How do you know if you are getting the most out of your offseason training? By the time Spring comes around, it’s too late to find out. Want to really light up the radar gun and improve your exit-velo maximally and safely? Here’s a breakdown on why you need a skilled Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) this offseason!
Recovery, Resiliency, and Longevity
Throwing alone puts intense amounts of stress on the shoulder joint, lower back and neck, just to name a few. DPTs will get you focused on real arm-care, utilizing specific soft tissue mobilizations, IASTM and scarping tools, cupping and manual therapy techniques to address the unique demands baseball places on the athlete’s shoulder and elbow. With our extensive knowledge and understanding of the biomechanics of baseball and by incorporating targeted interventions into your training program—like strengthening of stabilizing muscles, and neuro muscular reeducation techniques to enhance and ensure proper muscle sequencing and coordination- you can expect a direct correlation in improvements in your mechanics, not only protecting you against common overuse injuries like rotator cuff strains and UCL tears, but providing the athlete with the tools to dominate the physical aspects of the game.
Maximizing the Impact of Offseason Training
Even if you’re already working with a personal trainer or with your team, offseason targeted physical therapy can elevate your overall training experience by constantly checking in to ensure you’re building a solid foundation and focusing on the fundamentals. A DPT’s expertise guarantees that you’re working efficiently and minimizing the risk of long-term overuse injuries that can plague your season. By addressing weak points in the kinetic chain and imbalances in specific muscle groups, DPTs can help you be certain that your offseason training is making the most impact on you. Working alongside your trainer, we ensure that every aspect of your offseason program is aligned to optimize your performance, giving you confidence that you will be prepared when the season starts.
Work on Your Mental Game
As Yogi Berra famously said, “Baseball is ninety percent mental, and the other half is physical.” Working on the mental aspect of the game in the offseason is absolutely crucial. Every year that goes by, there is added pressure on the athlete to perform and achieve. Whether it’s delivering a pitch late in the game or making contact in a critical at-bat- baseball, the pressure to be the best requires more than just physical strength. It demands mental resilience, focus, and confidence in your body’s ability to meet the challenges on the field. DPTs are renowned for their breathwork training, perfect for reinforcing the mind-body connection, and or the never-ending learning process that comes along with the dedication to the game that is still America’s Pastime! No matter what age of the athlete, every ball player knows that the mental edge can be the difference between making the game winning hit or not and separate the good players from the All-Stars!
Conclusion
Working closely with a skilled physical therapist in the offseason is an opportunity to gain an edge over your competition and be a better version of yourself. Physical therapy is not just for when you get injured. Make sure that your offseason is purposeful and that your training program is not just built for baseball players but designed specifically for you.
ProMet PT can help you bridge this gap and get ready for the Spring!
Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail. Start NOW, start HERE.
