How Much Pain Is Ok For Baseball Pitchers?

orthopedic surgeon in NYC

If you’re a baseball player, strenuous physical activity has a massive impact on your body. According to WebMD, more than ¾ of baseball pitchers suffer pitching injuries before their All-Star Break. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, our expert orthopedic surgeon in NYC helps prevent further damage by providing a diagnosis and proper treatment. 

What are Common Baseball Injuries Seen At An Orthopedic Surgeon in NYC?

Although all players are prone to injuries, adolescent players are more susceptible to injuries due to underdeveloped skeleton and limbs. To prevent injury, it is important to recognize the common injuries in baseball. The common injuries include:

  • Shoulder and Elbow: Baseball pitchers have a higher percentage of injuries due to the motion of throwing being a common movement. This is considered an overuse injury because it impacts the pitcher’s shoulder and elbow. 
  • Knee: Catchers tend to have minor injuries from squatting when catching baseballs. 
  • Achilles Tendon: Baseball is considered to be a strenuous sport. Strenuous activity often causes injuries in the leg to the Achilles tendon due to pressure and force.
  • Concussion: There is always a risk of head injury in every sport. Concussions affect your brain function and cause minimal to severe damage depending on the impact.
  • General Common Throwing Injuries: Specific shoulder and elbow injuries include common throwing injuries. 
    • Slap Tear: The long head of the bicep tendon is attached to the labrum. The slap tear affects the attachment of the bicep and labrum.
    • Bicep Tendonitis: The upper bicep tendons become inflamed which can cause a tear.
    • Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: If the rotator cuff is overworked, its attachment to the humerus won’t fully attach.

Common baseball injuries can cause severe damage. These injuries are treated with care by our orthopedic surgeon in NYC. With a diagnosis, we will ensure that you learn about your current condition so that together, we can create and manage the right treatment plan that fits best.

What Symptoms are Caused By Shoulder Injuries?

Symptoms of a shoulder injury vary. However, pain is a common symptom due to inflammation and irritation. The pain is usually described as an aching or dull pain. Sometimes, a pitcher will feel a locking sensation in their shoulder or a loose feeling of their shoulder coming out of their socket. Since there are specific symptoms that vary depending on the condition, it is important to take note of where it feels “wrong.” This will help our orthopedic surgeon in NYC determine how severe the injury is and if it requires treatment such as surgery.

What Treatment is Available?

Sports injuries are difficult to treat without the proper diagnosis. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, our orthopedic surgeon in NYC will work with you at this difficult time. Treatment methods include rest, exercise, PRP and hyaluronic acid injections, and surgical treatment.

  • Activity Modification: Finding easier ways of doing a daily routine is essential during recovery.
  • Ice: This helps relieve inflammation and swelling.
  • Non-steroid and Anti-inflammatory Drugs: This helps relieve inflammation and swelling.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy improves your range of motion and helps mobility. 
  • Surgical Treatment: If the injury is severe, a surgical operation is needed. Arthroscopy is performed by our orthopedic surgeon by inserting tiny cameras through the incision to help guide the surgical procedure when inserting an arthroscope into the shoulder joint. Incisions are made to repair the damage.

How Much Pain Is Ok For Baseball Pitchers?

Baseball pitchers are prone to shoulder injuries like the condition, “pitcher’s shoulder.” Pitcher’s shoulder is a condition that is caused by pressure on the rotator cuff. This happens when pitchers repeatedly throw at an accelerated speed. According to OrthoInfo, the late-cocking and follow-through phases have the most pressure on the shoulder.

  • Late-cocking Phase: During this phase, the pitcher brings the arm and hand up which is the position called external rotation. This repetitive movement puts strain on the ligaments causing strain over time.
  • Follow-through Phase: During this phase, internal rotation during acceleration of the throwing motion causes the ligaments and rotator cuff to feel the stress of the throwing motion. The ligaments and rotator cuff will slow down the arm to control the humeral head in the shoulder.

Since pitcher’s shoulder is considered an overuse injury, the pain will vary over time. Pain is inevitable so, it is important to prevent straining by learning proper conditioning and technique to prevent further damage. 

New York Sports Medicine Institute: Orthopedic Surgeon in NYC


At New York Sports Medicine Institute, our orthopedic surgeon in NYC will provide you with the best care. We understand that this time is difficult and that is why we are here to help. Contact us now to schedule an appointment with your orthopedic surgeon in NYC.

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