San Francisco Giants 4th Annual Sports Medicine Conference

Last weekend was spent learning the latest in baseball rehabilitation at the SF Giants Sports Medicine Conference.  It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues from the Bay Area and the Giants sports medicine team!

Not a bad view at the conference

A wide variety of information was presented on some of the latest surgical and non-surgical treatment options and rehabilitation for the shoulder, elbow, hand, and knee.  We also had an update on the latest in concussion management from a baseball perspective.  As well some great discussions on injury prevention.  There was a common trend among multiple presenters emphasizing the need to address the entire kinetic chain in baseball pitchers and work from the ground up. The body is not designed to throw hard for the number of repetitions that pitchers undergo.  During the presentation by Stan Conte it was reiterated that if you don't use your legs and core (or you are lacking mobility down the chain) you end up throwing with your arm and that is where trouble often presents. A sound strength and conditioning and arm care program are key in staying healthy and throwing hard. 

Hearing perspectives on dealing with injuries and working with the medical team from Dusty Baker and Duane Kuiper

We learned some great techniques for restoring mobility after throwing as well as updates on dynamic stabilization training and best exercise practices. It was further discussed by Mike Reinold during his presentations that research continues to show that the best exercises are ones that have been our staples and are not necessarily the flashy ones you may see on Instagram.  Sticking to these basics as a part of your arm care program and (ideally) having a professional who helps you restore mobility and provides manual resistance training are how the pros are taken care of.

Mike Reinold demonstrating some dynamic stabilization training progressions

We also had a great opportunity to hear a players perspective of coming back from injury.  Joe Panik discussed how the medical team coordinated to get him back to play after his thumb injury. 

Player guest speaker Joe Panik

It is always an inspiring experience to hear research, clinical pearls, and current practices from the professional level.  From the medical doctors, to the athletic trainers and physical therapists, and strength coaches everyone shared some excellent information that can be directly relayed into practice.  Spring is rapidly approaching and if you are looking for a Physical Therapist to take care of any pain that may present or to maintain mobility and arm care programming check us out!

More posts to come on some more detailed baseball tips as we head for spring training and into season!  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @gonextlevelpt