Physical Therapy for Baseball & Softball Players in Southern Maine
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Sport Tips on April 13, 2023
Injury prevention starts now!
Baseball and softball season is officially here in Maine — and now’s the time to make sure your body is ready to perform. Whether you’re hitting the field or supporting from the dugout, injuries can sneak up fast without the right care. That’s where baseball softball physical therapy comes in. At Reform Physical Therapy in Southern Maine, we specialize in helping players recover faster, move better, and stay game-ready all season long. Our baseball softball physical therapy programs are designed to prevent common overuse injuries and support athletes of all levels.
What problems do our therapists most commonly see?
The biggest problem we see with most throwing young athletes is lack of preseason strengthening and injury prevention, coupled with rapid overuse in the start of the season. Consequentially, the largest rate of incidence is seen in the preseason and exhibition games in April and May, affecting the shoulder and elbow across all positions in the field (not surprisingly).
Strength + Speed + Finesse = Success
What is important to recognize is that baseball & softball are a game of strength, speed, and finesse; utilizing our smaller controlling muscles to accelerate and decelerate the shoulder in rapid fashion. Young athletes often are very strong in our large muscle groups and contrastingly very weak in the supporting (accessory) muscles of the shoulder; the points of breakdown when compounded over hundreds and hundreds of throws down the mound. As well, strength and flexibility need to go hand in hand for full range of motion, producing the greatest amount of force (=speed!).
Why Baseball and Softball Players Need Physical Therapy
Let’s face it—these sports are demanding. Whether you’re sprinting to first base, diving for a catch, or pitching multiple innings, the repetitive motions put a lot of stress on your body. Over time, this can lead to common issues like rotator cuff injuries, elbow strain, knee pain, and lower back tightness.
That’s why baseball and softball physical therapy is more than just recovery—it’s prevention. Our treatment plans are designed to meet athletes where they are and give them the tools they need to move with strength, flexibility, and confidence.
What to Expect from Physical Therapy
At Reform Physical Therapy, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. First, we assess your movement, mobility, and any areas of discomfort. Then, we build a custom plan that may include:
- Hands-on manual physical therapy
- Strength and stability training
- Stretching and mobility work
- Sport-specific movement drills
As a result, you’ll not only feel better but also move better—whether you’re heading into a big game or simply trying to stay active throughout the season.
When to Start Physical Therapy
Even if you’re not injured, now is the perfect time to start. Why wait for pain to slow you down? By working with a physical therapist early in the season (or even during off-season training), you can:
- Improve your form
- Reduce the risk of injury
- Recover faster after practices and games
In short, baseball and softball physical therapy isn’t just for healing—it’s a proactive way to protect your performance and your health.
Local Athletes, Local Physical Therapy Experts
We proudly serve athletes across Southern Maine, and we’re passionate about helping our community stay strong and injury-free. From high school players to weekend warriors, our team understands what it takes to support your goals and help you play your best.
What does this all mean?
Well, if you’re looking to increase in your performance while reducing the risk of injury and lost time on the bench, we must take a magnifying glass and address both small and large muscles of the shoulder. We must address this early and often. Prevention happens during preseason prep, throughout the season, and should even happen at the end of the season.
So, what can you do?
Below we’ve outlined examples of effective and specific exercises to target the most important aspects of the shoulder to keep you on the mound and off the bench. Doing these 3 times a week with mild to moderate weight will be quite effective, and you may notice challenge with as little as 1-5 lbs. That’s okay! Keep with it! The effects may not be immediate and evident, but injury prevention is often a silent endeavor.