If your shoulder or elbow feels sore a day or two after throwing, don’t panic. Experiencing mild to moderate arm soreness is perfectly normal for pitchers, quarterbacks, and other individuals who participate in throwing sports. This is especially true for athletes who make frequent overhead throws, which places a significant amount of strain on key joints in the arm.

To help prevent arm soreness or ease pain after a practice or game, be sure to follow these simple tips:

• Thoroughly warm up before throwing.
• Use a proper throwing motion and consult with a trainer or coach if you’re unsure about your technique.
• Participate in a training or conditioning program to help keep your muscles in playing shape.
• Ice your shoulder or elbow (or both) immediately after a pitching outing or throwing session. It may also be helpful to ice the sore area of your arm three to four times a day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
• Take an anti-inflammatory medication as directed to help relieve soreness after throwing.
• Listen to your body and take a break if you experience soreness or pain while throwing.

Of course, it’s also important for athletes—particularly children and adolescents—to rest for an adequate amount of time after a period of frequent throwing. You can view age-based pitching guidelines from Major League Baseball and USA Baseball here and on the MLB website.

When to Seek Medical Care for Soreness After Throwing

So, here’s the big question: When should you be concerned about soreness after throwing? Every athlete is different, but “acceptable” discomfort in the arm should subside fairly quickly on its own. With that in mind, it’s always a good idea to speak with a sports medicine or orthopedic specialist if:

• Soreness persists despite self-care measures like rest, ice therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication
• Any pain occurs, especially if it alters throwing motion or hinders athletic performance
• You suspect your discomfort is caused by an injury, such as a rotator cuff tear or tendinitis

Our Approach to Throwing Injuries & Sports Medicine

Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group is a division of Florida Medical Clinic, the longest-operating orthopedic practice in the Tampa Bay area and a trusted source for sports medicine services among athletes of all levels. Our center is led by orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Daniel Murphy and sports medicine specialist Dr. Arnold Ramirez—two board-certified physicians who also serve on the medical staffs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Yankees.

Collaborating as a team, our experts provide a full scope of conservative and surgical care for patients with throwing injuries. From progressive treatments like PRP therapy and minimally invasive procedures to time-tested approaches like physical therapy and immobilization, Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group offers comprehensive and coordinated care to all types of throwing athletes.

Contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today at (813) 253-2406 or request an appointment online to speak with a specialist on our team. We serve adolescent and adult patients at our center in South Tampa and accept most major health insurance plans.