Whether they play baseball or softball, pitchers know that the activity can come with shoulder pain. Throwing a ball at speed requires a complex, coordinated motion that involves arm and shoulder muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bone. The next time you experience discomfort caused by pitching, practice the tips below.

How to Relieve Shoulder Pain From Pitching

1. Ice and Medication

Ice can relieve pain from any injury, whether caused by baseball pitching or another sport. Applying it to your shoulder slows blood flow, reducing swelling and inflammation. However, blood flow is necessary to promote healing, so you should only use a cold pack for 15 to 20 minutes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help with pain and discomfort. Common over-the-counter options include aspirin and ibuprofen.

2. Rest

Even elite professional baseball players rest during the off-season, so you should find time to recuperate, too. Overusing the shoulder muscles can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to young athletes. Adult amateurs should also be careful of how much and how frequently they pitch, resting more regularly if they experience pain. 

How often you should take a break will vary depending on your age and the number of plays made during the day. You should also keep track of how many pitches you make in a game to avoid shoulder discomfort.

3. Rotator Cuff Exercises

Exercises that stretch and strengthen the rotator cuff can treat and prevent shoulder aches. They increase blood flow to the area, encouraging faster healing. Initially, the exercises should be done below shoulder level, then slowly progress upward. For the prevention of future injuries, strength training will help stabilize the joint and tone muscles that support the throwing motion. 

Focus on exercises like push-ups, chin-ups, and dumbbell work, but avoid others that stress the shoulder, such as bench presses and Olympic lifts. Always observe the proper form to keep the body in top condition, consulting a professional trainer for tips. 

When you're ready to train for a new baseball season, visit Line Drive Indoor Batting in Jupiter, FL. This training center offers kids, teens, and parents 8,000 square feet of space with Major League-level instructors and modern training equipment. They use the HitTrax® and Rapsodo® Pitching Unit systems to train players, providing real-time stats of various elements, including spin rates and launch angles. For more information on their cages, visit their website or call (561) 283-6614.