Shoulder Pain and Muscle Weakness After Baseball Pitching

After pitching in baseball, the pitcher may experience pain and muscle spasms?

I have slightly rounded shoulders.
After throwing a ball, my arm feels weak, and I experience pain and twitching in my biceps, the inner and posterior sides of my elbow, and the front of my shoulder, particularly in the deltoid muscle.
When I extend my right arm to the left, upward, or backward, it feels tight and painful.
When I slightly exert my arm to straighten my elbow, I hear a popping sound.
There are also continuous popping sounds when I rotate my shoulder.
Pressing on these areas causes pain.
I would like to seek a doctor's help for clarification.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/26

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Excessive use can lead to muscle fatigue and soreness; it is recommended to apply ice and rest afterward.

Reply Date: 2017/04/26

More Info

Shoulder pain and muscle weakness after pitching in baseball can be quite common, especially among players who frequently engage in throwing activities. The symptoms you've described—pain in the biceps, inner elbow, posterior shoulder, and anterior shoulder, along with a clicking sound when extending the arm—suggest that you may be experiencing a combination of overuse injuries and potential structural issues in the shoulder and elbow.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Muscle Weakness: The weakness you feel in your arm after pitching could be attributed to muscle fatigue or strain. The shoulder and arm muscles, particularly the rotator cuff and the biceps, are heavily engaged during pitching. Overuse can lead to muscle fatigue, which may manifest as weakness.

2. Pain and Clicking Sounds: The pain in the biceps and shoulder, along with the clicking or popping sounds, could indicate several issues:
- Rotator Cuff Injury: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Overuse can lead to inflammation or tears, causing pain and weakness.

- Biceps Tendonitis: Inflammation of the biceps tendon can cause pain in the front of the shoulder and may also lead to a clicking sound during movement.

- Labral Tear: The labrum is a cartilage structure that helps stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear can cause pain and a sensation of instability, along with clicking sounds.

- Shoulder Impingement: This occurs when the shoulder blade puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues when you raise your arm, leading to pain and weakness.

3. Pain with Movement: The pain you experience when extending your arm or rotating your shoulder suggests that certain movements are aggravating the underlying issue. This could be due to inflammation, muscle strain, or structural problems within the shoulder joint.

Recommendations for Management
1. Rest and Ice: Initially, it’s crucial to rest the affected arm and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. Applying ice to the shoulder for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a physical therapy program can be beneficial. A physical therapist can assess your shoulder mechanics and develop a tailored rehabilitation program that includes:
- Strengthening Exercises: Focus on strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers to improve shoulder stability and function.

- Stretching: Gentle stretching of the shoulder and arm muscles can help improve flexibility and reduce tightness.

- Range of Motion Exercises: These exercises can help maintain or improve the range of motion in your shoulder joint.

3. Modify Activities: If you continue to experience pain, consider modifying your pitching technique or reducing the frequency of pitching sessions. Consulting with a coach or a sports specialist can provide insights into proper mechanics that may alleviate stress on your shoulder.

4. Medical Evaluation: If symptoms persist despite conservative management, it’s essential to seek a thorough evaluation from a sports medicine physician. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI, to assess for any structural injuries like tears or impingement.

5. Gradual Return to Activity: Once your symptoms improve, gradually return to pitching, ensuring you incorporate proper warm-up and cool-down routines. This includes dynamic stretching before activity and static stretching afterward.

Conclusion
In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing after pitching could be indicative of overuse injuries common in baseball players. It’s essential to address these symptoms early to prevent further complications. Rest, ice, physical therapy, and a proper evaluation by a medical professional are key steps in managing your shoulder pain and muscle weakness effectively. Remember, listening to your body and allowing adequate recovery time is crucial for long-term performance and health in sports.

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