Laura Baden

Why some young baseball players keep hurting despite doing everything "right" Short answer for the busy parent: If your baseball player keeps having shoulder pain despite physical therapy, stretching, rest, throwing programs, massage, acupuncture, cupping, or "just giving it time," the shoulder may not actually be the problem. One of the most overlooked causes of recurring shoulder pain in young throwers is poor force transfer through the body, especially limited thoracic spine mobility and...

What is isometric training, what it actually does to muscles and tendons, and why it's one of the safest strength training and athletic performance tools for growing athletes in Pittsburgh. Short answer for the busy parent: Isometrics: holding a muscle contraction at a fixed joint angle, no movement, just tension. These types of exercises are one of the safest, most evidence-backed strength tools available for growing athletes. They build tendon resilience, teach the nervous system to...

Supplementation for Youth Athletes: What Parents Need to Know Creatine, caffeine, protein powders, pre-workouts, peptides, and countless other supplements are heavily marketed to young athletes, but not all supplements are created equal. In this evidence-based guide, we break down the science behind today's most popular sports supplements, discussing their potential benefits, risks, appropriate use, and when athletes should seek guidance from a sports medicine professional