Warm-up and arm care
Prepare to throw. Recover to play.
For athletes and parents
Before throwing
- Raise temperature: three to five minutes of easy movement.
- Move dynamically: leg swings, trunk turns, lunges and arm circles.
- Prepare movement: squats, lateral shuffles and short accelerations.
- Activate: controlled shoulder work when properly coached.
- Throw gradually: begin close and easy, then increase.
After activity
- Cool down with easy movement.
- Rehydrate and eat a balanced snack or meal.
- Record pitches, other throwing and symptoms.
- Follow required rest and restrictions.
- Avoid extra hard throwing on recovery days.
- Prioritize consistent sleep.
Remember: warm up to throw. Do not use hard throwing as the warm-up, force motion or stretch into pain.
Primary guidance: MLB/USA Baseball Pitch Smart | AAOS throwing injuries
Seeing SLMA Sports Medicine
Joseph Michael Garcia, MD
Primary Care Sports Medicine & Family Medicine
Joseph Michael Garcia, MD is a physician specializing in family medicine and sports medicine. Fellowship trained in sports medicine at the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, residency at LSU – Alexandria, and board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He cares for athletes of every age — injury evaluation, non-surgical treatment, concussion care, sports physicals, and return-to-play planning.
Call to be seen985-262-1639
SLMA Comprehensive Health Clinic, Houma605 Enterprise Drive, Suite B, Houma, LA 70360
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
SLMA Sports Medicine | 985-262-1639 — General education only. Follow stricter league rules and your clinician's instructions. Coaches do not diagnose or treat injuries.
