There is no doubt about it, latissimus dorsi injuries in baseball pitchers are becoming more common, and probably will continue to do so as we continue to push out limits of throwing velocity. To prevent, diagnose, and rehabilitate lat injuries, you have to understand the anatomy, function during pitching, and pathomechanics of lat injuries.

In this article, EBP’s Editor-in-Chief Mike Reinold discusses the anatomy, role of the lat during pitching, and reasons why he believe’s lat injuries are increasing. Then, based on this information, he outlines several key factors to considering when trying to prevent, diagnose, and rehabilitate lat injuries in baseball pitchers.