Program for Parents, Kids and Coaches teaches that Pain is No Gain for kids playing baseball

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Paul Sethi

Participation in baseball and other team sports offers many benefits for kids including the great exercise, learning about cooperation and building self esteem.  But kids and parents should remember that pain is no gain when it comes to kids and baseball.  On Wednesday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education will present Preventing Throwing Injuries, a free program designed to raise awareness about the potential for injuries from “throwing sports.” The program will offer advice to parents, kids and coaches for keeping young athletes safe and away from the doctor’s office.  The OGRCC (Old Greenwich-Riverside Community Center) is co-sponsor of the program which takes place at Eastern Middle School, 51 Hendrie Avenue in Riverside, CT.  Admission is free but reservations are required. To register for Preventing Throwing Injuries, call 637-3659 or 869-3131, or email ogrcc@yahoo.com.

ONS sports medicine specialist and orthopaedic surgeon Paul Sethi, MD will discuss the arm injuries most often associated with throwing sports, and what can be done to prevent injuries. ONS physical therapist Alicia Hirscht, DPT will talk about safe conditioning and strengthening techniques. Mitch Hoffman, of Bobby Valentine Sports Academy in Stamford will discuss the importance of proper training techniques.

“Even with pitch counts that limit how often kids throw in a game, kids are getting hurt doing what they love,” said Dr. Sethi, who is an orthopaedic surgeon and President of the ONS Foundation. “It is all too common to hear about young players who have sustained an injury that requires a surgical procedure to repair.  Many throwing injuries can be avoided if you know how to condition and train properly. “ The ONS Foundation educational program is designed to give kids, their parents, coaches and trainers information on why throwing makes arm joints susceptible to injury as well as safe conditioning and strengthening techniques to prevent injury. The latest research on effective non-surgical and surgical treatments for the most common arm injuries will also be discussed.

Paul Sethi, MD is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with sub-specialty training in sports medicine and the shoulder and elbow.  He completed a sports medicine fellowship at the Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Institute in Los Angeles, CA. His research on athletic performance has provided Dr. Sethi with fist-hand experience and a unique perspective for understanding sports-related injuries and conditions. Dr. Sethi is a former orthopedic consultant to the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team and former assistant team physician of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, Los Angeles Kings hockey team, the Los Angeles Dodgers and University of Southern California football team.  Dr. Sethi considers proper fitness conditioning essential to preventing sports injuries for professional as well as amateur athletes.

The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education wants to give people who enjoy sports activities tools and techniques to keep them enjoying their sport and out of the doctor’s office.  The ONS Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to helping reduce sports injury and supporting healthy living through educational programs and clinical research. Educational programs are offered to the community on a variety of topics throughout the year. All events are free of charge.