Thread: Kenzie Fowler over use injury?

Kenzie Fowler has thoracic outlet syndrome in which the nerves and blood vessels to the arm are compressed as they exit the chest. If you want TMI on the subject, more medically oriented (but factual), google "thoracic outlet syndrome emedicine" and it will discuss the causes. The following excerpt is taken directly from that site.

"Thoracic outlet syndrome is most often seen in patients who engage in repetitive motions that place the shoulder at the extreme of abduction and external rotation. An example of such activity is swimming, especially with the freestyle stroke, butterfly stroke, and backstroke. When a swimmer reports tightness and pain around the shoulder, neck, and clavicle as his or her hand enters the water, thoracic outlet syndrome should be suspected. In addition to swimmers, other athletes affected by thoracic outlet syndrome include water polo, baseball, and tennis players and athletes in any other activity that places repetitive stress on the shoulder at the extremes of abduction and external rotation. These individuals may present with neurologic and arterial or venous symptoms. ..... Baseball (read softball) players, whose sport requires repetitive throwing motions, are at increased risk for arterial thoracic outlet syndrome in their dominant arm. "

That being said, I believe that if repetitive use was the only cause, this syndrome would be much more common in softball pitchers than is currently seen. My guess is that there is some anatomic propensity- that is then worsened by the repetitive motion, and by some type of mechanics that are used- a "perfect storm" if you will. The MOST important thing is to be aware of it as an entity, so that if your DD has complaints that suggest this as a possibility- you get appropriate help.

Either way- pitchers are clearly at increased risk for rotator cuff, shoulder arthritis, tendon issues etc that could create life-long issues from over use- than this entity- These things can impact their QOL as they get older- and I agree with several of the posts that discuss self-imposing (meaning parents taking the reins here!) their DD's innings - at least while they are going through their growth phase and early teens