Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Question
Hey Coach Priest-
I'm Joey Tavana and I'm a 17 year old senior from Connecticut. I am just under 6'0 and around 150 lbs. I've been playing baseball since I was 5 years old. I am a left-handed pitcher and I also play the outfielder. The only problem is that I have rotator cuff tendonitis (had an MRI in April and those were the results). I participated in physical therapy and I basically was told to do the exercises with tubing and light weights that I already knew and was already doing. I have just started this workout http://www.myfit.ca/fitnessprograms/viewprogram.asp?title=Pre%2DSeason+Baseball+... because I need to gain weight. Do you have any advice for me with my arm and how to heal / cure the tendonitis? I do light on the bench press and I do my own weights not the ones they provide. Thanks Coach! - Joey T
Answer
Joey,
I am also from Connecticut. I grew up in Cheshire, CT and lived their until 2003. I played my college ball at Southern Connecticut State University. Now I live in Massachusetts. I cannot tell you how to how to heal / cure the tendonitis. My suggestion to you is to see an orthopedic surgeon. Follow his suggestions to a physical therapist, and follow their orders. Lifting weights may not be the answer. For a baseball player it is important to have strength, speed, flexibility, and perfect mechanics. One cannot go without the other. Here are my suggestions:
1. See an Orthopedic Surgeon
2. Follow his recommendation with PT
3. Follow Orthopedic Surgeon and PT's orders for strength,
speed, and flexibility.
4. See a proper baseball instructor.
Skip #1 and #2 if you already did this and are satisfied with the results. If you need a recommendation I can give you one depending on where you live.
I checkout your online workout, my only problem is most online workouts are very generic. Check out www.biggerfasterstronger.com. I have been doing their programs since I was in high school and I continue to day. They have up to date programs that cover strength, flexibility, and speed and I highly recommend them.
See a baseball instructor to make sure of correct mechanics. Many different coaches see many different thing in a throwing motion or swing. I have seen many coaches who are popular with the players but have no idea when it comes to proper mechanics. If you need help in choosing one I con give you some recommendations depending on where you live.
If I can help you further please let me know,
Thank You,
John Priest
Baseball Pitching Coach
Little League All Stars