Revolutionizing Elbow Recovery: Kinetic Arm Case Study Highlights

Case Study Spotlight: Dynamic Arm Stabilizer Aids Recovery for Collegiate Baseball Player with Valgus Extension Overload 

At The Kinetic Arm, we take pride in delivering innovative solutions that help athletes recover faster and perform better. We’re excited to share highlights from a recent case study presented at the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association Symposium, which underscores the critical role of our dynamic arm stabilizers in non-surgical injury management.

The study, titled “Use of an External Dynamic Arm Stabilizer in a Collegiate Baseball Player with Valgus Extension Overload: A Case Report” by JP Goza (Collin College) and AP Jacobsen (University of Texas at Tyler), showcases how the Kinetic Arm K2 Sleeve enabled a collegiate baseball player to return to play after a challenging elbow condition. 

Overview of the Case

The case involved a 21-year-old collegiate baseball player suffering from valgus extension overload, a condition causing pain along the posteromedial elbow. Despite completing an initial rehabilitation program for a previous ulnar collateral ligament sprain, the athlete experienced persistent symptoms, including:

  • Pain during terminal elbow extension.
  • No neurological symptoms associated with throwing.
  • Negative results from Valgus Stress, Milking, and Posterolateral Rotary Drawer tests.

After minimal improvement from two weeks of standard rehabilitation, the athlete was referred for ultrasound evaluation, which confirmed valgus extension overload.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

The team adopted a multi-phase rehabilitation protocol:

  1. Initial Treatment: Forearm and elbow resistance exercises with 50% blood flow restriction, complemented by cupping therapy and dry needling.

  2. Dynamic Arm Stabilizer Introduction: Following 10 days of rest from throwing, the athlete resumed a progressive throwing program while wearing the Kinetic Arm K2 Sleeve, designed to:

    • Reduce stress on the elbow.
    • Provide dynamic support without restricting movement.
    • Optimize throwing mechanics to protect the joint during rehabilitation.

  3. Progressive Recovery: Over two months, the athlete steadily increased the frequency, volume, and intensity of throwing while continuing to hit and field without limitations. By the end of the program, the player was cleared for full team activities and no longer required the stabilizer.

Why This Case Matters

This case study highlights several key takeaways for athletic trainers, coaches, and sports medicine professionals:

  • Non-Surgical Success: Surgery is often considered for valgus extension overload, but outcomes can vary. The use of the K2 Sleeve demonstrated the importance of exhausting non-operative interventions before pursuing surgical options.
  • Innovative Support: The Kinetic Arm’s dynamic arm stabilizer played a pivotal role in reducing discomfort and protecting the elbow, allowing the athlete to safely progress through rehabilitation.
  • Expedited Return to Play: With the stabilizer, the player successfully returned to competitive activities in a controlled and timely manner, avoiding prolonged downtime.

Implications for the Future

As the first documented case of a dynamic arm stabilizer being used for valgus extension overload, this study paves the way for further research into its applications. Potential areas of exploration include:

  • Quantifying the reduction of elbow forces during high-stress athletic movements.
  • Expanding its use to other injuries and sports involving repetitive arm motion.
  • Assessing long-term outcomes for athletes using dynamic stabilization in their recovery process.

The Kinetic Arm Advantage

The K2 Sleeve and our multi-patented MuscleWeb® technology are redefining how athletes recover and perform. By providing activated, non-restrictive support to the elbow and shoulder, our dynamic arm stabilizers empower athletes to return to their sports faster, with reduced discomfort and improved mechanics.

This study serves as a testament to our commitment to helping athletes achieve their performance goals while prioritizing safety and long-term health.

To learn more about the Kinetic Arm and how it can support you or your athletes, explore our website or contact us today.

Revolutionizing arm care—one recovery at a time.

Click Here to Access Online Publication

Goza, JP and Jacobsen, AP (2024) "Use of an External Dynamic Arm Stabilizer in a Collegiate Baseball Player with Valgus Extension Overload: A Case Report.," Clinical Practice in Athletic Training: Vol. 7: Iss. 3, Article 38.
Available at: https://scholars.indianastate.edu/clinat/vol7/iss3/38

Sources

  1. Goza, JP, & Jacobsen, AP. Use of an External Dynamic Arm Stabilizer in a Collegiate Baseball Player with Valgus Extension Overload: A Case Report. Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association Symposium.
  2. Learn More About the Kinetic Arm K2 Sleeve
  3. How the Kinetic Arm Optimizes Mechanics
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