Arm Care for Youth Pitchers: A Parent's Guide

Tommy John surgery rates among youth baseball players have increased dramatically over the past two decades. The primary cause: overuse, year-round specialization, and inadequate rest.

Protecting your child's arm is the most important thing you can do for their long-term baseball career.

The Overuse Epidemic

Young arms are not designed for year-round throwing. The growth plates in a developing arm are vulnerable to stress injuries that can have lasting consequences.

The American Sports Medicine Institute recommends:

• No more than 100 innings pitched per year
• At least 4 months completely off from overhead throwing per year
• No pitching for multiple teams simultaneously
• Strict adherence to pitch count rules

The Warning Signs

Take arm pain seriously. Any pain in the elbow or shoulder that persists for more than a few days should be evaluated by a sports medicine professional.

Do not let your child pitch through pain. The short-term cost of missing games is far less than the long-term cost of a serious arm injury.

The Off-Season

The off-season is not optional. Young pitchers need at least 3–4 months per year completely away from overhead throwing. This allows the arm to recover, the growth plates to develop properly, and the player to come back refreshed and motivated.

Use the off-season for other sports, other activities, and rest. A pitcher who takes a real off-season will have a longer, healthier career than one who throws year-round.