Understanding "Little League" Elbow: How SoftWave TRT Offers Relief

"Little League" Elbow is a condition that affects many young athletes, particularly those involved in throwing sports like baseball and softball. As the name suggests, it’s most common in children and adolescents who participate in Little League. This overuse injury can cause pain, swelling, and long-term joint issues if left untreated. At Enos Chiropractic, we understand how important it is to get kids back on the field safely—and we’re proud to offer SoftWave TRT as a non-invasive, drug-free solution that promotes healing and pain relief.

What Is Little League Elbow?

Little League Elbow, formally known as medial epicondyle apophysitis, is an overuse injury caused by repetitive stress to the growth plate on the inside of the elbow. This condition typically occurs in young athletes between the ages of 8 and 15, whose bones are still developing. Repeated throwing motions, especially pitching, place stress on the growth plate, which can lead to inflammation, pain, and in some cases, small bone fractures.

Common symptoms of Little League Elbow include:

• Elbow pain during or after throwing
• Swelling on the inside of the elbow
• Reduced range of motion
• A “popping” or “locking” sensation in the elbow
• Decreased performance or reluctance to throw

When caught early, Little League Elbow is manageable with rest, proper technique correction, and supportive therapies. However, delaying treatment can lead to long-term damage and even surgery in severe cases.

Why Rest Isn’t Always Enough

While rest is a critical part of recovery, many young athletes and parents are eager to return to competition quickly. Unfortunately, rest alone doesn’t always address the underlying inflammation or soft tissue damage. Inflammation in the soft tissues surrounding the elbow can linger, causing pain to persist even after weeks of downtime.

This is where SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Therapy (TRT) can make a significant difference. At Enos Chiropractic, we offer this advanced technology to accelerate recovery and provide lasting relief—without medication, injections, or surgery.

How SoftWave TRT Works

SoftWave TRT is a regenerative therapy that uses patented unfocused acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. When applied to injured tissue, these waves promote increased circulation, reduce inflammation, break up scar tissue, and activate stem cell activity. The treatment is non-invasive, safe, and FDA-cleared for musculoskeletal pain and soft tissue injuries.

Here’s how it can help kids and teens with Little League Elbow:

• Reduces inflammation: SoftWave helps calm the inflamed tissues around the growth plate, relieving pain and swelling without the use of steroids or anti-inflammatories.
• Promotes tissue repair: The acoustic waves stimulate cellular regeneration, encouraging damaged soft tissues and tendons to heal more efficiently.
• Improves mobility: Many patients report improved range of motion and reduced stiffness after just a few sessions.
• No downtime: Because the treatment is non-invasive, there’s no recovery period—kids can continue gentle activities as directed.

What to Expect During a SoftWave Session

A typical SoftWave TRT session at Enos Chiropractic lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. We start with a targeted assessment to identify areas of inflammation or tenderness. Using the SoftWave handheld applicator, we then deliver the acoustic waves to the affected area. Most patients experience a mild tingling or tapping sensation, and many feel immediate relief during the session.

Depending on the severity of the condition, we may recommend a series of treatments spaced out over several weeks. Since every child’s recovery timeline is unique, Dr. Jamie Enos will create a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s specific needs and progress.

Supporting Recovery with Chiropractic and Wellness Care

In addition to SoftWave therapy, our team at Enos Chiropractic may recommend complementary care to support your child’s recovery. This could include chiropractic adjustments to ensure optimal alignment, corrective exercises to strengthen the arm and shoulder, and ergonomic guidance to prevent re-injury.

Proper throwing mechanics, pitch counts, and adequate warm-ups are also key factors in preventing Little League Elbow from recurring. We take a holistic approach to care, educating young athletes and parents on how to protect growing bodies while encouraging a lifelong love for sports and movement.

When to Seek Treatment

If your child complains of elbow pain during or after practice—or begins to show signs of limited motion, decreased performance, or swelling—it’s important to seek evaluation early. Ignoring symptoms or “pushing through the pain” can lead to more serious complications. Early intervention can not only prevent long-term damage but also speed up recovery time so your child can safely return to the game they love.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

At Enos Chiropractic, we’re proud to offer the latest in regenerative therapies to help young athletes heal faster and perform better. SoftWave TRT is a powerful tool in our toolkit—and it’s helping kids across our community overcome injuries like Little League Elbow without relying on invasive procedures.

Don’t wait to address your child’s elbow pain. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if SoftWave TRT is the right solution for your young athlete.

Call Enos Chiropractic at 401-921-6550 or our contact page to book your appointment today.