Accelerated Rehabilitation's Video Throwing Analysis Identifies Deficiencies In Young Baseball Players

CHICAGO, May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers has launched a program to evaluate young baseball players' throwing technique to help improve their pitching form and mechanics, which could help keep them injury free.   The Accelerated Video Throwing Analysis identifies deficiencies that could put them at risk of shoulder and arm injuries later in their playing careers.  Using a high speed (500+ frames per second) camera and Dartfish ProSuite software, a specially-trained physical therapist or athletic trainer conducts a 20-point biomechanical evaluation, identifies injury risk factors and provides technique recommendations.

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"We have seen a steady rise in overhead throwing athletes being treated for overuse injuries that can cause more problems down the road," explains Terrance Sgroi, a former high school baseball player, Accelerated physical therapist and co-director of the Overhead Throwing Program. "Many players can avoid these injuries by learning proper mechanics and actually seeing on videotape what they are doing wrong and areas in which they can improve."

The program is headquartered at  Accelerated Rehabilitation, 1629 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL, and uses a variety of tools to assess how a player can improve their form to avoid injury, including:

• 20-point biomechanical analysis
• Professional indoor (youth and adult) mound and net
• Use of high speed camera capturing 500+ frames per second Dartfish ProSuite software providing slow motion analysis
• Take-home DVD
• Functional Movement Screen to identify strength and flexibility impairments
• Identification of risk factors
• Return to play protocols
• Techniques for improving control and velocity
• Strengthening and conditioning techniques

Recently, the Hampshire High School (Hampshire, IL) pitchers completed evaluations using the Accelerated Video Throwing Analysis.  All players were videotaped, evaluated and received a DVD to take home.  "The information we received was invaluable," explains Hampshire High School varsity baseball coach John Sarna.  "Every pitcher said they saw their mechanical flaws, how they can improve and where they might be prone to injury."  He explained that many of his players work with pitching coaches and train year-round.  Three players were reporting pain while pitching and saw red flags in their videotaped analysis.  "It's hard to ignore the information," Sarna adds.

Overuse and improper mechanics among youth baseball players can lead to more severe problems in high school and college, including 'Little League shoulder;' shoulder instability; shoulder and elbow ligament tears and strains that could lead to surgery.

To schedule an overhead throwing evaluation or for information on pricing, call 847-475-1630 or visit www.acceleratedrehab.com and click on Specialty Programs. 

To download a free brochure with throwing injury prevention tips, visit www.acceleratedrehab.com.

About Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers
Chicago-based Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers is a premier provider of a wide array of comprehensive patient services and specialized rehabilitation programs. Since 1989, Accelerated has grown to over 230 outpatient rehabilitation centers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin, Ohio and Arizona, becoming the top choice for many professional athletes, large employers and busy professionals. For more information about Accelerated, call 877-97-REHAB, or visit www.acceleratedrehab.com.

Contact: Ann Pitcher

P.S. Communications

630-234-4150

SOURCE Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers