Last off-season, I worked hard at building up the strength of my arm (bands and long toss) and working on proper mechanics. I got my arm to the point where it always felt 100%. However, one day out of the blue, my arm felt a little sore. I thought nothing of it, and just felt that my arm may be a little tired and it is normal for someone who throws a lot to be sore. So, I played through that game, and told my coach. The next game, I still felt sore, but continued to play. On a cutoff play, I was forced to make a long throw. After I made the throw, my arm went dead. I couldn't lift it if I tried. After the inning, I told my coach there was no way I could play the rest of the game. Smart decision on my part, but too late. I underwent rehab the whole summer and was unable to perform at my best level. I lost aobut 10 MPH on my velocity from short to first, and played a whole summer season at second base with some pain in my shoulder. The pain eventually went away with a proper throwing program, and this off-season I've been able to work my way back to where my arm was at the beginning of last season. I was fortunate enough to avoid surgery, but I know people who have had to receive surgery for this kind of injury. It is a rough process, but an experience I will never forget. You need to rest your arm and make the pain go away through stretching, icing, and rest. Eventually, the pain will be gone and you will be back to normal. Just be smart, and know your limits. No one knows your body like you do, so you make the decision.
