Athletic trainer keeping kids safe
With so many games going on in a short amount of time at the World Series, injuries are bound to happen. Eyewitness News caught up with the head athletic trainer, who said treating little league injuries is very similar to treating major league players.
Mike Ludwikowski said he’s been the head trainer at the Little League World Series for 16 years.
He said the only difference between the kids and the pros is the treatment – because in the majors you will see ultrasounds and muscle stimulation. But in little league, it’s all ice and heat wraps.
“I’m about teaching them that if they do have an injury, here’s how you can take care of it, because I want them to go home with life lessons after the World Series,” Ludwikowski said.
Some of the most frequent injuries he sees in the training room involve growth plates in the heels and knees.
“It used to be shoulders and elbows before pitch count, and that has drastically dropped off. Which is fantastic,” he said.
According Ludwikowski, baseball players should take a break between seasons – to give their bodies a rest.
“In the big picture, I think it’s much better for athletes to have down time from baseball. Play another sport, ski, do other things in the winter that we get the opportunity to do here in the northeast and in the north,” he said.
When asked about the dangers of curve balls, Ludwikowski said new research suggests there is more force on the elbow during a fastball than a cure ball – but it all comes down to technique.
Cranston Western will play again Monday at 8 p.m. on ESPN 2.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://wpri.com/2015/08/22/athletic-trainer-keeping-kids-healthy-at-llws/