Strength in Numbers #110
In the world of sports, throwing arm injuries are often viewed as setbacks, causing frustration, disappointment, and isolation. Yet, hidden within the struggles lie valuable lessons that can shape an athlete’s body, mind, and character.
I am going to talk about the light amongst the darkness as it relates to throwing arm injuries. While challenging, the process can ultimately be transformative, cultivating strength, resilience, and a newfound appreciation for holistic well-being.
The Forge of Struggle
Throwing arm injuries test an athlete’s mental and physical limits. The darkness surrounding the inability to compete, isolation from teammates, and the monotony of rehabilitation can be daunting.
However, these trials serve as the forge where both body and mind are strengthened. The struggle to heal is a journey of self-discovery and growth, revealing the true depths of an athlete’s resilience. When athletes surmount both the physical and emotional side of injuries, the struggle becomes strength.
Building Character and Appreciation
Adversity breeds character. Enduring the rigors of recovery molds an athlete’s character, fostering qualities such as patience, determination, and humility. The newfound appreciation for the simple act of competing and the camaraderie of teammates can be a catalyst for profound personal growth. The adage is that misery loves company, but that company is what athletes need in a time of support.
Refining Training and Monitoring
Data-led training is what separates pro athletes apart from everyone else. They take their return to performance seriously; they want the metrics to reinforce their hard work and keep those who are guiding their performance accountable for improving results. You don’t have to be an MLB player to train like one, but if you get hurt, you must understand why in the same manner that a pro does.
Throwing arm injuries prompt athletes to reevaluate their training and monitoring processes. With a renewed focus on prevention, athletes refine their techniques, implement effective warm-ups, and incorporate proper recovery protocols. This refinement mitigates re-injury risk, ensuring that each throw is a step toward lasting success. This is also why players perform better after injury because they have focused on their preparation and habits.
Nothing is better than the portable strength and range of motion testing the ArmCare platform offers. When athletes know where their arm stands, they know what needs to be corrected and prevent anything from happening to their throwing arm in the future.
COMBAT PAIN
In my experience, all injuries started with painful throwing. As the athlete continued to plow through, the extent of their pain increased, the amount of soft-tissue damage increased, and the athlete’s stress level increased. The combination often leads to the knife if an athlete is reluctant to take time off.
DURABILITY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ABILITY. To become a durable pitcher, you need to correct throwing arm strength and length imbalances and deficits. But on top of that, you need to know how to manage pain as the precursor to serious injury. If you want to stop it, it’s time to take ArmCare’s new Eliminating Arm Pain and Soreness Course, which is coming soon.
The ArmCare platform will make athletes stronger, but do you want to go through the darkness to see the light? Develop processes now, educate yourself better, and integrate data-led insights to individualize your player health and performance programs.
The college season is starting soon. Check the fuel on your rocket launchers before blasting off, and you will take your team to the moon.