The G.A.M.E. Show: Recent Episodes
Dr. Kevin J. McGovern, PT
Get ready to elevate your understanding of physical therapy and transform your health and wellness with "The G.A.M.E. show"! Hosted by the renowned Dr. Kevin J McGovern, PT, this podcast is your go-to source for the latest and greatest in injury recovery, sports training, mindset, and nutrition. G.A.M.E. stands for Graded Active Movement Exam, which is Dr. McGovern's functional assessment and treatment program invention.Tune in to hear expert guests from the health world and real-life success stories from clients who have seen incredible results. Don't miss out on the opportunity to take control of your body and mind with "The G.A.M.E. show"! Use G.A.M.E. to get back to your best health!
Send us Fan Mail
Radar-gun culture has turned a lot of young pitchers into speed-chasers, and we see the fallout everywhere: inconsistent command, rushed mechanics, and more shoulder and elbow injuries at younger ages. Dr. Kevin McGovern brings back Coach Brian Hall, a longtime high school coach from Colorado, to talk about his new book, The Pitcher’s Handbook: A Complete Pitching Development System, now available on Amazon and Apple Books. We get into why Brian wrote it in the first place, how it grew from a team manual into a full pitching blueprint, and what players and parents keep saying they love most: clear structure, day-to-day routine, and a plan you can actually follow.
We break down the traits that make a pitcher improve fast, starting with being coachable and doing intentional work outside practice through dry reps and repetition. Then we go straight at the mental game of baseball: “clear the last pitch,” competing with composure, emotional control, and why acting like you’ve done it before isn’t old-school fluff, it’s part of being a reliable teammate that coaches trust.
From there, we talk pitching mechanics and injury prevention with a practical lens: using the lower half, creating ground traction, improving arm timing, and finishing through the catcher instead of recoiling. We also tackle velocity training myths, why “practice makes permanent,” how to think about pitching backwards and deception, and why arm care can’t be just a pitcher thing as position players face more Tommy John surgery. If you care about pitching development, arm health, and sustainable velocity, this conversation is a must.
Subscribe, share this with a coach or parent, and leave a review so more players can find a safer path to throwing harder.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us Fan Mail
Pain that “pops” every time you move is more than an annoyance, it’s a warning sign that your movement base may be failing you. I’m Dr. Kevin McGovern, and I sit down with Eric and his son Cameron to tell the full story of a pitcher who didn’t fit the usual mold: unusual movement patterns, hypermobile elbows, and a body that kept finding the wrong path in basic tests like the squat and lunge. What starts as frustration turns into a clear roadmap for baseball pitcher rehab, arm care, and performance built on fundamentals that actually stick.
We get specific about what changed. Cameron explains how pain showed up in real baseball moments: pushing off the back leg, getting into fielding positions, throwing from the outfield, and even stepping into his swing. From there, we break down why we spent so much time rebuilding the squat, how “reps, reps, reps” becomes motor learning instead of mindless volume, and why quality reps beat sloppy grinding every time. We also dig into scapular stability and serratus-focused work on the wall to help stabilize the shoulder blade and protect an elbow that wants to hyperextend.
The payoff is what every player and parent wants to hear: less pain, better movement, stronger throws, and better pitching command. Cameron reports throwing 10 to 15 mph harder than before, plus more comfortable hitting and fielding, while Eric highlights more efficient outings and soreness that feels normal instead of scary. If you’re chasing pitching velocity, cleaner pitching mechanics, or reliable injury prevention, this conversation is a reminder that there’s no immediate fix, only the right work done consistently.
If this helps you, subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next, share it with a pitcher who needs it, and leave a review so more players can find the path back to pain-free throwing.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us Fan Mail
Arm injuries in youth baseball are exploding, and “just throw harder” is not a plan. We get blunt about what we see every day: pitchers chasing the radar gun, parents drowning in buzzwords, and coaches stacking drills on top of drills while more elbows and shoulders keep breaking down. The problem is not a lack of effort. The problem is starting in the wrong place. Before we talk mechanics, velocity, spin rate, or recruiting, we ask the question most people skip: how does the athlete move in the first place?
We walk through how we are changing Velocity RX by applying the sports medicine model directly to pitching development. That means we evaluate first, take a real injury and training history, identify risk, and build a plan based on what the athlete’s body is actually doing, not what we wish it would do. You will hear why measuring the result of a pitch is not enough, and why movement quality, sequencing, and compensation patterns often explain the “mystery” behind chronic pain, inconsistent command, and stalled performance.
We also break down the GAME Test and the GAME level system, a simple way to describe movement competency from 1 to 7. It is not a talent score or a scholarship score. It is a clarity score, helping us predict where breakdown may happen and what must improve. We close with the four outcomes we’re chasing: healthier arms, blindfold command through repeatable movement, velocity that comes with less stress, and pitch correctability so athletes can fix misses in real time.
You can also find our content on Dugout TV, the streaming home for the Atlantic League and more. Subscribe, share this with a baseball parent or pitching coach, and leave a review so more players can start with an evaluation instead of a guess.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us Fan Mail
Most pitchers chase velocity by tweaking mechanics, copying drills, or grinding more throws. I take a different route: I start with the foundation. In this Velocity RX podcast, I give you a clear inside look at the Velocity RX Elite Pitching Program and explain why movement testing comes before any big mechanical change. When the body cannot squat, hinge, rotate, or stabilize on one leg, the “perfect cue” on the mound falls apart and the arm pays for it.
I walk through my GAME test (Graded Active Movement Exam) and the specific screens I lean on for baseball pitchers, including shoulder coordination, scapular control, and the patterns that predict lost range of motion and future pain. We talk candidly about why so many athletes struggle with basic athletic movement today, how that shows up as preventable shoulder and elbow issues, and why rehab after Tommy John surgery can stall when something important gets missed. If you are still dealing with pain months after returning to throwing, you will hear exactly how my Mound Ready process looks for the real “why” and then fixes it.
From there, I explain how we use OnForm video analysis to review tests and mechanics frame by frame, how corrective exercises fit into your routine without wasting time, and why I teach pitching “backwards” by mastering the finish and front-foot strike before piling on more. We end with the four outcomes I want every pitcher to earn over six months: a more bulletproof arm, blindfold command built on feel, a real velocity increase, and pitch correctability so you can miss a spot, know why, and fix it on the next pitch.
If you found this helpful, subscribe for more pitching mechanics, arm care, and baseball performance training, share it with a pitcher who needs a better plan, and leave a review with your biggest velocity or command question.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us Fan Mail
A pitcher can feel great in the first inning and still be fighting his body by the third. That’s the problem we dig into with Red Sox pitcher Austin Arlocker calling in from spring training, where the goal isn’t just throwing harder, it’s holding velocity, recovering well, and staying healthy across a season. Austin shares what the last few years of arm issues felt like, including nerve-type symptoms running from the neck into the arm, and why “no pain” didn’t mean “no problem” when fatigue kept showing up and the radar gun kept slipping.
We get specific about what changed. We talk upper trap dominance, how a constant shrug can crowd the area under the collarbone and irritate the nerves, and why a simple drill like supine scapular depression can be a game changer when you do it consistently. Austin also breaks down how he blends band work, posture training, plyometrics, and just enough strength work to match his body, plus a surprising tool that keeps his arm feeling athletic: shooting basketball.
Then we zoom out to pitching mechanics and pitch design. We cover why forcing an arm slot can backfire, how correcting early drift can improve timing so the arm isn’t always late, and how those changes show up in real numbers. Austin talks hitting a lifetime PR 97.1 and averaging mid- to upper-90s, plus the process of building a harder sweeper, shaping a high-movement changeup, and using team analytics to understand where each pitch plays best for swings, misses, and weak contact.
If you care about pitching velocity, arm health, reducing arm fatigue, and command that holds up deep into outings, this one is for you. Subscribe, share it with a pitcher who needs it, and leave a review with the biggest change you’ve made to stay healthy on the mound.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us Fan Mail
“Get fast down the mound” has become a default cue in modern pitching, and we think it’s a big reason so many arms are breaking. Coach Brian Hull joins me for a role-reversal Q&A where we dig into the mechanics that actually hold up over time, especially for high school pitchers who need both velocity and longevity. We start with the core idea behind the up-down-out approach: load the back hip first, get into the ground, and let that set the timing so the arm isn’t forced to play catch-up.
From there we zoom in on front foot strike and sequencing. We talk about what “on time” really looks like, why early drift tends to create a late arm, and how rushed arm action can show up as drag, inverted W patterns, and unnecessary strain on the UCL and shoulder. I lay out my Tommy John formula (drift, shrug, drag) and why each piece can push pitchers toward the same outcome: a late arm under stress for too long. We also challenge trendy drills and early hip opening by comparing pitching to hitting, golf, and football, where leaking the hips early is an instant power leak.
We finish with practical coaching solutions: drills to clean up foot drag, how to teach mechanics backwards from a strong finish, and why foundational movement like squats, hinging, and rotation has to come before “high-level” pitching work. We also cover warm-up efficiency when practice time is tight, throwing volume with purpose, recovery red flags based on where soreness shows up, grip tension (“hold the ball like an egg”), and even why set-shot basketball can build safe extension without beating up the arm.
If you coach, pitch, or parent a pitcher, hit play, then subscribe, share this with your staff, and leave a review with the one cue you’re removing from your pitching program.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us Fan Mail
Want to know why so many promising pitchers break down just as they hit college—and what to do about it? We sit down with Coach Brian Hull, a high school baseball coach and former National PE Teacher of the Year, to map out a practical path from raw talent to durable success. Brian opens up about dominating in high school, tearing his labrum in college, and realizing that missing structure, poor mechanics, and a rushed rehab—not a lack of grit—derailed his career. That experience inspired him to build a 275-page pitching manual built on structure, consistency, and health, designed as a one-stop guide for players and parents.
We get specific about the root causes of arm injuries. Dr. McGovern breaks down the Tommy John formula: drift (center of mass racing forward too early) and shrug (upper traps hijacking the shoulder). Those two errors quietly add stress to every throw until something gives. From there, we challenge radar-gun culture with a better hierarchy—deception, command, then velocity—and a smarter lens on performance using OP10, an efficiency stat that tracks outs per 10 pitches. You’ll hear how pressure changes mechanics, why 78 can play like 85 when tunneling is right, and how pitch counts hide the real load an arm endures.
We also tackle the travel ball treadmill: 80 to 90 summer games, pitching one day and catching the next, with little oversight of mechanics, workload, or recovery. Instead of quick fixes and heavy plyo balls on unprepared bodies, Brian lays out the habits that actually protect arms: daily warm-ups, simple mechanical drills, consistent throwing progressions, and solid movement patterns like a real squat. We look to longevity models—think Clemens and Rivera—for proof that control and efficiency beat highlight-chasing slinging.
If you’re a parent, player, or coach tired of seeing arms fail before futures begin, this conversation offers a clear blueprint. Subscribe, share with a baseball family that needs it, and leave a review telling us the one habit you’ll change this week.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us Fan Mail
A misread MRI, a rushed surgery recommendation, and a family searching for answers—this story tracks a teenage catcher’s long road from chronic shoulder and back pain to a confident, pain-free throw. We walk through the turning points: why three orthopedists said “no tear” while one pushed the knife, how a second MRI with a trusted reader changed the narrative, and what happened when we stopped chasing symptoms and rebuilt the kinetic chain instead.
You’ll hear how we used clear video angles and a simple Game Test to reveal the real culprits: poor scapular coordination and a lat caught between shoulder and pelvis duties. From there, the plan got smaller, not bigger—high-rep scapular depression holds, sub-centimeter chair lifts, and isometric work that reconnected brain to body. As control returned, we layered skill with the front-foot-strike, three-tap, and finish drills to restore rhythm, downhill posture, and smooth release. No tall-and-fall shortcuts. No band carnivals. Just repeatable mechanics that put the athlete in charge of every inch of the movement.
The result? Pain that lingered for days after tournaments disappeared. Command improved. Velocity likely ticked up, but more importantly, the throw felt easy again. The mom now filters every provider with a simple test: do they speak the kinetic chain? If you’re a parent or athlete stuck between conflicting diagnoses and quick fixes, this conversation shows how to demand clarity, measure progress on video, and choose the boring drills that actually change your game.
If this helped, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a review with the one drill you’re adopting this week. Your feedback helps more families find a smarter path back to play.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us Fan Mail
What if the number you trust most to protect pitchers is the one hiding the real risk? We break down OP10—outs per ten pitches—a clear, practical stat that blends results with context by adding errors back into the equation. Instead of worshiping a pitch count, we show how OP10 reveals true efficiency, flags fatigue early, and helps coaches decide when to pull, when to push, and how to plan training with purpose.
We walk through the simple formula and why it matters at every level, from youth leagues to varsity. Think of a kid burning 41 pitches in the first inning versus another who weathers multiple errors but keeps the pitch load low; OP10 makes the difference obvious. We also revisit Greg Maddux’s surgical efficiency to illustrate what strong OP10 looks like across innings, and why fewer pitches per out is the real currency of healthy, sustainable performance.
Numbers are only part of the story, so we pair OP10 with quick, coach-friendly checks: range of motion screens, simple strength and sequencing tests, and on-the-mound fatigue cues tied to command and velocity drift. With injury rates rising and position players now joining pitchers in UCL surgeries, waiting for a pitch cap to save the day isn’t a plan. OP10 offers a smarter lens for game management, offseason design, and honest conversations with athletes and parents about workload, mechanics, and recovery.
If you care about healthier arms, better decisions, and more efficient innings, this is your blueprint for moving beyond pitch count to what truly matters: outs with less stress. Subscribe, share with your staff, and leave a review to help more teams protect their pitchers and win smarter.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
A pitcher’s arm shouldn’t need a full-body emergency to finish a throw, yet that’s exactly what we uncovered when a minor leaguer reached out about thoracic outlet symptoms, a past elbow fracture, and a velocity drop that got worse as outings wore on. The video told the story: a sharp pelvic pop at release, weight shifting back to the heel, and a short, guarded finish. The surprise was where the problem really started—not in the legs, but in the shoulder, where scapular rhythm had broken down and the upper traps were doing the wrong job at the worst time.
We walk through the Game Test we use to map neurological sequence and then break down the shoulder coordination screen that revealed the truth. Above horizontal, his upper traps fired hard and early, the shoulder blades stalled and protracted, and the middle and lower traps—the true decelerators—went missing. When the scapula can’t glide down and in, the brachial plexus gets crowded and the arm can’t decelerate, so the nervous system recruits the pelvis to slam on the brakes. That protective pattern may save the joint but it steals velocity, consistency, and health. We dig into why “you can only accelerate what you can decelerate” isn’t a slogan; it’s the organizing rule of high-velocity throwing.
Then we share the simplest fix most pitchers never try: isometric scapular depression. Supine, arms up, shoulder blades tucked down and toward the spine, five-second holds for high-quality reps. After 100 reps, our athlete threw and felt an immediate difference—clearer path, calmer finish, less stress, better carry. We also dispel a persistent myth that scapular depression causes thoracic outlet signs, and explain why shrug-heavy cues and screen-strained posture feed the exact pattern that closes the outlet and crushes performance. If you coach pitchers, rehab throwers, or fight late-inning velo fade, you’ll learn how to spot the pelvic “brake,” test shoulder rhythm, and activate the right decelerators so the arm can finally move fast without fear.
If this resonated, subscribe, share with a teammate or coach, and leave a review. Want help fixing your sequence and saving your arm? Visit velocityrx.org and join the mission to help save one million arms.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
A high school pitcher was told to rest, stretch, and wait it out—yet every week hurt more than the last. We took a different route: test how he moves under real conditions, then rebuild the pattern from the ground up. What we found was simple and powerful. His upper traps were calling the shots, his lat was stuck in neutral, and his pelvis and scapula were speaking different languages. Once we taught the shoulder blade to depress and the hips to hinge, pain gave way to clean mechanics and confident throws.
We walk you through the exact tests we used—the shoulder coordination test that exposes trap dominance, the squat screen that reveals pelvic control, and how serratus activation becomes the missing link for overhead athletes. You’ll hear why scapulohumeral rhythm matters for deceleration, how the lat connects shoulder and spine stability, and what changes when the body redistributes work from “always on” neck muscles to true stabilizers like lower traps and lats. The before-and-after details are striking: better thoracic extension, more space at end range, and a squat that preserves spinal curves while generating real force.
From there, we map the training plan that stuck: high-rep scapular depression with serratus, a catcher squat that grooves hip hinge and lordosis, and a steady ramp of throwing volume to 300 pain-free towel and ball throws a week. Along the way, we tackle the bigger lesson for players and parents—ask why every drill exists, demand a clear cause-and-effect, and measure what matters. If imaging is clean but movement is noisy, the fix is in the pattern. Subscribe for more case studies, share this with a pitcher who needs a roadmap back to the mound, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so we can keep saving arms together.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
A frayed ligament doesn’t have to end a pitching career. We share a raw, real case study of a high school senior with a partial UCL tear who skipped injections, rebuilt his foundation, and came back throwing harder—with less pain. The story isn’t about a miracle drill; it’s about finally honoring how the shoulder blade and arm are supposed to move together and how that single truth can protect an elbow under stress.
We start with an unexpected pivot: free throws. Hundreds of smooth shots helped restore full elbow extension, improve blood flow, and calm the brain’s protective reflex that turns a recovering arm into a guarded “lobster claw.” From there, we zoom in on scapular humeral rhythm—the backbone of safe, powerful overhead motion. When the upper trap dominates and the shoulder shrugs, the body loses clean deceleration, the ball leaves the glove too early, and the arm is forced to “throw uphill,” pushing unnecessary load straight to the UCL.
Through side-by-side video and clear cues, we walk through how delaying hand break until foot strike, training scapular depression and retraction, and focusing on downhill acceleration transformed mechanics without chasing gimmicks. You’ll hear the simple tests that exposed the root cause, how deceleration capacity sets the ceiling for safe velocity, and why “build proximal to distal” is more than a slogan—it’s the roadmap to durable performance. The proof is in the outcomes: a safer arm path, better finish, cleaner layback, and a mound return with more velocity than before the injury.
If you coach pitchers, parent a throwing athlete, or want to bulletproof your own elbow, this deep dive will sharpen your eye and your plan. Subscribe, share with a teammate who needs it, and leave a review with the worst cue you’ve ever heard—we might break it down on a future show.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Stop stretching the shoulder to a place it can’t control. We dig into the myth of “layback” and explain why forcing passive end range is a fast track to labrum wear, elbow pain, and shortened careers—especially for growing athletes. With inventor and coach Jason Colleran of Kinetic Arm, we unpack what actually builds safe velocity: thoracic extension, scapular depression, and pec extensibility that create a stable power position, plus foot and hip mechanics that unlock rotation without requiring the shoulder to bear the brunt of the load.
We break down the difference between range of motion and available joint position, why timing and center of mass matter more than still photos, and how a simple change, such as externally rotating the back foot, can open “layback” from below rather than yanking from above. Jason shares how constraint-based training and the Kinetic Arm sleeve provide proprioceptive feedback, limit harmful passive extremes, and support post-op throwers rebuilding horizontal abduction and external rotation. We also focus on the scapulohumeral rhythm, avoiding upper trap dominance, and offloading stressed tissues, such as the supraspinatus, by improving the first degrees of abduction and upward rotation.
Along the way, we call out the training culture that confuses volume with intention and protocols with precision. Maxing in passive ranges, cookie-cutter rehab, and viral cues that ignore structure all drive the injury epidemic. The fix is simple, not easy: assess daily, define a clear goal for each drill, align lines of force with anatomy, and teach athletes to own mid-range positions before they chase speed. When the chain is set—foot to hip to trunk to scapula—the arm stops compensating and velocity becomes a byproduct of efficiency, not a gamble with connective tissue.
If you care about throwing harder and longer without sacrificing your shoulder or elbow, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a coach or parent who needs it, and leave a review with the biggest myth you want us to tackle next.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Ever wondered why so many young pitchers are suffering devastating elbow injuries? Dr. Kevin McGovern pulls back the curtain on the rehabilitation process with a fascinating real-time coaching session featuring 15-year-old Aiden, who's battling back from multiple elbow injuries.
The episode reveals a revolutionary approach to arm care that challenges conventional wisdom. Rather than extended rest periods, we witness the power of daily throwing practice—with either baseballs or towels—combined with unconventional methods like basketball shooting to maintain elbow extension. Dr. McGovern methodically breaks down what he calls the "Tommy John formula"—three critical mechanical flaws destroying young pitchers' arms: drifting forward too early, dragging the back leg, and improper glove-hand technique.
Through Aiden's transformation, viewers gain practical insights into proper mechanics that not only prevent injury but enhance performance. By maintaining weight back longer and releasing closer to home plate, pitchers create what baseball insiders call a "heavy ball" effect—making an 80mph fastball feel like 95mph to hitters. This case study provides a sobering reality check for parents and coaches: mechanical flaws aren't just performance issues; they're ticking time bombs for young arms. The rehabilitation timeline presented offers a realistic perspective on recovery, debunking quick-fix solutions and emphasizing patient, consistent work on mechanics.
What's happening in youth baseball today? Overcoaching and poor mechanics are creating an epidemic of arm injuries. Watch this episode to understand the warning signs, learn proper rehabilitation protocols, and discover how daily work on sound mechanics can save your young pitcher's arm—and perhaps their baseball future. Visit velocityrx.org to learn more about preventing Tommy John injuries and keeping young arms healthy through proper mechanics.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
The alarming rate of arm injuries in baseball isn't just bad luck—it's the predictable outcome of fundamentally flawed mechanical approaches dominating the sport today. In this eye-opening conversation, Chris O'Leary returns to explain why modern pitchers can't stay healthy and what can be done about it.
O'Leary presents compelling visual evidence of what he calls "Flat Arm Syndrome"—a timing problem where the pitching arm is parallel to the ground (not up) when the body begins rotating, creating devastating stress on the elbow and shoulder. Through detailed comparisons of classic pitchers like early-career Verlander, Nolan Ryan, and Tom Seaver with today's injured stars, he demonstrates how modern mechanics have fundamentally changed for the worse.
The discussion doesn't just identify problems but explains their origins. The "Inverted W," "Tommy John twist," and other mechanical shortcuts promoted by velocity programs are systematically breaking down pitchers at all levels. Perhaps most troubling is how these flawed mechanics are being taught to young athletes as the path to success, creating a pipeline of arm injuries waiting to happen.
What makes this conversation particularly powerful is O'Leary's predictive track record. He's correctly identified injury risks in numerous pitchers before they broke down, including Sandy Alcantara and Spencer Schwellenbach. These aren't coincidences but the result of understanding how mechanical flaws inevitably lead to physical breakdown.
The solution isn't complicated training protocols or exotic conditioning—it's about returning to fundamental athletic movements that work with the body's natural biomechanics rather than against them. As O'Leary puts it, "There's no free lunch" in developing velocity; sustainable speed must be built through patience and sound mechanics rather than shortcuts.
Ready to understand baseball's injury epidemic and protect the arms of the next generation? Listen now and discover why the difference between healthy and injured pitchers often comes down to just a few critical mechanical distinctions that anyone can learn to identify.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Two sports medicine experts pull back the curtain on why young baseball pitchers are getting injured at alarming rates—and it's not what most coaches and trainers think.
Drs. Kevin McGovern and Clay Hammons dive deep into real case studies that reveal the true culprits behind baseball's arm injury epidemic. Through detailed analysis of an 18-year-old pitcher with "dead arm" syndrome and a senior with a partially torn UCL, they demonstrate how poor mechanics—not lack of strength—initiated these preventable injuries.
The doctors methodically dismantle the popular notion that strength training alone can overcome faulty mechanics. "If you have a wheel with five lug nuts and three are stripped off and two are loose and it's wobbling... hitting the gas will just make the wheel fall off faster," explains Dr. McGovern. This vivid analogy perfectly captures why focusing on velocity before fixing mechanical issues is a recipe for disaster.
Parents will find particularly valuable guidance on what to look for in a proper assessment, including red flags that signal it's time to find different care. Both doctors emphasize the critical importance of immediate test-retest protocols that demonstrate measurable improvement in a single session. They also warn about facilities requiring injury waivers—a clear sign to "run."
Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode offers crucial insights that challenge conventional wisdom about avoiding arm injuries. The doctors' shared mission comes through powerfully: young players should choose when they stop playing baseball, not have that decision forced upon them by preventable injuries. Follow their systematic approach—assess impairments, treat them, master mechanics, then build velocity—to keep arms healthy for the long haul.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Dr. Kevin McGovern unveils a groundbreaking approach to understanding and preventing Tommy John injuries through what he calls "The Tommy John Formula." This mathematical framework identifies three critical mechanical flaws that lead pitchers toward catastrophic arm injuries—drift, drag, and shrug. Each component disrupts the natural kinetic chain and places dangerous stress on the throwing arm.
The formula stems from Dr. McGovern's fundamental principle that "movement is math"—meaning there's only one biomechanically correct sequence for throwing a baseball. Everything else represents compensatory patterns that increase injury risk. Using a building analogy, he explains how many coaches focus on advanced "penthouse" exercises while neglecting foundation movement patterns, creating an unstable structure destined for collapse.
Each formula component reveals specific mechanical breakdowns. "Drift" occurs when pitchers shift their center of mass forward too early rather than properly hinging and utilizing lower body power. "Drag" involves inappropriately anchoring the back leg, preventing natural sequencing and energy transfer. "Shrug" violates proper shoulder mechanics by elevating the glove-side shoulder, creating mechanical impingement before throwing even begins.
Most alarming is how these flaws particularly endanger adolescent pitchers aged 11-18 undergoing physical changes. Dr. McGovern contrasts injured pitchers with Aroldis Chapman, who despite unconventional arm action, maintains healthy mechanics through proper sequencing and downhill acceleration. The episode underscores that functional movement capabilities must precede pitching mechanics for arm health.
Ready to protect your arm or your player's future? Visit VelocityRx.org to learn more about the Tommy John formula and access virtual training options that prioritize both performance and long-term health. Your pitching career might depend on understanding these critical biomechanical principles.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
What happens when proper mechanics meet natural talent? Tyler Ruhl, a junior baseball standout from Virginia, joins Dr. Kevin McGovern to share his remarkable transformation story after implementing the VelocityRx training methodology.
Tyler recently completed a jaw-dropping 41 scoreless inning streak in high school competition while dramatically improving his arm health, recovery time, and overall performance. He takes us through his journey from being primarily a shortstop who occasionally pitched at 82 mph to becoming a versatile threat on the mound with significantly improved velocity, mechanics, and a strikeout count that has already surpassed his previous season's total.
The conversation offers fascinating insights into how movement patterns translate to game-changing results. Tyler describes his initial skepticism about the training approach, which evolved into complete buy-in as he experienced the benefits firsthand. Most impressive is his recent revelation that after throwing 70 pitches in a game, he felt capable of throwing 70 more the very next day – a level of recovery he'd never previously experienced.
Beyond pitching improvements, Tyler reveals how the training has elevated his performance across multiple positions, boosting his infield throwing velocity from 85 to 89 mph and his catching velocity from 79 to 84 mph in just months. For parents and coaches of young athletes, this episode provides compelling evidence that focusing on proper mechanics and movement patterns can simultaneously improve performance, prevent injury, and extend playing careers.
Want to learn how your young athlete can experience similar transformations? Subscribe to the VelocityRx podcast and visit our website to discover how our training methodologies are revolutionizing player development at all levels of baseball.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
A 10-year-old pitcher experiences two elbow fractures within months despite completing "traditional" physical therapy. What went wrong? In this eye-opening case study, Dr. Clay Hammons reveals the startling findings from a comprehensive evaluation that the standard medical approach completely missed.
When this young athlete walked into the clinic, he demonstrated severe limitations that made him fundamentally "not fit to throw a baseball" – 75% restriction in spine mobility, zero degrees of ankle dorsiflexion (should be 10-15°), scapular dysfunction, and an inability to perform a basic squat. Most shocking? These problems were completely overlooked during his previous rehabilitation.
The conversation unveils a revolutionary approach to treating baseball injuries by addressing the entire kinetic chain rather than focusing on the painful area. Within just two weeks of targeted interventions addressing his spine, ankles, and movement patterns, this young pitcher showed remarkable improvements without a single exercise directed at his elbow.
Dr. McGovern and Dr. Hammons discuss how the "cult of velocity" in modern baseball has abandoned proper mechanics for arm-dominant slinging, leading to the paradox of pitchers throwing fewer innings than ever while suffering more catastrophic injuries. They challenge the common misconception that pitching injuries are inevitable, emphasizing that proper assessment can identify and correct risk factors before they lead to injury.
Perhaps the most powerful insight comes from a simple question posed to the young athlete: "Is your arm the engine or the caboose when throwing a baseball?" His incorrect answer – like most youth pitchers – reveals a fundamental misunderstanding that puts countless young arms at risk.
Whether you're a parent, coach, or healthcare provider working with throwing athletes, this episode will forever change how you think about baseball injuries and prevention. The arm doesn't have to be sacrificed on the altar of performance – with the right approach, safety and effectiveness can coexist.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Chris O'Leary, known online as "The Pain Guy," joins Dr. Kevin McGovern to expose what they call "the velocity cult" - a dangerous trend in baseball pitching mechanics that has created an epidemic of arm injuries.
Drawing from twenty years of research, O'Leary meticulously breaks down why techniques like the "inverted W," "Tommy John twist," and what he terms "flat arm syndrome" are destroying pitchers' arms across baseball. Through compelling visual analysis of pitchers from Nolan Ryan to Justin Verlander to Spencer Strider, he demonstrates how modern pitching mechanics have shifted dramatically away from sustainable, powerful movements toward dangerous shortcuts that prioritize immediate velocity gains over career longevity.
The conversation reveals troubling industry dynamics, including how popular training programs market techniques known to cause injuries, how parents unwittingly sign injury waivers without informed consent, and how financial interests throughout baseball incentivize problematic approaches. O'Leary doesn't just identify problems - he offers clear guidance on what healthy mechanics actually look like, emphasizing that proper pitching involves using the entire body rather than generating force primarily through the arm.
For parents, coaches, and anyone concerned about the future of pitching, this episode provides rare insight into why we're seeing unprecedented rates of Tommy John surgery and what can be done to reverse this alarming trend. The solution, ironically, might involve less coaching rather than more - allowing natural, sustainable mechanics to develop rather than forcing dangerous positions that the body instinctively avoids.
Ready to help save arms and extend careers? Share this episode, subscribe to VelocityRx, and join the movement toward safer, more effective pitching mechanics.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Youth baseball pitching injuries have reached epidemic levels as parents and coaches are being misled by velocity-focused training programs utilizing weighted balls and dangerous techniques.
• 50% of Tommy John surgeries now occur in youth players
• Weighted ball programs target children as young as 11 years old
• Independent studies show 25% injury rates with these training methods
• Hall of Fame pitchers like Nolan Ryan and Pedro Martinez threw hard without these injuries
• Current MLB pitchers are experiencing unprecedented injury rates
• Proper mechanics and command are more important than raw velocity
• Many position players now needing Tommy John surgery
• Data-driven approach removes human evaluation from baseball
• College recruiters should look beyond velocity to find complete pitchers
• Proper mechanics and command are more important than raw velocity
If you want to protect your child's arm, avoid weighted ball training completely. Focus on proper mechanics, command, and the mental aspects of pitching that actually translate to success on the mound.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Step into the world of professional baseball with this engaging episode that tackles the pressing issue of injury prevention. We dive deep into the alarming rates of injuries plaguing Major League Baseball and what it means for players, teams, and fans. With expert Jason Collin joining our hosts, we uncover shocking insights into the current state of player health management. Why can teams riddled with injury not find effective solutions despite employing countless specialists? This episode challenges listeners to rethink everything they know about training, arm care, and injury prevention.
Explore the innovative Kinetic Arm, which offers potential relief for pitchers by stabilizing their shoulders and promoting better mechanics. We also discuss how outdated assessment processes and flawed methodologies leave players vulnerable to re-injury. From personal anecdotes to expert analysis, our guests invite listeners to reflect on accountability in professional sports and the importance of holistic approaches to athletic training. Join us for this eye-opening dialogue as we seek practical solutions to keep our athletes healthy and performing at their best. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review!
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Hear from someone who invested 40k to Area Scouts with zero to show. He is currently locked out from the platform. Requests for a refund have been fruitless. You decide if Area Scouts is an honest company helping kids or if it operates off of other people’s business ideas and vast amounts of money from unsuspecting buyers. I am sure there will be another episode on this topic
In one hour, we only scratched the surface.
If you or someone you know has a similar story with Area Scouts, please contact Bret Judkins at: Bhjudkins@yahoo.com
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Special Guest: JAMES ROONEY, a 25-year veteran of Major League Baseball as a Player, Coach, and Coordinator. https://rooneybaseball.com/ and https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-433-toe-the-rubber-with-jim-rooney/id1624830660?i=1000643714781
We discuss the kinematic sequence of pitching and how excessive positions like layback can be dangerous to arm health.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
A deep dive into the "benefits", misinformation and DANGERS of Long Toss.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
The big debate of baseball specialization vs. playing multiple sports and how that may affect the injury rate in baseball.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Pitch Count alone is jut an arbitrary number. Pitch Count does not consider movement, strength, mechanics, fatigue, etc.
Dr. Kevin and Dr. Clay offer strategies in addition to pitch count to help save arms.
Parents and coaches do not miss this episode.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Real-life stories of medical professionals giving opinions or advice opposite of the panel. A challenged Nay Sayer wimps out and does not come on to debate! Oh Well!
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
We have a deep dive discussion about parental interference in the process of trying to help their kid. This interence is leading to unresolved injuries and increasing the injury rate.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Dr. Kevin and Dr. Clay offer their practices on exactly what they do for armcare. If you think it just involves your arm, you need to listen!
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Send us a text
Throwing down hill is vital for many reasons. In this podcast we identified our Top 5.
Support the show
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
The Scapular Humeral Rhythm (SHR) is a movement law often disregarded by pitching instructors, leading to injuries such as shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, UCL tears, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Dr. Kevin and Clay examine the SHR in depth and explain how it is consistently violated. They expertly explain how to avoid injury, what to look for if you do have this issue, and why most healthcare professionals mishandle its treatment.
They also review the KINETIC ARM.t Law, which is consistently broken by pitching instructors and leads to injuries such as shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, UCL tears, and Thoracic Outlet injuries.
kineticarm #pitching #pitchinginjury #velocityrx
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
SPECIAL GUEST: Dr. Clay Hammons, PT
1. What exactly is Little League Elbow?
2. What are the causes of Little League Elbow?
3. Tommy John and Little League Elbow: Are they the same?
4. How serious is this injury?
5. What is the treatment now?
6. What should the treatment be?
7. How do you prevent re-injury?
8. How do we stop injuring kids????
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
This is a great three-way conversation about baseball injuries from a nutrition and physical therapy standpoint! We will discuss what foods to eat to stay healthy, what foods to eat in-season and off-season, how to choose a physical therapist, and what steps to take when an injury occurs to get your kid the absolute best care.
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
A sound discussion on neurodevelopment and how one uses the Laws of neurological human development to move proximally to distal by mastering these 2 movements.
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Velocity Rx welcomes Dr. Clay Hammons, a physical therapist and pitching coach in Atlanta. We have a great discussion about adolescent arm injuries stemming from plain overuse.
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Pitch Smart was a good start, but we must step up our game to help save arms. Check out this new idea.....
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
This tip will increase your velocity and help save your arm. It is the Million Dollar Tip!
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
The Mission to Save One Million Arms has specific benchmarks and levels to get a pitcher at any level, healthy or unhealthy, pitching at their very best as quickly as possible.
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
How Can You Study The Effects of Throwing Without a Consensus on the Quality of the Actual Movement? Baseball is in desperate need of a pitching avatar.
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
A deep dive into Arm Care, Pitching, and techniques to stay healthy
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Dr. Kevin details the drop and drive vs the drift pitching mechanic.
Dr. Kevin had a favorite and went into detail about his pick and how the other teaching could cause injury.
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Dr. Kevin McGovern delves into his own story. He tore his UCL while playing in a men's league.
Due to many factors, he decided not to get Tommy John Surgery. However, he still wanted to pitch!
He taught himself how to throw effectively without a UCL. That's right!
Listen to the story!
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Podcast Title: "Velocity Rx Insights: Pitching Mastery Unveiled"
Welcome to "Velocity Rx Insights," the podcast where we dive deep into the art and science of pitching mastery. Join Dr. Kevin J McGovern, PT, founder of Velocity Rx, as he shares invaluable insights, expert interviews, and cutting-edge strategies to revolutionize your approach to pitching.
In each episode, Dr. McGovern unravels the secrets behind Velocity Rx, the transformative program designed for middle and high school-aged pitchers. Discover the nuances of biomechanics, the intricacies of pitching mechanics, and the science-driven methods that enhance velocity while preserving arm health.
Whether you're a young pitcher, a coach, or a parent passionate about the game, this podcast offers a wealth of knowledge to elevate your understanding of pitching dynamics. Dr. McGovern, a leading expert in sports therapy, provides actionable tips, real-world anecdotes, and the latest advancements in training techniques.
Join us on "Velocity Rx Insights" as we explore the journey to pitching excellence. Subscribe now to unlock the secrets that will propel your performance to new heights and safeguard the future of one million arms.
Subscribe today for a front-row seat to the future of pitching mastery!
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Depending on where your weight is on your back leg and/or plant foot can mean the difference between a ball, a strike, velocity, or injury! Do not miss this episode.
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Velocity Rx is a medically designed pitching performance and arm care program.
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
The Hip to Shoulder Separation taught in pitching instruction is the direct casue of shoulder and elbow injuries.
The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.
Dr. Sean Walsh, PT, is a Tampa area Sports PT with a mobile practice. We talk about how bad social media is for movement or exercise information.
A fantastic interview with Dr. Max Shippen, PT, who is a physical therapist and entrepreneur. He has established a mobile cash-based PT practice. He used his free time during COVID to create and develop his own practice management software.
- I interviewed Jeff about his training methods during his playing days. We talk about what he did a why.
- We discussed all of the significant injuries that Jeff had.
- We talk about what players are doing today for workouts.
- Why are they injured so much? Training, softness, money...we cover it all.
David Weck is the creator of the BOSU and the Wech Method of functional movement. Even he was a victim of cancel culture when a group of "Doctors and Scientists" created a "study" about how the spine should be kept rigid and not dynamically move. The study has since been proven false, but the damage was done...
Suzanne Cryst, a veteran Registered Dietician explains your vision of creating an online community to help caregivers who help their aging parents. This hits home because I had to do this alone for my elderly parents until they passed away. I wish a service like this were available.
Dr. Seyforth is a cash based physical therapist. His practice, Comeback Performance and Wellness, is located inside of a Denver area Cross-Fit Gym.
He works with barbell and baseball athletes.
Dr. Laura is a former Division One Cheerleader. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She owns Move Better, LLC which is a physical therapy company dedicated to helping cheerleaders recover from injury and increase their performance. She is a colleague and I am proud to call her my friend!
Dr. Shavelson is a retired podiatrist. He and Dr. Kevin discuss the benefit to the patient and the community of a cash-based practice.
Dr. Shavelson talk about his passion now which is health coaching.
Dr. Shavelson also talks about his "foot mapping" certification. Did you know there were 5 different foot types? This a a great take if you are interested at all in improving your health.
health #foothealth #physicaltherapy #sportmedicine #healthcoach
Pronation is the anti-movement. If you are pronating when you take the ball from the glove, you are putting your arm at a complete mechanical disadvantage and severely increase the chance for injury.
This episode goes into detail about the Sacrolial Joint and how this area is responsible for a lot of back pain-related issues
"Shoulder Pain No More" is a podcast dedicated to educating listeners about shoulder injuries, movement testing, and corrective exercises to fix dysfunction. Hosted by an expert in the field of orthopedic rehabilitation, this podcast delves into the latest research and techniques for preventing and treating shoulder injuries. From understanding the anatomy of the shoulder and common causes of pain, to exploring the best exercises for rehabbing and strengthening the shoulder, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone dealing with shoulder pain or looking to prevent it. Whether you're a competitive athlete or just someone looking to improve your overall health, "Shoulder Pain No More" has the information and guidance you need to get back to feeling your best.
In the pilot podcast Dr. McGovern, PT, gives a history of his career and the cool history of the show's name. He states that the purpose of the show is to help and educate people about injury and how physical therapy can help. He has promised many cool guests and exciting information to keep the audience tuned in.