Seminar aims to prevent injuries in kids playing baseball

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On Wednesday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m., the OGRCC (Old Greenwich-Riverside Community Center) and the ONS Foundation will present Power Training for Throwing Sports: Play Strong- Play Safe! a free workshop on injuries from throwing sports that includes hands-on instruction on safe conditioning and strengthening techniques to prevent injuries.  The program will take place at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Road, Old Greenwich.  Admission is free but reservations are required. To register call 203-637-3659, or email ogrcc@yahoo.com.

Playing baseball and other team sports offers kids a chance for healthy exercise; it can build self esteem and provide the unique experience of participating on a team. However, injuries from throwing sports are a well-known consequence when kids throw too frequently or when they lack the proper strength and muscle conditioning necessary to play throwing sports.  This workshop will emphasize the importance of fitness and athletic preparedness for baseball and softball.  It will stress the importance of staying fit as a way to maximize the benefits of the team experience and sports performance but also to lead a healthy productive life. Playing team sports builds skills and relationships that go well beyond the ball field, but when injuries take kids out of play and away from the team, there can be both physical and psychological repercussions.

Paul Sethi, MD, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist will discuss the arm injuries most often associated with throwing sports, and what can be done to prevent injuries. ONS physical therapist Alicia Hirscht, DPT will work with participants to demonstrate and train them in safe conditioning and strengthening techniques.

“Even with pitch counts that limit how often kids throw in a game, kids are getting hurt doing what they love,” said Dr. Sethi. “It is not uncommon for me to see a young player who has sustained an injury that requires surgery to repair.  Many throwing injuries can be avoided if you know how to condition and train properly.”