In this episode of the Spine & Nerve Show, Dr. Robert Bowers joins Dr. Brian Joves to discuss the progression of young athletes in throwing sports, such as baseball. He emphasizes the importance of allowing children to play multiple sports and avoid specializing too early. Dr. Bowers also highlights the risks associated with overuse injuries and the need for rest periods. He discusses the role of mechanics and training programs in preventing injuries and increasing velocity. Dr. Bowers also touches on the use of biologics, such as PRP, in the treatment of injuries in young athletes.​

About The Guest: Dr. Robert Bowers is a sports medicine physician at Emory in Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in the treatment of throwing athletes and has a particular interest in baseball injuries. Dr. Bowers has extensive experience working with athletes at all levels, including professional baseball players and college athletes. He is passionate about helping athletes optimize their performance and prevent injuries.​

Key Takeaways:

- Young athletes should play multiple sports to develop athleticism and motor skills.

- Rest periods are crucial for preventing overuse injuries in young athletes.- Proper mechanics and training programs can help prevent injuries and increase velocity.

- Weighted ball programs can increase velocity but also carry an increased risk of injury.

- Biologics, such as PRP, can be used to treat certain injuries in young athletes.​

Quotes:

"If these kids can take three months of throwing off, four months, even better, that should be good to allow their arm to rest."-

"The harder you throw, the more at risk your arm is."

"Velocity gets kids noticed, but it also increases injury risk."

"Weighted ball programs increase velocity but also increase injury risk."

"The way to deal with increased intensity is to decrease volume."