Today, I want to delve into a topic that might seem unrelated to baseball but can have a significant impact on your performance: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. It's a common yet often underestimated condition that affects the elbow, and I'm here to shed some light on it. So, let's dive right in!

The Phone-Holding Game Changer

Last week, during a routine assessment, I asked one of my patients a seemingly innocuous question: "How do you hold your phone?" Surprisingly, the answer held the key to understanding his elbow pain.

In this particular case, the patient had been experiencing persistent elbow discomfort. What we discovered was that the way he held his phone was a hidden culprit. Holding the phone with his elbow resting on a hard surface and his pinky tucked under it caused increased pressure on his ulnar nerve. This, in turn, resulted in heightened nerve tension, decreased grip strength, and, you guessed it, elbow pain.

Grip Strength Changes

Now, why is this relevant to baseball players like you? Well, this subtle phone-holding detail can lead to decreased grip strength. Recent studies have shown that when you exclude the ulnar two digits from a functional grip pattern, grip strength can decrease by up to 67%, with an average drop of 55%. Even the exclusion of just the little finger or ring finger can significantly impact overall grip strength.

This highlights the profound yet often overlooked ways in which our screen time habits can affect not only our general health but also our athletic performance. It's a reminder that seemingly mundane everyday activities, such as how we use our devices, can have far-reaching consequences on our bodies.

Beyond Phones: The Bigger Picture

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is not solely a result of phone use; it can manifest due to various activities and postures that repeatedly stress the ulnar nerve. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and forearm.

So, what can you do to prevent or alleviate this issue? First and foremost, be mindful of your posture when using devices. Avoid resting your elbow on hard surfaces and practice good ergonomics.

Secondly, if you're experiencing any symptoms like numbness, tingling, or pain in your elbow or hand, don't ignore them. Seek professional advice and treatment promptly. Early intervention can make a substantial difference in your recovery.

The Takeaway

Your body is your most valuable asset, both in sports and in life. Taking care of it, even in seemingly small ways like adjusting how you hold your phone, can have a profound impact on your performance and overall well-being.

Stay tuned for more insights on optimizing your health and athletic performance. Remember, sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference on and off the field.

Share your experiences and insights with us! Simply hit reply to this email or connect with us on social media. Let's learn from each other and embrace the power of Baseball Flows together!

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It is an honor to be part of this year’s “Baseball Performance Summit”. I hope that you enjoy it and, as always, reach out with any constructive feedback.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Click on the link to sign up. It’s a great and diverse group of presenters.

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Let's train smarter, move better, and flow in the game.

Best Regards,

Dr. Ismael Gallo DPT, MBA

Founder, Baseball Flows

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