In a recent Sports Talk 99.5 interview, Dr. Jeffrey Conrad shared his insights on pitching best practices and injury prevention. With his extensive experience in sports medicine, and as the parent of an athlete, Dr. Conrad provided a comprehensive look into how modern pitching strategies and injury management can work together.
The management of pitch is a key component, particularly in light of recent high-profile examples like Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who was pulled after a no-hitter through seven innings. Dr. Conrad emphasized that while pitch counts are crucial, they’re not the sole factor in preventing injuries. The intensity and physical strain of a game are very different from practice, and thus, proper rest and recovery are essential.
Dr. Conrad compared pitching management to strength training, where overuse without adequate rest can lead to injuries. He argued that just as athletes need recovery time to strengthen their bodies, pitchers need strategic rest between starts to avoid overuse injuries. Dr. Conrad uses the comparison to marathon training, a sport he knows well as a marathon runner himself. Marathon runners don’t race at full intensity every day, just as pitchers should not be pushed beyond their limits regularly.
There is also an evolving role of specialized pitchers, like closers, and the trend of using compression sleeves. While these sleeves are popular, Dr. Conrad noted that their effectiveness is still debated. Some athletes find them beneficial for comfort and muscle efficiency, but scientific evidence on their benefits remains inconclusive.
Listen to the full interview with Randy Kennedy online at this link.
Dr. Conrad’s insights reflect a broader understanding of how to balance athletic performance with injury prevention. His expertise highlights the importance of thoughtful pitch management and the need for ongoing research to support or question common practices in sports medicine. For athletes and coaches alike, incorporating these best practices can help maintain peak performance while safeguarding long-term health.
As always, whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, staying informed and working with knowledgeable experts like Dr. Conrad can make all the difference in achieving your sports goals safely.
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