ELBOW PAIN REQUIRES ATTENTION.
IT RARELY RESOLVES WITH REST ALONE.

A youth athlete reporting elbow pain after practice or a pitcher noticing discomfort on the inside of the arm after a bullpen session are common scenarios. Often, resting the arm provides temporary relief, but the symptoms return when throwing resumes. This indicates that the underlying issue has not been addressed.

Elbow pain in baseball players is a frequent presentation at Valen. Whether it involves the growth plates in younger athletes or the soft tissues in older players, the fundamental issue is that the structures of the elbow are being loaded beyond their capacity. Identifying the factors contributing to this overload is the first step in rehab.

At Valen Rehab and Performance, the evaluation considers the elbow within the context of the entire kinetic chain. The evaluation may consider hip mobility, forearm strength, scapular control, and throwing volume. By understanding how the body distributes force during the throwing motion, the findings can guide a rehab plan designed to build strength and prepare the arm for the demands of the sport.

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This is a free 15-minute discovery call, not the clinical evaluation.

WHY VALEN

HOW VALEN WORKS

YOUTH ATHLETE FOCUS

Valen works with growing athletes and understand the specific considerations for growth plate involvement. Dr. Keagan communicates clearly with parents regarding the rehab plan and activity modifications.

OBJECTIVE STRENGTH TESTING

Valen may use tools like the VALD DynaMo and handheld dynamometers to measure grip and wrist strength when appropriate, providing objective data to track tissue capacity throughout the rehab process.

KINETIC CHAIN ASSESSMENT

The evaluation considers the entire athlete, including hip mobility, thoracic rotation, and shoulder strength, to understand how force is generated and transferred during the throwing motion.

STRUCTURED RETURN TO THROWING

A progressive throwing program can that gradually increase distance, intensity, and volume based on the athlete's progress and objective strength measurements.

WORKLOAD MANAGEMENT

Valen discusses pitch counts, rest periods, and workload management with athletes and parents to support informed decisions regarding playing time and recovery.

ONGOING ARM CARE

The plan helps athletes transition from rehab into regular arm care routines designed to maintain strength and mobility throughout the competitive season.

THE PROCESS

WHAT WORKING TOGETHER LOOKS LIKE

01

CLINICAL EVALUATION

A comprehensive assessment of the elbow, shoulder, and kinetic chain. The evaluation considers strength, mobility, and movement patterns to identify the factors contributing to the elbow pain.

02

TARGETED REHAB

A progressive program focused on building strength in the forearm, shoulder, and kinetic chain. Objective measurements may be used to monitor progress and adjust the program as tissue capacity improves.

03

RETURN TO SPORT

A structured transition back to throwing, integrating workload management and ongoing arm care strategies to support the athlete's return to competition.

ATHLETE EXPERIENCES

WHAT ATHLETES SAY

"Keagan has been instrumental in helping my son properly rehab little league elbow pain from baseball and then move on to strength and performance training with him to prevent it from happening again. His knowledge is so extensive, and my son really enjoys working with him."

AMANDA BRYAND

"We had an excellent experience with Keagan. He helped strengthen my son's arm specifically for baseball and took the time to teach him the correct way to build strength safely and effectively. My son genuinely loved working with him, which says a lot. He was encouraging, knowledgeable, and great at explaining baseball-specific movements and exercises."

ERICA DAVERN

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why does my elbow hurt when I throw?

Elbow pain during throwing is often related to the demands placed on the medial structures of the elbow during the pitching motion. The throwing motion requires the elbow to absorb significant force. When the local tissues or growth plates are loaded beyond their current capacity, pain can develop. Valen evaluates the elbow and the athlete's broader movement demands to understand why the overload is occurring.

Is elbow pain in youth baseball players serious?

Elbow pain in youth baseball players requires evaluation. In growing athletes, the growth plates are vulnerable to repetitive stress from throwing. Medial epicondyle apophysitis is a common finding in youth players experiencing elbow pain. Addressing the pain early through activity modification and rehab is important for managing the condition and supporting long-term arm health.

How long does it take to recover from baseball elbow pain?

Recovery timelines vary based on the specific structures involved, the athlete's age, and their prior workload. Rehab involves managing the current symptoms and gradually rebuilding tissue capacity. At Valen Rehab and Performance, Valen uses objective strength testing when appropriate to measure progress and help determine readiness for a structured return-to-throwing program.

Should my child stop throwing if their elbow hurts?

If a youth athlete experiences elbow pain during or after throwing, they should pause throwing and undergo a clinical evaluation. Continuing to throw through pain can complicate the issue, especially concerning the growth plates. A thorough assessment helps identify the contributing factors and establishes a plan for rehab and a measured return to the sport.

How do you manage elbow pain from returning?

Managing the risk of recurrence involves addressing the factors that contributed to the initial overload. This includes building forearm and shoulder strength, addressing mobility in the hips and thoracic spine, and managing throwing volume. Valen works with athletes to develop ongoing arm care routines that support their performance and recovery throughout the season.

What happens during the free consultation?

The free consultation is a 15-minute discovery call to discuss your symptoms and determine whether Valen is the right fit for your needs. It is not a clinical evaluation or a diagnosis.

RELATED CONDITIONS WE TREAT

UCL Injury
Throwing Shoulder Pain
Arm Care
Return to Sport

LEARN MORE

Tommy John Surgery RecoveryBaseball Arm Care Should Match the AthleteYouth Athlete Overuse Injuries: Prevention and Recovery

START WITH A
CLEAR CONVERSATION.

If this sounds like your situation, a free 15-minute call is the easiest way to find out if Valen is the right fit. The clinical evaluation is a separate 60-minute visit.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION