The KOR – a Leader in Baseball Performance Training and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation
Our baseball performance training and rehabilitation team consists of Donn Dimond, PT, OCS and Kent Morimatsu, DPT.
Examination and Assessment
The key to proper rehabilitation for the baseball player is a thorough examination and assessment.
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Using very specific and objective equipment we are able to closely measure the player’s strength and mobility of his shoulder, hips, and trunk.
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Using machine-vision high speed cameras linked to JC Video software, crystal clear frame-by-frame and slow motion playback, we are able to clarify possible mechanical red flags.
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Our goal is to be the detective for the player and address the true cause of their pain and decreased ability to throw.
Strengthening
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Based on the deficits noted during the examination, we strengthen the specific muscles that are found to be weak or not within the proper strength ratios.
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Once the primary muscles are identified and worked on, will also work on the secondary muscles to ensure that the body is able to work together and reach its pain free potential.
Mobilization
Because of the nature of throwing, there is considerable stress placed on the arm.
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80% of the pitchers body weight is the amount of distractive force that goes through arm when pitching. For a 200# pitcher this is 160# of force. This force, along with shoulder weakness, causes tightening of shoulder. This tightening can cause pain and dysfunction in the shoulder.
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This is why the majority of baseball players with pain need aggressive mobilizations to break up the tissue to allow for proper pain free motion.
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Mobilizations paired with exercise have been shown to be more effective for shoulder pain than just exercise or mobilizations by themselves.
Mechanics
Using our machine-vision high speed cameras linked to the JC Video software, we are able to clarify possible mechanical red flags.
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Most common mechanical flags are the hips not opening up soon enough or trunk rotation happens too early in the pitching cycle.
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Based on current research is has been found that a pitcher with increased shoulder external rotation, faster pelvis and upper trunk rotation, and greater front knee stabilization and extension will throw with greater ball velocity.
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It has also been found that the sooner a pitcher’s trunk rotation takes place in the pitching cycle the more stress is placed on the pitchers shoulder and elbow.
Injury Reduction
Team Screenings
Contact us if you would like to have one of our therapists out to screen your pitchers for increased risk of injury, preferably 6-8 weeks before the season starts.
Community Talks
Contact us if you would like to have one of our therapists talk to your group about the common factors that lead to injuries in baseball players and what you group can do to minimize the risk. In the past we have talked to groups from Little League and JBO up to College.
For Coaches
Contact us if you would like to have more information on how we can assist you as a coach and your team better prepare for the season, increase ball speed and decrease injury risk
Performance Training
Increase MPHs while reducing incidence of injuries: Our performance program includes everything that happens in the rehabilitation, except more intense since there is no injury present.
