Kids are getting involved in sports earlier than ever, with many young athletes taking to the baseball or softball field before they even start school. The drive to be competitive can sometimes lead to a mindset where pushing through pain feels necessary to succeed. But here’s the truth: pitching, whether in baseball or softball, shouldn’t hurt. It’s easy to dismiss the pain when you’re seeing results on the mound, but improper techniques and ignoring discomfort can turn what seems like a minor issue into a chronic problem. So, how do you know when that discomfort is something you shouldn’t ignore – and what can be done to keep your pitcher healthy?
The Difference in Soreness and Pain
When it comes to pitching, there's a big difference between feeling sore and feeling pain, and knowing which is which can make all the difference in keeping a young athlete healthy. Soreness is pretty normal – especially after a tough game or a long practice. It's that tight, tired feeling in your muscles that usually goes away after some rest and maybe a bit of stretching. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, that was a workout!” and it's usually nothing to worry about.
Pain, on the other hand, is a red flag. Unlike soreness, pain can show up as a dull ache that just won’t go away, or it might be a sharp sensation that comes and goes, especially during certain movements. Whether it’s constant or only shows up when you’re pitching, pain is a sign that something isn’t right. It might be tempting to ignore it, especially if you’re focused on the game or don’t want to lose your spot in the rotation, but pain is your body’s way of telling you that you need to stop and address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.
What Can Cause Pain While Pitching?
In baseball, pain among pitchers is often caused by improper mechanics and overuse. Studies indicate that up to 45% of youth baseball pitchers experience arm pain during a season, frequently due to poor form, like incorrect arm angles or inadequate follow-through. Overuse is another major factor, with pitchers who exceed recommended pitch counts or don't get enough rest facing a higher risk of injuries like rotator cuff tears and elbow issues.
In fastpitch softball, pitchers often experience pain due to improper mechanics and overuse, with common issues including rotator cuff injuries, bicep strains and tendonitis. Research shows that up to 30% of collegiate softball pitchers report shoulder or elbow pain during their careers, largely due to overuse and poor technique in their formative years. Additionally, the biomechanics of a woman’s body can contribute to back, hip and knee issues, making it crucial for pitchers to focus on correct technique and avoid overuse to prevent long-term damage.
As the trend of early specialization in youth sports continues to rise, it's important to understand its impact on young athletes. Recent studies show that approximately 70% of young athletes specialize in a single sport by age 12, often starting as early as eight years old. This early specialization can increase the risk of overuse injuries and stress on the body, making proper conditioning and injury prevention even more critical.
What to Do if You’re Experiencing Pain
If you experience pain while pitching, the first step is to stop and listen to your body. Brushing it off can cause further, more chronic problems that aren’t easy to resolve and impact you for the rest of your life. The next step is to visit a doctor who can evaluate your condition and provide a proper diagnosis. They might recommend therapy to treat the issue or suggest strength training to build up the supporting muscles, which can help take the strain off the larger muscle groups involved in pitching.
If these initial steps don’t fully resolve the pain, it might be time to consult a functional movement trainer or corrective exercise therapist. These professionals can assess your pitching mechanics and identify any movement patterns that could be contributing to the problem. By addressing the root cause, you can work on correcting your motion and prevent further issues. Taking these steps not only helps treat the pain but also strengthens your body to reduce the risk of future injuries.
What Happens if You Continue to Ignore the Pain?
Ignoring pain while pitching can lead to significant and often irreversible consequences. Initially, the discomfort might seem manageable, but continuing to push through it can worsen the problem, potentially resulting in severe injuries like tears or ligament damage. Over time, untreated pain can lead to chronic conditions such as tendonitis or arthritis, which may persist into adulthood and impact daily activities. Additionally, ignoring these issues can escalate the need for more serious treatments, including surgery, to address the damage. Beyond physical damage, neglecting pain can affect a player’s performance, confidence and enjoyment of the game.
How Can You Prevent Pain While Pitching?
Preventing pain while pitching, whether in baseball or softball, involves a mix of proper technique, effective conditioning and mindful practices. Start by focusing on correct pitching mechanics, as poor form can put undue stress on the body. For athletes specializing in baseball or softball, a comprehensive lifting and conditioning program helps strengthen muscle groups that are not fully engaged during pitching, offering additional support and reducing injury risk.
Year-round training, practice and play starting in the formative years can lead to significant wear and tear on a young athlete’s body. This continuous stress often results in chronic injuries and overuse issues, which can affect their long-term health and performance well into adulthood. To preserve overall wellness and prevent such issues, it's crucial for young athletes to take regular breaks and allow their bodies time to recover.
Proper warm-up and cool-down routines can also prepare your body for pitching demands and help prevent strain. Most importantly, listen to your body; if you experience pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor, your coaches and your instructors to ensure you are all on the same page regarding prevention and treatment.
If you have an athlete returning from injury, dealing with chronic issues or looking to start their instruction off with the proper mechanics and foundation, reach out to the team at Elevate Sports Training in Dayton. We have specialty instructors in all facets of the game, including pitching, hitting, catching, fielding and throwing, as well as trainers providing functional movement assessments and strength and conditioning programs. Let us Elevate your athlete’s skills – and overall wellness – with our comprehensive training packages! To learn more, give us a call at (937) 848-1990 or shoot an email to elevatesportsdayton@gmail.com.
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