Balanced development

I noticed something with my dd yesterday that caused at least mild concern. I had never recognized the over-development of the dominate side of a pitcher's body. It was enough I noticed it and measured her bicep and thigh. There was a 1 1/4" difference in her arm and a 1 3/4" difference in her thigh. Any suggestions to balance the development of both sides.

I don't think there are any immediate issues at this point, but I feel this could present some long term complications.

Thanks in advance for any response!

 

DD noticed the same thing about herself. We have been taking her to a sports trainer for about a month and 1) she is "evening out and 2) she is playing better softball than ever.

DD is 14

 

There is another issue that is not left side- right side related but opposing muscle related. Muscles that develop greater on one side of a joint vs the other side can cause strain on the joints resulting in injury. A good trainer or phyiscal therapist can help develop a workout plan that would balance the "front-back" muscles too. Rubber band excersises may be all that is necessary.

 

like everything else - no quick fix. and nothing to do much about in season.

best way with a trainer.

on your own -- any of the gym equipment that lets you isolate body parts, go a bit heavier on the offside.

and as CMMGUY said dont forget the complementary muscles (hams for thighs)

 

Quads (thighs) to Hamstrings ratio

Some DD's may not find balance. After my DD tore her ACL and was cleared to play the Doc sanded bagged us into longer than expected PT visits for additional testing on the quads and hams.

The real reason was to look at ratio numbers related to said muscles/ligaments. If the quads are TOO strong and the hams too weak it's a recipe for disaster on a knee. Hams protect the knees.

But some female athletes never get that optimum balance between the two, and the result is they MUST continue a series of exercises as preventive maintenance as long as they play. Keep in mind that a females ligaments are much smaller and thinner then males and that is the biggest reason why so many more females have heath risks playing then males. The numbers don't lie.

Whomever your working with, depending on the muscle groups, inquire about said testing or measurements if you want to be sure.

Sorry if I'm a little OT. Hope it helps.

 

hams also help with lower back pain.

 

Have you ever watched Rafael Nadal play tennis on TV?

His left arm is so much bigger than his right that its easily noticable.

My question is this, How does the development or strengthening of one side of a body to a greater degree than the other side actually affect a persons health?

Nadal is what?, probably late 20s in age and he's fine, odd looking arms but otherwise healthy.

How about a 14 year old who is still growing?

No alarm intended but if I had a 14 showing these signs, well I'd be alarmed and want to know whats best for my kid.

Wish the best!

Fishman

 

..also

Walking at a speed of 3mph plus strengthens the core muscles in the lower back. I had that surgery too.

 

"Guns" and Pitchers

Lots of factors play into how much hypertrophy occurs as a result of training. However, experience tells me that's it's virtually impossible for a pitcher to be balanced (at least one who generates the force required to throw in the mid-60's). The dominate shoulder, upper arm and lower arm will necessarily become 'over-developed'. Working the opposing side enough to stimulate the same development would be difficult and probably counter-productive. That said, a good PT or experienced AT should be able to help the pitcher avoid the worse possible outcomes including induced scoliosis or thoracic outlet syndrome.

 

.....HOF by Dr. A GREAT PITCHERs Dad. lol

Did you ever see signs such as these as your kid rocked at every level pitching game after game after game?

Thanks
Fishbuddy