After spending most of last week in bed with a fever and a throat infection, it makes one really appreciate being healthy. Not something to ever take for granted, that’s for sure! With that being said, let’s talk about overcoming pitching injuries and getting back on the mound. Injuries are a part of the game. I had Tommy John surgery when I was a junior in high school. That was long before the recent epidemic that plagues teenagers nowadays. I also had a lower back injury and an elbow chip fracture. So I want to share with you today 5 Things You NEED TO KNOW for Overcoming Pitching Injuries.

 

Overcoming Pitching Injuries
#1 Trust The Process

Once the road to recovery begins, you have to fully commit yourself to being healed. That is whether it requires surgery or not. So as the doctor’s words resonate with you, stay focused every day that you will get back on the mound. Keep a positive mindset that this will work. Take it one day at a time and understand that setbacks can occur. So don’t let them discourage you! Gather yourself and move forward. The deeper one gets into the recovery process, the faster the progress goes. The return date is almost tangible. 

 

Overcoming Pitching Injuries
#2 Don’t CHEAT The Rehab

This is the foundation of regaining the strength which you lost. Additionally, possibly adding new strength which you may have never known existed. Therefore, regimentation with your rehab is vital. Show up on time! (That is Big). Listen to the therapist! And allow him or her to push you! When they give you exercises to take home with you, DO THEM!!! The objective of rehab is to get you back on the mound and to stay there.

 

Overcoming Pitching Injuries
#3 Listen To Your Body

Naturally, after an injury, you will be more intuned with that part of your body. Understand that in the beginning, you will have to pace yourself. Don’t over do it early on! When you body tells you to ease up or even STOP! Do so accordingly. When your trainer pushes you in an exercise, because they will, live up to their expectations!

 

Overcoming Pitching Injuries
#4 Playing Catch Up

As you missed some time, you have some skill work to regain. Even have to rebuild the In Game Stamina on which we rely very heavily. Therefore, evaluate where your current weaknesses are and how severe they may be. Can certain weakness be fixed in just a few tweaks? Sure! Then there are important assets of your game, which are further away from your preference. Assess them and dedicate yourself to executing such with full conviction again. Keep in mind, Once you get into a routine of a throwing program and bullpen sessions, they will transition quickly back to being your “Go To Strengths!”

 

Overcoming Pitching Injuries
#5 Injuries Make You Value The Game

As you were forced to be a spectator, you saw your friends and teammates enjoy this great game without you. Oh yeah, it stings!!! No doubt! At the same time, it lights that fire inside of you to make the most of the next opportunity. It also drives us to do what is required to stay healthy. You are quickly reminded how priceless of a commodity that is. Baseball is a very humbling game in many ways. It is our love for the greatest sport on Earth that keeps bringing us back with a Vengeance!!!

 

Keep Dominating!!!