Pain in non-dominant side

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Jun 12, 2015
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Ever since DD played in a 12U tournament a little over 2 weeks ago, she's had pain in her side/back. She's right-handed, and the pain is on the left. She said it feels like muscle pain, like a pulled muscle. I've had people suggest psoas and hip flexor as possible causes. I found some stretches we're doing daily, massage, heat, and I'm taking her to the chiropractor this week in case there's something causing it that she might be able to identify.

It does not hurt constantly. It does not seem tied to her upper body at all. The pitching motion doesn't hurt if it's just the windmill; it's the driving off the rubber that hurts. Sometimes it hurts when she runs, but not always. This weekend she pitched only a very small amount; it was hurting again so they pulled her not even one inning in. She played other positions and was fine.

Any ideas? We have a 3-game scrimmage this weekend against some pretty good teams. Our #2 pitcher has a broken foot. If DD can't pitch she will be so upset! And things might not go so well for the team, either (this is a lesser concern, but one that she'll certainly think about). I'm just wondering if there is anything else I can do to help this feel better, if anyone has a pitcher who's had this kind of pain before.

Edit: Maybe an oblique muscle strain? The symptoms seem to fit that best.
 
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Jun 12, 2015
3,848
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I'd be more concerned about getting checked out by a doc/sports ortho than this weekend's games

Of course. I'm waiting on a call back for an appointment. She's the one who's concerned about the games. Her coach plans not to have her pitch at all to be on the safe side. She's just going to LOVE that.
 
Mar 26, 2013
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I won't speculate on your DD's current condition, however it brings up an important concern for young pitchers - lopsided muscle development. Pitching obviously develops muscles on one side of the body more than the other. It is not unusual for some to show signs of scoliosis (curvature of spine) due to it. If they're not engaged in other activities/sports that even out their muscle development, age-appropriate exercises may be prudent.
 
Jun 12, 2015
3,848
83
I won't speculate on your DD's current condition, however it brings up an important concern for young pitchers - lopsided muscle development. Pitching obviously develops muscles on one side of the body more than the other. It is not unusual for some to show signs of scoliosis (curvature of spine) due to it. If they're not engaged in other activities/sports that even out their muscle development, age-appropriate exercises may be prudent.

I have been looking into this a little bit. She has mentioned that her right arm feels stronger than her left, which is not surprising. But probably more so than the norm. You mention age appropriate exercises - do you have examples or links?
 

bmd

Jan 9, 2015
301
28
I hope she feels better soon! My dd strained hip flexor last fall her pain radiated from the front of hip to her back. But only gave her trouble for a week or so. You said she played up in 12u right? Is she used to pitching from 40 feet with a bigger ball? Sometimes kids will do funky things in order compensate or make an adjustment. I think the left side/leg for a right handed pitcher is her dominant side.
 
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Mar 26, 2013
1,934
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I have been looking into this a little bit. She has mentioned that her right arm feels stronger than her left, which is not surprising. But probably more so than the norm. You mention age appropriate exercises - do you have examples or links?
It's a lot more than just her arm - pretty much her entire body. The age-appropriate aspect is not putting too much of a load on her bones and joints (e.g. lifting heavy weights). Swimming is a great activity/exercise because it works much of the body and both sides evenly. Look for exercises that work both sides of the body simultaneously so the weaker side develops and catches up. Also look for exercises to develop her various core muscles because they provide the platform/stability for balance and athletic movement. Each exercise targets specific muscles, so make sure she's using proper technique to isolate on those muscles and hold the rest steady.
 
Jun 12, 2015
3,848
83
Update, if anyone is curious. We went in this morning. Oblique is fine, there doesn't seem to be a muscle strain. The cause is most likely her psoas, and her pelvis was out. The verdict is, she can play this weekend unless it hurts. If it hurts, stop. So pretty common sense there. It's likely we won't let her pitch, since she wants to so much. Contradictory sounding, but I fear she will not tell us if it hurts because she doesn't want us to pull her. If we can impress upon her the seriousness of not playing through pain, we may warm her up and see how she feels. If there's any doubt or question, she will not be pitching. So overall, good news, we just have to keep an eye on her and make sure she's not aggravating things by trying to play through something that hurts. Funny, I remember in 8U her complaining about every little thing that hurt. Now she's swung the other way and tries to hide it so her dad won't yank her out of the game. Sigh.
 
May 15, 2014
135
16
Atlanta
Did you take her to an ortho or a chiro? I would recommend getting her in with a children's ortho just to get her checked out.
 

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