If you're a pitcher, you play an essential role in baseball. Hundreds of pitches are thrown during an average game, which can lead to hundreds of pain-inducing shoulder rotations. Your pitching arm is essential, so you must care for it properly. Here are a few ways to relieve pain and discomfort so you can remain competitive. 

How Can You Reduce Shoulder Pain While Pitching?

1. Take a Rest When Necessary

Sudden pain or a popping sensation in the shoulder means you need rest. While it can be difficult to stop playing, taking a break is necessary for your future in baseball. A two-week pause is usually sufficient, especially if you take the necessary steps towards recovery. For example, apply a cold compress to the affected area for 20 minutes to bring down swelling and discomfort. Repeat three to four times each day for the best results. 

2. Build Upper-Body Strength

The ball-and-socket joint in the shoulder must be supported by the surrounding muscles to prevent injuries and pain. It's helpful to be diligent about rest when you're in pain, but you'll keep experiencing issues if you don't increase your upper body strength. Fortunately, there are many exercises you can do. Pick two days each week to work on your upper body and perform pushups, dumbbell presses, and rows. 

3. Monitor Technique

Repetitive stress is a constant risk during baseball. However, you may be able to alter your pitching technique and place less stress on your shoulders. Pay close attention to the late-cocking and follow-through phases. The late-cocking phase is when most of the speed on your pitch is generated, but this process can also stress the ligaments by pushing the head of the humerus bone forward. The ligaments and tendons also experience stress on the follow-through as the arm decelerates. 

Improve your technique with the seasoned instructors at Line Drive Indoor Batting in Jupiter, FL. Their 8,000-square-foot facility is full of batting cages and HitTrax® technology that will help you focus on your abilities. Call (561) 283-6614 to reserve a cage, or visit the website to learn more about pricing and rates.