire throwing chain mechanics—shoulder through wrist—identifying and addressing issues that place excessive stress on the UCL.
4. Little League Elbow
Young players between nine and 14 years old commonly develop medial epicondyle apophysitis or “Little League Elbow.” This condition involves inflammation of the growth plate on the inner elbow from repetitive throwing motions.
Luckily, chiropractic care can help! Chiropractic care focuses on gentle adjustments to restore proper joint mechanics while reducing inflammation. Chiropractors also provide education about appropriate throwing limits and proper mechanics. By addressing biomechanical issues throughout the entire body, treatment helps distribute forces more efficiently, reducing stress on vulnerable growth plates.
5. Piriformis Syndrome in Baserunners
Baseball’s combination of sprinting, directional changes, and prolonged standing can trigger piriformis syndrome, where the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. When this occurs, players experience deep buttock pain, discomfort when sitting, and sometimes radiating symptoms down the leg, especially after running bases.
Chiropractors treat this condition through specific adjustments to the lumbar spine and pelvis, combined with targeted release techniques for the piriformis muscle. This comprehensive approach addresses both the primary issue and contributing factors, such as pelvic misalignment.
Getting Back In the Game!
Beyond treating specific injuries, regular chiropractic care offers baseball players a performance advantage. Proper spinal alignment and joint function improve neurological communication, movement efficiency, and recovery between games.
Don’t let pain hold you back this season. Our team at Keystone Chiropractic is here to help you face the new season in the best shape of your life. Book your appointment with us today and step up to the plate with confidence!
