Little League Shoulder

In this post, our very own Pediatric Sports Medicine Physician Dr Erika Persson explains more about this common condition for active young athletes. 

What is Little League Shoulder? 

Little League Shoulder is pain in the shoulder in young athletes due to pulling on the growth plate of the upper arm bone (humerus) when doing lots of throwing or overhead activity. This is a common problem for many young, overhead athletes including swimmers, raquet sports, and volleyball players, not just baseball athletes!

What causes it? 

This overuse injury is caused by repetitive throwing often with poor biomechanics and throwing technique. The growth plate is vulnerable to being strained and with overhead activity it will become painful. We see this injury in young throwers that have open growth plates in the humerus typically 11 to 16 years of age.  

How is it treated? 

Treatment involves correcting throwing technique and also improving strength and control around the shoulder with active rehab and physiotherapy. Time away from throwing is important early on for a few weeks to allow the irritation in the growth plate to settle. Gradually returning back to throwing is essential to build up tolerance to the throwing volume. 

How can it be prevented?      

Little League Shoulder can be prevented by ensuring good throwing technique and shoulder biomechanics. Also following pitch and throwing counts is essential to reduce the risk to young throwers 11 to 16 years of age.