Softball Pitching Injuries

Softball is a competitor sport played by high school and college women athletes across the country. Although similar to baseball, softball has different rule nuances, especially with respect to pitching. Softball pitchers use a windmill-like arm rotation to fast-pitch underhand. While soreness is normal with any sport, overuse of pitchers' arms can result in serious damage. Recent medical studies suggest that this pitching technique can cause injuries similar to those experienced by baseball pitchers.

  1. Rotator Cuff Injuries

    • The rotator cuff consists of the muscles and tendons that connect the upper arm and shoulder. They hold the upper arm bone in place in the shoulder socket, as well as attaching it to the shoulder blade. Because of the ball-and-socket shoulder joint, this area of the body has a wide range of motion, exhibited by softball pitchers in their classic windmill pitch. Overuse and repetitive overhead motion can cause stress on these muscles and tendons, resulting in irritation, inflammation (tendonitis) or muscle tears. Depending on the seriousness of the injury, the damage can be corrected with physical therapy, steroid injections or noninvasive surgery. Softball pitcher injuries to the rotator cuff can be prevented by allowing pitchers to rest between games and ensuring proper pitching posture.

    Wrist and Elbow Injuries

    • Throwing breaking pitches can cause wrist injuries. Throwing a breaking ball by snapping the wrist can result in wrist sprain, and repetition can even cause wrist tendonitis. Young players are especially vulnerable to these injuries, as their bones and muscles are not strong enough to throw breaking pitches. Constant practice of a skill they are yet unable to do may result in poor mechanics or snapping the elbow instead of wrist to allow enough force. This incorrect motion, although producing results, can cause injury.

    Back Injuries

    • Bending at the waist during the release of a pitch can result in lower back injuries. This bending places torque on the back, which can strain the muscles of the lower back. Incorrect hip rotation can also result in hip and back injury. Proper pitching posture coupled with core muscle strength exercises and warm-ups can help to limit these injuries.