We’ve been discussing the importance of getting an evaluation to identify and address goals, movement limitations, and building an individualized plan and routine. Last week we addressed the fact that there is no such thing as an “arm care” routine and how everything we do from our strength and conditioning program, to nutrition, sleep, managing workload, movement quality, throwing mechanics, etc. all plays a role in arm care health and performance.
Today I want to demonstrate an important aspect of the joint by joint approach as it relates to throwing. This concept illustrates how force is being transferred through the body from one joint to the next and how the position and function of each joint affects one another.
The graph above demonstrates how the rib cage position and function affects the joints above and how they are positioned and function and ultimately what takes place at ball release. This also illustrates the concept of “site” vs. “source,” meaning if a baseball player has pain and/or an injury at a site such as the elbow, that doesn’t mean that was the source of the issue. It’s most likely coming from somewhere else in the joint above and/or below due to compensatory movements, lack of motor control/stability, mobility, strength, overuse, and a myriad of other factors.
From a throwing standpoint, the rib cage is responsible for transferring force and assisting in the shoulder blades delivering the arm at ball release, and ultimately affect the outcome of the pitch.
I will outline a few examples of different types of rib cage positions, shoulder blades positions, and shoulder positions we see during our evaluation process and how these factors play a role in how we coach, cue, and program for baseball players. Remember, no two throwing shoulders are alike, so how we program, cue, and coach baseball players will be similar, but different from one player to the next when considering things like movement quality, risk factors, injury history, the amount of innings pitchers have thrown, etc.
With summer right around the corner we will summer strength and conditioning workouts throughout the week for athletes of all ages. Next week I will be releasing the summer strength and conditioning schedule. In the meantime, if you’re interested in signing up for summer workouts please contact me with any questions and we can get set up for an assessment and performance testing.
Check out some warm-up drills baseball players should be doing to properly prepare and set themselves on the right path to stay healthy.
Check out TPS athletes in action this past week
If you’re interested in getting an assessment and performance testing to get the right path toward developing athleticism, health, and building a sustainable playing career, contact us at support@
