Despite being a relatively stationary position, baseball pitching injuries are quite common. The repetitive throwing motion makes pitchers as prone to injuries as any other player on the field.

Although pitchers can develop injuries within the lower body, majority of the problems develop within their throwing arm. The most common baseball pitching injuries tend to involve the rotator cuff or the elbow.

Check out our infographic below to see where the injury is most likely to occur.

pitching infographic
  1. Oblique Strains

The oblique muscle runs the length of the torso and helps the body rotate, making it essential to a pitcher’s delivery. Oblique strains typically involve six to eight weeks of recovery.

  1. Never Miss a Beat!

    Get Healthy Tips Sent to Your Phone!

    Message and data rates may apply. Text the word STOP to opt out and HELP for help. Click here to view the privacy and terms.

    Labral Tears

Also knows as a Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior or SLAP tear, this injury occurs when the labrum (the tissue that helps stabilize the joint) is injured and is characterized by pain deep in the shoulder.

  1. Elbow Tendinitis

Tendinitis can affect multiple areas of a pitcher’s arm, but most commonly occurs in the elbow. Recovery time is based on severity, but athletes are typically able to return to a healthy status within a few weeks.

  1. Ulnal Collateral Ligament Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery)

This condition is a result of the repetitive use of the elbow. This procedure, named after professional pitcher Tommy John, can take up to one year to recover.

  1. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

This injury occurs as a result of tissue in the rotator cuff being irritated from overuse or degenerations, and may result in difficulty fully rotating the arm without pain.

For more information on sports injuries and rehabilitation, visit the UPMC Sports Medicine website.

About Sports Medicine

An athletic lifestyle carries the potential for injury. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, UPMC Sports Medicine can help. If you are looking to prevent, treat, or rehabilitate a sports injury, our multidisciplinary team of experts can help you get back into the game. If you are seeking to improve your athletic performance, we can work with you to meet your goals. We serve athletes and active people of all ages and experience levels. Our goal is to help you keep doing what you love. Visit our website to find a specialist near you.