Throwing Arm Issues

Question
Hi,

I have a 16 year old son who from 12-14 was a pitcher/catcher.  I tried preventing the dual actions in same day games and even same innings.  I even went as far as to threaten to pull him off the team if it did not stop.  The problem now is, he has informed me that now that club ball is over and he is not playing high school ball for the time being his elbow (this is what bothers me) but not really his elbow but the area above it is bothering him and has been for the past year and a half.  I took him in about 2 years ago to our family doctor and he was told to stretch before he threw and ice EVERY TIME he threw whether or not it was catching, pitching or outfield.  Now, I'm sure you know how stubborn teenage boys are and I have always asked him if his arm is bugging him.  To be informed of this now really bothers me since as I said the area is actually above the elbow.  It is not the little bone on the inside of the elbow but about 3/4-1" inch above that.  This is a kid who has lived for baseball by his own accord.  We were always sure to let him know if he ever wanted to stop we were fine with his decision.  If he is starting to take anti-infamitories for this it's bugging him.  I know this because last season during try-outs for high school he slid late and broke his 2nd and 3rd metatarsal and shattered his 4th to the point he required placement of a plate and 4 screws.  Even after his surgery he refused pain meds so I'm sure you understand my concern.  I would really appreciate any suggestions for what questions I should ask the doctor when I take him in 2 days and what I should maybe prepare my son and myself for.

Thank You so much for your attention to this matter.

Answer
I do not apologize for my answers....I assume you wanted the truth & my opinion or you would not have "ask an expert".  Was not trying to earn points for "politeness", was giving you an honest answer from a very experienced coach & mentor.  But I do apologize that you took offense.  Good luck to you both in the future.



#1 - You "tried preventing" the dual actions & "threatened" to pull him.  Your bad!!!!!  You as the parent should have taken firm & immediate action.  Shame on you & your son.

#2 - Doctor told him to stretch?  He should have been given very sport specific exercises & tendon & ligament movements that would have strengthened him for the sport of baseball.  Shame on the doctor & you & your son for not following up.

#3 - A coach that has the same player catching & pitching in the same game?  Shame on the coach & you & you son.

My catchers always get ice same as my pitchers, always.  Never, never move from one position to the other in the same game.

I would insist on an MRI of the affected area, INSIST!!!!!  No reason for any meds, inflammatories, Tylenol, Advil, etc. unless you know the internal details.  Complications from before?  New injury?  Repeated injury?  INSIST!!!!!

He could just be "muscle tired".  Tears, breaks, torn ligaments, many things could be possibilities.  Some simple exercises could solve the problem.  No way to know.

Once he gets back to normal, find a local sports specialist or contact a strength & conditioning coach for the proper details & help.  Call a local college or sports medicine facility & ask for help.  I have never seen any junior college or college that would not offer free assistance & consultation if requested.  I wish you both well in the near future...Please let me know what the details are......

BTW, I am a retired paramedic & sports specialist.....Your son has to be honest & forthright on training & knowing when his body says enough is enough.  If he cannot be open to himself, you, & his coach...then he DOES NOT PLAY!!!!!  It's that simple.

Good Luck,

Andy Mullins
423.605.3035
Chattanooga, TN.