Tommy John surgery, named after the former Major League Baseball pitcher who underwent the pioneering surgery in 1974, is a common procedure that repairs a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. The surgery has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, particularly among young baseball players. There are several misconceptions about why young pitchers are getting more Tommy John surgeries, and research from Little League sheds light on the issue.
Misconception #1: Pitch Count is the Primary Cause of Tommy John Surgery One of the most common misconceptions is that the number of pitches a pitcher throws is the primary cause of Tommy John surgery. However, according to a study by Little League Baseball, the number of pitches thrown does not significantly increase the risk of injury. Instead, the study found that overuse, fatigue, and a lack of proper training are the primary causes of Tommy John surgery.
Misconception #2: Playing Year-Round is Necessary for Success Many young pitchers believe that playing year-round is necessary to succeed in baseball. However, according to a study by the American Sports Medicine Institute, pitchers who play baseball year-round are more likely to experience arm injuries, including Tommy John surgery. Young pitchers need time to rest and recover between seasons to avoid overuse and reduce the risk of injury.
Misconception #3: Throwing Fast is More Important Than Throwing Accurately Another misconception among young pitchers is that throwing fast is more important than throwing accurately. However, throwing with maximum velocity can put a lot of stress on the elbow and increase the risk of injury. Young pitchers should focus on proper mechanics and accuracy, rather than trying to throw as hard as possible.
Misconception #4: Stretching is Not Necessary Many young pitchers believe that stretching is not necessary before throwing. However, stretching can help reduce the risk of injury by increasing flexibility and range of motion. It is essential to incorporate stretching and warm-up exercises into your routine to prepare your muscles and reduce the risk of injury.
Misconception #5: Surgery is the Only Solution Finally, many young pitchers believe that Tommy John surgery is the only solution to a UCL injury. However, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and rest can be effective in treating UCL injuries, especially in less severe cases. Surgery should be a last resort, and young pitchers should explore non-surgical options before considering surgery.
In conclusion, there are several misconceptions about why young pitchers are getting more Tommy John surgeries. Research from Little League indicates that overuse, fatigue, and a lack of proper training are the primary causes of Tommy John surgery, not pitch count. Young pitchers should focus on proper mechanics, accuracy, and rest to reduce the risk of injury. Stretching and warm-up exercises are essential to prepare the muscles for throwing, and non-surgical treatments should be considered before surgery. With the right training and preparation, young pitchers can avoid Tommy John surgery and enjoy a successful and injury-free baseball career.