With the start of the high school baseball season approaching in the next few weeks and Major League Baseball (MLB) following suit in about a month, we are approaching the time of year when most baseball players are at the most risk for injuries. This article will outline the basics that can contribute to these injuries and how Sports Chiropractors can address these issues. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing an in-depth analysis of mechanical and structural causes of common baseball injuries.
Injury Causes
The most common injuries that come present at our offices from overhead athletes like baseball and softball players ranging from significant decreases of velocity off the mound or in the field to aches and pains in the back, shoulder, elbow, or wrist. In general, most of the injuries that require a Chiropractic visit are due to overuse of different structures due to inefficient mechanics in the throwing motion or overuse due to improper warm-ups and post-throwing routines.

Treatment Options
Through the use of ART (active release technique), CMT (chiropractic manipulative therapy), Dry Needling, Shockwave therapy, and Corrective Exercises (Performance Rehab) these deficiencies can have their proper biomechanics restored. Once the proper biomechanics are created then an evidence-based progressive overload is needed to get the athlete not only back on the field but to keep them healthy throughout the entire season. In order to determine where specifically the deficiencies in what’s called the kinematic sequence (how the body moves through space) an expertly trained doctor needs to perform a thorough exam to identify where the weak link is to be able to fix the underlying cause of the pain- especially with nagging injuries.
What’s Next?
Keep an eye out for the next post where we discuss the close relationship between the thoracic spine and scapula (shoulder blade) and how it relates to shoulder function.

Dr. Grant is an expert in the biomechanics of the overhead athlete as he stays up to date on the latest research involving throwing injury prevention as well as having a Pitching & Hitting certification through OnBaseUniversity. He also conducted a study on the incidence of Tommy John Surgery in the MLB during his time at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Coaching travel baseball for North Fairfax County Babe Ruth gives him real life applications of the concepts he employs in the clinic which helped his team qualify for the Virginia State Tournament this past summer.
Dr. Grant – Reston Office
Dr. Grant – Falls Church Office

Dr. Hirad Najafbagy, President of United Wellness & Sports Rehab is the team chiropractor for the Washington Nationals MLB Team.