Preventing Shoulder Injuries in Youth Baseball and Softball

By Dr. William Sterett, Orthopedic Surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery

As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in the active mountain towns of Vail, and Frisco, Colorado, I see a noticeable uptick in shoulder injuries every spring and summer, especially among young baseball and softball athletes. While throwing is an essential part of the game, repetitive motion and poor mechanics can set the stage for serious injury.

If your child is playing in a summer league or attending a baseball or softball camp, now is the time to take shoulder injury prevention seriously.

The Risks of Summer Throwing Injuries

Youth athletes are still growing. Their bones, growth plates, and soft tissues are more vulnerable to stress than those of adults. Unfortunately, long practices, back-to-back games, and year-round club sports can place extra strain on the shoulder, especially the rotator cuff and growth plate at the top of the humerus (upper arm bone).

Common injuries we see:

• Overuse injuries (Little League Shoulder)

• Rotator cuff strains and inflammation

• Labral tears or instability

• Growth plate irritation from repetitive throwing

These conditions don’t just cause pain—they can sideline a young athlete for months and, in some cases, lead to long-term joint instability.

Key Prevention Tips for Parents and Coaches

Here’s how to reduce the risk of a shoulder injury in youth baseball and softball:

1. Watch Throwing Volume

Young athletes should follow pitch count guidelines and avoid throwing on consecutive days whenever possible. Even softball pitchers, who use an underhand motion, are still at risk of overuse.

2. Prioritize Rest and Recovery

Rest days are just as important as practice days. Recovery gives the shoulder time to heal microtrauma before it develops into something more serious.

3. Strengthen the Rotator Cuff and Scapular Muscles

Rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles provide critical stability during throwing. Light resistance band exercises and core strengthening can go a long way toward injury prevention.

4. Don’t Ignore Pain

Shoulder pain is never "just part of the game." If your child complains of soreness or fatigue—especially during or after throwing—get it checked out. Early intervention prevents long-term issues.

5. Focus on Mechanics

Improper throwing mechanics are a major cause of summer throwing injury. Enlist a coach or physical therapist to help evaluate form and identify any risky patterns.

A Parent’s Perspective

“My son plays club baseball and started complaining about shoulder pain midway through his summer season. Dr. Sterett diagnosed him with early signs of rotator cuff overuse and helped us build a recovery and prevention plan. Now he’s back to throwing—stronger and smarter than before.”

— Sarah R., Eagle, CO

Keeping Your Young Athlete in the Game

Whether it’s baseball, softball, or any other throwing sport, prevention is key to long-term performance. At Dr. Sterett’s practice, we specialize in evaluating and treating pediatric sports injuries, and helping young athletes stay healthy for the seasons ahead.

If you’re searching “shoulder injury youth baseball,” “rotator cuff youth softball,” or “summer throwing injury,” now’s the time to get ahead of the game. Request a consultation today.