The spike in the Tommy John epidemic isn’t just the consequences of early specialization and guys refusing to take off seasons
It’s also very much a consequence of nowadays, surgery is the ONLY recommendation given to ANY level of discomfort in the elbow
I talked to a kid the other day who got recommended TJ WITHOUT EVEN AN MRI
Dr “took a quick glance”, pronounced a sprain (NOT a tear- a sprain) and scheduled surgery
Strain, sprain, discomfort, doesn’t matter, if you see a Dr, it’s surgery
So many that could’ve simply RESTED while improving scapular stability and rotator cuff strength, then having a smart, gradual return to play, INSTEAD, it’s a rush to surgery
And they’re now staring at a long rehab that for many, they don’t return to the same level of play
I guess it’s not really shocking considering the only thing the Dr knows is surgery, and that’s also how he makes his money
If the only tool you have is a hammer, everything becomes a nail
-Fenske
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