Whether it’s a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), rotator cuff, or labrum, baseball overhead throwing injuries are very common. Emphasis on injury prevention, rehabilitation and return to activity is made in an attempt to keep the athlete on the field or return them as safely possible.
When overhead throwing athletes are ready to return to play after an injury, it is necessary to provide them with progression for a gradual return to play. As part of any rehabilitation, a good interval throwing program is necessary.
There are so many different programs out there and for the most part they are all good as they provide steps for position players and pitchers to gain strength and velocity. In my past experience, I would use what the athletes’ physician recommended or whatever institution I was working through had used in the past. A gold standard, however, is Dr. James Andrews return to throwing program. Below you will find a shortened program as well as the Phase 1 and Phase 2 to his Interval Throwing Programs:
Jessica M. Thomas MS, ATC, CHC
