How to Pitch After a Dislocated Shoulder
A dislocated shoulder is a painful, game-changing injury for a baseball pitcher. The road to recovery is long and arduous, and it requires patience. Attempting to return too quickly could exacerbate the injury and cause irreversible damage.
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Instructions
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Prepare yourself for a long, uphill battle. According to Dr. Gerard Varlotta, director of sports rehabilitation at the New York University Medical Center, most players don't regain 100 percent of their former pitching ability after a severe shoulder injury. You can increase your chances of making a strong recovery by being willing to work with your physical therapist over an extended period.
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Do everything you can to speed the healing process. Ice packs help keep the swelling down. You'll probably receive a shoulder sling to keep your shoulder in place and prevent strain. Wear it for the duration recommended by your doctor. You also might be prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. If so, take it exactly as instructed.
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Allow plenty of time for your shoulder to heal. Your coaches and teammates might pressure you to return before your shoulder is fully healed, but that could lead to another injury and reduce the chances of a full recovery. Note that surgery is not always necessary in the case of dislocation; it depends on the severity of the injury.
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You might not be able to throw the same types of pitches you were accustomed to before the dislocation. Former New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden lost a good deal of his pitching velocity after recovering from shoulder surgery. As a result, he began to throw more sliders, curveballs and change-ups. His fastballs lost their power and received a lower priority in his approach.
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Make your return to pitching a gradual process. After your recovery, your shoulder might be stiff and sore. The last thing you want to do is start throwing your hardest fastballs on your first days back on the mound. Give your shoulder ample time for the burden of throwing hard.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact other athletes with a similar injuries. Building a support network is a vital component of a healthy recovery.
Heed your doctor's advice, but seek a second opinion if you have unresolved questions.
