Pitching Injuries (Continued)
Ross Hauser, M.D.

With the elbow in a flexed position, similar to the position of the elbow during peak valgus stress during the acceleration phase of the throwing motion, the bony articulation accounts for 33 percent of the restraining force to valgus stress, with 54 percent coming from the UCL. 

Because of the excessive and repetitive loads imparted to the UCL in the throwing athlete, this structure requires strengthening to not only prevent medial elbow throwing injuries, but to cure them when they have already occurred.

You may be saying to yourself that other factors play a part in these injuries. We agree! Poor mechanics, lack of flexibility and conditioning, and muscular fatigue from overuse may have a cumulative effect leading to a decrease in active muscular protection of the medial elbow and, hence, greater stress is imparted to the UCL. Limiting pitching hours, physiotherapy, and good coaching will help all of the above and should be done. The fact remains that the main structure requiring strengthening is the UCL, if medial elbow pain is to be completely eliminated.

Their are various methods that you may want to explore with your health care professional. The author practices a technique known as Prolotherapy for strengthening ligaments.

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