A LETTER FROM DR.JIM ANDREWS

When I first started treating injured baseball players, baseball was considered a six-months-a-year job. Nowadays most experts agree players need a twelve-month Periodization program. We have devoted a considerable amount of effort over the past ten years here at the American Sports Medicine Institute studying throwing injuries in baseball. Based upon this research we now firmly believe that year-round conditioning is a vital component for all positions of baseball in injury prevention. This is consistent with research carried out for other sports.

This does not mean that everything is known about proper conditioning for the throwing athlete or baseball athlete; research continues to evolve. There are certain injuries that we are unable to predict, much less prevent, and this will probably continue until more research is conducted.

This web site contains what we believe to be the best baseball conditioning program available today. While most of the focus and research has been designed for the pitcher [throwing athlete], the concepts can be, and are applied to all baseball players. Your trainer, physician, or conditioning specialist can adapt this program to fit your competition level, position, schedule, and personal needs.

This web site provides information on preventive exercise routines for athletes and others. It is presented by ASMI in cooperation with Alabama Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center and HealthSouth Rehabilitation Corporation (Birmingham, Alabama.) Physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers from these organizations have prepared these materials to help athletes and patients achieve maximum effective outcomes.

In the prevention of injuries and the rehabilitation of those who have sports-related injuries, a team approach is the ideal method of management. Sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, coaches, and the athlete must work cooperatively to bring about the best results possible.

We hope that this information helps you stay healthy, enabling you to succeed and enjoy the game of baseball.

Dr. James R. Andrews, MD

Medical Director,

American Sports Medicine Institute