I need ideas...

[Tanya]

My son is 17 and it's baseball season once again. He is one of the main pitchers as we have a very small team. He has major pain in his R deltoid (at the origin), and soreness in pects, brachioradialis, teres major and lats, QL, and all around scapula. Everywhere. lol I've worked all the areas listed above, but his deltoid is still very painful. I'm new at this...only been practicing since October. Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[Binny]

Ice ice ice. Then when you've finished icing, more ice. No heat. If he needs to do heat, make sure he uses contrast therapy (cold following hot.)

Inflammation of the bursa is a common problem with ball players, also (and perhaps caused by) insufficient warm up. Massage doesn't help much with inflammed bursa, other than relieving some of the pressure caused by muscle tightness.

As far as other muscle issues, you want to be looking also for the triggerpoint in the supraspinatus attachment just below the acromion, and the triangle pattern of triggerpoints in infraspinatus. I have an instructor who says that shoulder conditions will not be resolved without working teres minor. I've found that to be true. Since all of these muscles are easily accessible, I would imagine you have been working on them. If he were my client, I'd also be checking out serratus anterior and subscapularis.

Rather than static direct pressure for the triggerpoint work, I'd use the short, (1/2 - 1") pin and stretch work for TPs followed by some gentle facilitated stretching. I also wouldn't dig on the knots till they're gone, just try to get them moving toward resolution, then let the kid's activity (and warm-ups) work the rest out. You can also use the technique where he creates resistance, then you go for the knot while the muscle is contracted. This can be very effective for athletes.

Don't do deep work less than one full day before a game, and he has to take it easy with practice. Fast pitch seems to take significant toll on pitchers, due to the snap at the end. And you don't want the muscles to be already fatigued due to deep tissue work on game day.

Besides ice, warm-up well. Poor warm-up can lead to -itis , (inflammation) rather than -osis (wear and tear) of the rotator cuff tendons, although unresolved inflammation often becomes degeneration.

 

[AF.Colonel]

Ice ice ice. Then when you've finished icing, more ice. No heat. If he needs to do heat, make sure he uses contrast therapy (cold following hot.)

Inflammation of the bursa is a common problem with ball players, also (and perhaps caused by) insufficient warm up. Massage doesn't help much with inflammed bursa, other than relieving some of the pressure caused by muscle tightness.

As far as other muscle issues, you want to be looking also for the triggerpoint in the supraspinatus attachment just below the acromion, and the triangle pattern of triggerpoints in infraspinatus. I have an instructor who says that shoulder conditions will not be resolved without working teres minor. I've found that to be true. Since all of these muscles are easily accessible, I would imagine you have been working on them. If he were my client, I'd also be checking out serratus anterior and subscapularis.

Rather than static direct pressure for the triggerpoint work, I'd use the short, (1/2 - 1") pin and stretch work for TPs followed by some gentle facilitated stretching. I also wouldn't dig on the knots till they're gone, just try to get them moving toward resolution, then let the kid's activity (and warm-ups) work the rest out. You can also use the technique where he creates resistance, then you go for the knot while the muscle is contracted. This can be very effective for athletes.

Don't do deep work less than one full day before a game, and he has to take it easy with practice. Fast pitch seems to take significant toll on pitchers, due to the snap at the end. And you don't want the muscles to be already fatigued due to deep tissue work on game day.

Besides ice, warm-up well. Poor warm-up can lead to -itis , (inflammation) rather than -osis (wear and tear) of the rotator cuff tendons, although unresolved inflammation often becomes degeneration.

Thanks! I have been working all the muscles you mentioned, except that I am probably going in too aggressively on the knots... I did pull up some old posts with some stretches that I tried last night involving compressing the muscle while stretched, but I'm not sure what you mean by (1/2 to 1") pin and stretch work. All the other areas I worked, are just a lil sore today, which is expected, but this is a kid who never complains and if he says his deltoid is hurting bad...it's really hurting. His older brother took care of getting on his case about warming up properly and icing right after a game. We just realized last night, that since the new coach has taken over, they haven't even been carrying the firstaid kit with the wrapping tape or anything with them to the games. :shock: I just hope he doesn't have any lasting, major damage.

 

[maca]

Classic triggerpoint work involves static direct pressure on the point itself, hold for 30 seconds- 2 minutes, until it "releases." I prefer a technique that locates the TP, then does a tiny little stripping motion across the TP. Sometimes the motion is small enough so that it is almost just rocking over the point. It somewhat resembles cross-fiber friction except you actually are stripping rather than "strumming" or frictioning.

You use one finger, or the edge of your hand as an anchor, then you use a thumb on the other hand, or triggerpoint tool, (I like the Acustar from acuforce, it has a wonderful little wedge on one side,) to do deep compressive strokes, less than 1" long, directly over the TP. Do this for about a half minute, then use broad flushing/stretching strokes over the area. You can repeat over the same point a time or two. I find that I get similar results, with less guarding from the client, and less soreness/bruising after the session. YMMV

 

[x_babygurl_x]

I agree with Breathe's advise...

You also need to show him proper stretches, I know from being an athlete, that the coaches either don't have them stretch at all, or have them stretch cold. He needs to warm up a bit, then stretch... I also find, and you should inquire about pitch counts, including practice time. These kids are over doing it, and don't get enough rest.

Keep us updated, and anything else I think about I will let you know.

 

[Nes S]

I agree with Stacey.......ICE......ICE and more ICE!!!! Stress to him to make surw he warms up really well. Doing some gentle CFF/Stripping on those TP's will definitely help him.I work with alot of athletes and use alot of stripping techniques to help with those aches and pains of competition. I am hoping he is feeling much better soon! Stacey--I have an Acuforce Star and absolutely love it and use it all the time! Best of luck to him and his recovery!

Blessings and Light- :
Johnny

 

[Avaldemon]

I agree totally on the ice, ice and then more ice. Here is a nifty cold pack contraption that is great! http://www.cbssportsstore.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1437951&cp=710956.710547.1798548&parentPage=family I have one myself for my "gimpy" shoulder. It encompasses the entire shoulder girdle and it helps that it stays in place by itself. You strap it on and then go about your business rather than sitting there holding an ice pack to your shoulder.

Angie

 

[Jae]

I've worked on a few pro pitchers over the years. Something not mentioned and one thing I found in common, is that they usually have issues with the teres muscles. You might want to look at the origins and insertions there.

Also it's worth looking at the bicipital tendon region.

Hope that helps.

 

[whoo-cheals]

I've worked on a few pro pitchers over the years. Something not mentioned and one thing I found in common, is that they usually have issues with the teres muscles. You might want to look at the origins and insertions there.

Also it's worth looking at the bicipital tendon region.

Hope that helps.

He was very tender at teres minor. Haven't worked the bicipital tendon region. As for everyone's advice about the ice, the warm up exercises, more ice, stretches, ice again, and stripping the muscle, and more ice....thank you so much.

I got more hyperemia going from stripping than anything else I've tried and this morning he said he could really tell a difference painwise and ROM. We're still icing it and he's (supposedly) resting it at practice so he'll be more ready for the game tomorrow evening. Thank you all...


Now...if someone would answer my question on the vericose vein thread I promise I'll go back to lurkdom and leave you be. I do love this place...I've learned so much already just from reading and reading and reading some more.

 

[Roger Dodger]

No you may not go back to lurking... you must participate! t079 just kidding... but you must promise to let us know an update on your son througout the season! Everyone is important here... you are not bothering us!

And yes, I will take a look at the Vericose Vein Thread

 

[Pompal 09.]

No you may not go back to lurking... you must participate! t079 just kidding... but you must promise to let us know an update on your son througout the season! Everyone is important here... you are not bothering us!

And yes, I will take a look at the Vericose Vein Thread

LOL! Sometimes I need a good whipping. lol And thanks! I'll be sure and keep ya'll updated.

 

[Dachele]

Update

My son's last ballgame is today and I promised I would update you on the condition of his arm. After taking your advice about the ice and working in the areas recommended, he is much better. But what really made a believer out of him because he was able to feel it loosen, was the MFR arm pull. Even though he went bowling the next night, it still didn't come back in there like it had been doing. Now when I ask him how his arm is feeling, he grins every time he says it's fine because he is still amazed at how it worked. I know it was the combination of all and I just wanted to thank each of you for taking the time to respond.