Post-pitch recovery

Before leaving

• Record the game-pitch total.
• Record other throwing and any symptoms.
• Confirm the next eligible pitching date.
• Cool down with easy movement.
• Begin fluids and a balanced snack or meal.

At home

• Protect the required pitching rest.
• Avoid extra hard throwing on recovery days.
• Prioritize sleep and normal meals.
• Check for pain, swelling, lost motion or performance changes.
• Follow medical restrictions exactly.

About cold therapy

A wrapped cold pack may provide short-term comfort for minor post-activity soreness. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Limit use to about 20 minutes at a time and stop if the skin becomes numb or painful.

Pain needs attention

Cold therapy is not a reason to continue throwing and is not a substitute for evaluation. Stop throwing and seek medical attention for joint pain, persistent or worsening soreness, swelling, weakness, lost motion, numbness, altered mechanics or reduced performance.

Parent rule: recovery begins with workload control and symptom reporting, not with a single treatment.