Rethinking Throwing Mechanics & Injury Prevention

Baseball isn’t just America’s pastime—it’s also at the center of a growing conversation about youth injuries, elite performance, and long-term athlete development. A recent discussion with Dr. O'Quinn dives into the critical role Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) plays in baseball, especially for pitchers dealing with the epidemic of arm injuries. Whether you're a clinician, coach, or parent, this conversation brings clarity to a complex topic. While Live Active: Spine & Sport utilizes many tools when treating our athletes, this article will break down the throwing athlete with a DNS perspective.

Why DNS Matters in Baseball

DNS isn't a silver bullet, but it provides one of the most complete frameworks for understanding and correcting faulty movement patterns. According to Dr. O'Quinn, biomechanics account for up to 80% of injury risk in throwing athletes. By focusing on early detection and correction—especially around rotational timing and joint centration—DNS helps athletes avoid the dreaded UCL tear, improve efficiency, and extend their careers.

Tommy John Surgery: Too Good?

The rise in Tommy John surgeries—some even happening in 9-year-olds—is alarming. The problem? It's so successful that many parents see it as a performance enhancer. But the message is clear: if you’re needing UCL surgery, something already went wrong. DNS provides a method to course-correct before it gets to that point, especially for younger players whose mechanics are still developing.

The Danger of Early Rotation

One of the key takeaways is the importance of timing in rotational sports. When pitchers rotate their trunk too early, they lose elastic energy—think of it like unwinding a rubber band before it can release its force. This often leads to overcompensation, poor energy transfer, and ultimately injury. DNS gives clinicians and coaches the tools to identify and fix these patterns before they become chronic.

The Modern Epidemic: Lat Tears

While UCL injuries remain common, a newer trend is the rise in latissimus dorsi tears—often seen in high-velocity throwers. The lat is a powerful generator of arm speed, but over-reliance or poor scapular control leads to catastrophic breakdown. DNS helps by improving shoulder girdle stability and optimizing load-sharing across the kinetic chain.

Technique Still Matters

Despite current trends suggesting “technique doesn’t matter,” Dr. O'Quinn strongly disagrees. While variability exists, elite pitchers with long careers tend to move efficiently, centrating joints and maximizing elastic energy. DNS helps train that ideal motor pattern—not just in pros but in youth athletes who are more moldable.

Early Intervention = Long-Term Success

One of the most impactful ideas discussed is the importance of early intervention. Waiting weeks or months for conservative care to fail can cost athletes opportunities. If there’s elbow pain, get the MRI. Educate parents and coaches. DNS gives you the language and assessment strategy to make informed decisions quickly.

The Bigger Picture

At its core, the DNS Baseball approach isn’t just about MLB pitchers—it’s about empowering local clinicians and coaches to make a difference. By improving awareness, teaching sound biomechanics, and prioritizing load management, we can shift the paradigm for throwing athletes of all levels.

Final Thoughts

Baseball may be evolving, but our approach to injury prevention and performance enhancement must evolve too. DNS offers a blueprint, not just for injury rehab, but for long-term success—from Little League to the big leagues.