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Effective Return to Throwing Baseball Strategies: Progressing Volume, Distance & Intensity Safely

Sep 13
16 min read

Kathy Ryan-Ceisel, PT MHS | Algonquin Sports PT

Overhead Throwing Expert-Athletic Edge and Wellness Edge


Returning to throwing after an injury, surgery, or extended period away from baseball is not simply about “getting the arm loose again.” It is a progressive re-loading process. The shoulder, elbow, forearm, trunk, hips and legs all have to progressively tolerate the forces created by throwing. The athlete must rebuild not only strength and mobility, but also the capacity to repeatedly absorb, transfer and produce force.


That is why a successful return to throwing program should be more than a checklist that says:

Throw 30 times at 60 feet. Then throw 30 times at 90 feet.

Distance and throw count are useful tools, but they are only part of the equation.

A modern return-to-throwing program considers:

  • Volume

  • Distance

  • Intensity

  • Throwing velocity

  • Arm speed

  • Mechanics

  • Recovery

  • Fatigue

  • Position-specific demands

  • Pitching-specific demands

  • The athlete's individual response to workload

Current research supports individualized interval throwing programs that progressively expose the athlete to sport-specific stress while monitoring how the athlete responds. At Athletic Edge and Wellness, the goal is not simply to get an athlete throwing again.


The goal is to prepare the athlete to tolerate the demands they will face when they return to baseball or softball.


The 4 Workload Variables That Matter in a Return-to-Throwing Program

A useful way to understand throwing progression is to separate four variables:


1. Volume

How much are you throwing?

Volume can include:

  • Number of throws

  • Number of throwing sessions

  • Number of pitches

  • Total throwing workload

  • Number of high-intent throws

Volume is important because tissues need repeated exposure to load to rebuild capacity, but more is not automatically better. The athlete needs enough exposure to stimulate adaptation without exceeding their current capacity.


2. Distance

How far are you throwing?

Distance changes the throwing task and can progressively expose the athlete to longer throws and different movement demands. Distance is an important part of traditional interval throwing programs and remains useful. However, distance alone does not tell us how hard an athlete is throwing.


A 120-foot throw at controlled effort is not necessarily equivalent to a 120-foot throw at maximum intent.


3. Intensity

How hard are you throwing?

Intensity may be influenced by:

  • Throwing velocity

  • Arm speed

  • Intent

  • Mechanical demands

  • Type of throw

  • Position-specific demands

This is particularly important because athletes are not always able to accurately control actual throwing intensity simply by being told to “throw at 50%.”


4. Recovery

How did the athlete respond?

This is often overlooked.

A throwing session is not finished when the last ball is thrown.

We also want to know:

  • How did the arm feel during throwing?

  • How did the arm feel immediately afterward?

  • Was there soreness later that day?

  • How did it feel the next morning?

  • Was there loss of motion?

  • Was there loss of velocity?

  • Was there increased fatigue?

  • Did mechanics change?

Recovery provides important information about whether the athlete is ready for the next progression.


The 3 Pillars of a Successful Return to Throwing


1. Build Capacity Before Chasing Velocity

Before an athlete is ready for high-intent throwing, the body must be prepared to tolerate throwing.

This includes developing:

  • Rotator cuff strength and endurance

  • Scapular control

  • Shoulder mobility

  • Elbow and forearm capacity

  • Trunk control

  • Hip and lower-extremity strength

  • Kinetic-chain coordination

  • Deceleration capacity

  • Repeated-effort tolerance

Throwing produces extremely high angular velocities and substantial forces throughout the kinetic chain. Research has reported arm velocities exceeding 9,000°/second in baseball throwing. The answer is not to immediately expose an unprepared athlete to those demands.


You earn the right to throw harder by first building the capacity to tolerate throwing.


Early Return to Throwing: Volume Before Intensity

Early throwing is generally performed at controlled intensity.

The objective is to reintroduce the athlete to the throwing motion while gradually restoring:

  • Tissue tolerance

  • Coordination

  • Rhythm

  • Arm path

  • Scapular control

  • Kinetic-chain sequencing

  • Throwing endurance

This is why early throwing should not be viewed as a velocity test.

Early throwing is a capacity-building phase.


2. Distance Matters—But Distance Is Not the Whole Story

Traditional interval throwing programs often use distance and throw count as their primary progression variables.

For example:

45 feet → 60 feet → 90 feet → 120 feet → long toss → mound

This provides a simple and practical framework, but distance is only one variable.


A recent systematic review of published baseball interval throwing programs found substantial variability in program length, intensity, distance, progression and completion criteria. The authors also noted that many existing programs lack objective measures such as strength, velocity or biomechanics. That does not mean traditional throwing programs are ineffective. It means they may not tell us the entire story.


Think About Distance as a Tool

Distance can help progressively expose the athlete to:

  • Longer throwing distances

  • Different arm positions

  • Increased movement demands

  • Greater use of the lower body

  • Different throwing trajectories

  • Long-toss demands

But distance should be combined with other information.

Distance tells us where the athlete is throwing. It does not necessarily tell us how much stress the athlete is experiencing.


3. Intensity Is a Critical Component of Throwing Load

Two athletes can complete the exact same throwing program and experience very different workloads.

Consider two athletes who each throw 30 balls from 120 feet.

One throws at controlled effort.

The other throws with near-maximal intent.

The number of throws and distance are identical.

The internal demands are not.


The “50% Effort” Problem

This is particularly important during rehabilitation. Athletes are often instructed to throw at 50%, 75%, or another percentage of perceived effort. But research suggests that perceived effort does not necessarily translate proportionally to actual throwing stress.


Melugin et al. studied high school and collegiate pitchers throwing at maximum, 75%, and 50% perceived effort during a structured long-toss program.

At perceived 50% effort:

  • Elbow varus torque remained approximately 87% of maximum

  • Ball velocity remained approximately 78% of maximum

The authors found that for every 25% decrease in perceived effort, elbow varus torque decreased by only about 7% and velocity decreased by about 11%.


Why Does This Matter?

If an athlete is told:

“Just throw at 50%.”

That does not necessarily mean the elbow is experiencing 50% of its maximum throwing stress. It does not mean the athlete understands what 50% is. It also does not tell us 50% of what, especially if the rehab team does not have their pre-injury velocity numbers.


This is one reason objective monitoring can be useful during return to throwing.

Depending on the athlete and resources available, monitoring may include:

  • Radar-measured ball velocity

  • Arm-speed measurements

  • Wearable technology

  • Throw count

  • Distance

  • RPE (rate of perceived exertion)

  • Pain/soreness

  • Recovery response

  • Video analysis

  • Mechanical changes

Perceived effort is useful—but it should not always be treated as a precise measurement of tissue stress.


How to Progress a Return-to-Throwing Program

A return-to-throwing program should be criterion-based and individualized.

The exact progression will depend on:

  • Diagnosis

  • Surgery, if applicable

  • Tissue involved

  • Athlete's age

  • Positional demands

  • Previous throwing workload

  • Pre-injury performance

  • Current strength and mobility

  • Medical restrictions

  • Symptoms

  • Recovery response

There is no single throwing program that is appropriate for every baseball or softball athlete.


Phase 1: Rebuild Capacity and Introduce Controlled Throwing

Early throwing generally begins with shorter distances and controlled effort.

The goals are:

  • Reintroduce throwing

  • Establish movement quality

  • Assess symptom response

  • Restore confidence

  • Begin rebuilding throwing tolerance

Typical variables may include:

  • Shorter throwing distance

  • Controlled intent

  • Lower volume

  • Adequate recovery

  • Consistent mechanics

The exact starting distance and volume should be determined by the athlete's diagnosis and medical/rehabilitation team.

Progress When:

  • Throwing is pain-free or within the prescribed symptom guidelines

  • No concerning increase in symptoms after throwing

  • Recovery is appropriate

  • Mechanics remain consistent

  • Strength and mobility remain adequate

  • The athlete demonstrates readiness for the next workload


Phase 2: Progress Distance While Maintaining Controlled Intensity

Once the athlete tolerates initial throwing, distance can gradually increase.

For example:

Short catch → 60 feet → 90 feet → 120 feet

The specific distances should not be treated as universal rules.

The athlete may progress differently depending on:

  • Age

  • Position

  • Diagnosis

  • Surgery

  • Previous throwing level

  • Medical restrictions

During this phase, the athlete should continue to focus on:

  • Efficient lower-body contribution

  • Appropriate trunk rotation

  • Scapular control

  • Arm path

  • Rhythm

  • Follow-through

  • Consistent throwing mechanics

The objective is not simply to “get farther.”

It is to increase throwing exposure while maintaining quality and appropriate recovery.


Phase 3: Introduce Controlled Increases in Intent

Once an athlete has developed an adequate base of throwing capacity, intensity can begin to increase.

This is where return-to-throwing becomes more than a distance program.

One practical strategy is to alternate lower- and higher-intensity sessions.

Lower-intensity days

  • More controlled throwing

  • Higher relative volume

  • Technique emphasis

  • Recovery emphasis

Higher-intensity days

  • Lower relative volume

  • Increased throwing intent

  • Greater velocity

  • More sport-specific demands

The athlete should not simply increase distance + volume + intensity simultaneously.

That can create a rapid increase in overall workload. Instead, variables can be manipulated strategically.


Phase 4: Long Toss and Higher-Intent Throwing

Long toss can be an important part of a baseball player's return-to-throwing progression, but it should not automatically be considered the next step for every athlete.

Long toss introduces:

  • Greater throwing distance

  • Different arm path demands

  • Increased lower-body contribution

  • Different ball trajectories

  • Higher throwing intent in some phases

  • Greater variability in throwing mechanics

When Is an Athlete Ready for Long Toss?

There is no universal age or week-based answer.

Readiness should be based on the athlete's:

  • Diagnosis

  • Medical restrictions

  • Pain response

  • Strength

  • Range of motion

  • Throwing tolerance

  • Recovery

  • Previous throwing level

  • Ability to maintain mechanics

A youth position player returning from a minor shoulder injury should not necessarily follow the same long-toss progression as a collegiate pitcher returning from UCL reconstruction.

Long toss should be earned—not automatically scheduled.


Phase 5: Position-Specific Throwing

Once general throwing capacity has been restored, the athlete needs to transition toward the demands of their position.

This is where the throwing program becomes increasingly specific.

Position Players

An infielder may need to progress toward:

  • Quick-release throws

  • Throws from different body positions

  • Throws across the diamond

  • Increased intent

  • Variable distances

  • Throwing after fielding movements

An outfielder may need:

  • Longer throws

  • Crow-hop throws

  • Increased velocity

  • Longer-distance throws

  • Game-specific repetitions

A catcher may require:

  • Quick transfers

  • Throws from the crouch

  • Repeated high-intent throws

  • Throwing to multiple bases

The goal is to gradually expose the athlete to the actual demands of their position. Data-based interval throwing research has historically supported separate throwing demands for pitchers, catchers, infielders and outfielders rather than treating every baseball player the same.


Phase 6: Pitchers Need a Separate Progression

A pitcher returning to throwing should not simply follow a position-player throwing program.

Pitching creates unique demands because of:

  • Higher velocity

  • High intent

  • Repeated high-force throws

  • Mound mechanics

  • Pitch-specific mechanics

  • Repeated deceleration

  • Pitch count

  • Recovery requirements

A typical pitching progression may move from:

Catch → long toss → controlled flat ground → higher-intent flat ground → partial mound → full mound → bullpen → simulated/game workload → competition

The exact sequence should be individualized.


Flat Ground vs. Mound Throwing

Flat Ground

Flat-ground throwing allows the athlete and rehabilitation professional to control several variables while gradually reintroducing throwing.

It can be useful for:

  • Rebuilding throwing rhythm

  • Monitoring mechanics

  • Gradually increasing intent

  • Developing consistency

  • Preparing for mound work

Mound Work

Mound throwing introduces a much more specific pitching demand.

The athlete must manage:

  • Mound height

  • Stride

  • Timing

  • Force production

  • Trunk rotation

  • Arm speed

  • Pitch velocity

  • Pitch selection

  • Repeated high-intent throws

Therefore, mound work should not simply be treated as “throwing from a shorter distance.” It represents a different task with different mechanical and workload demands. Biomechanical research supports the idea that interval throwing and pitching are not identical tasks, which is one reason pitchers require progressive exposure to pitching-specific demands before returning to competition.


Pitching Progression: From Bullpen to Competition

Baseball pitcher in a CITRUS jersey, number 16, mid-throw on the mound, with black eye paint and a focused look.

Getting on the mound does not mean an athlete is ready to pitch in a game.

A pitcher may need to progress through:

Stage 1: Controlled bullpen

Focus on:

  • Mechanics

  • Command

  • Controlled intensity

  • Limited pitch volume

Stage 2: Increased intensity

Gradually increase:

  • Velocity

  • Intent

  • Pitch count

  • Pitch variability

Stage 3: Simulated innings

Introduce:

  • Multiple innings

  • Between-inning recovery

  • Game-like pitch sequences

  • Fatigue monitoring

Stage 4: Competitive pitching

Now the athlete must tolerate:

  • Game velocity

  • Game workload

  • Competitive intent

  • Recovery between innings

  • Recovery between outings

  • Game stress

  • Full pitch selection

Returning to the mound is not the same as returning to pitching.

And returning to pitching is not necessarily the same as being ready for a full competitive workload.

Progression for Pitchers vs. Position Players

One of the biggest mistakes in return-to-throwing is assuming that every athlete should use the same progression.

A pitcher's program may ultimately need to address:

  • Pitch count

  • Pitch velocity

  • Pitch type

  • Mound work

  • Innings

  • Rest between outings

  • Recovery between appearances

  • Game intensity

A position player's progression may emphasize:

  • Throwing distance

  • Throw velocity

  • Position-specific throws

  • Number of throws

  • Quick-release throws

  • Throws from different positions

  • Game-specific workload

The athlete's position should influence the final stages of the return-to-throwing program.


When Should an Athlete Progress?

Progression should be based on criteria—not simply the calendar.

Signs an athlete may be ready to progress:

  • No concerning pain during throwing

  • No increasing symptoms after throwing

  • Appropriate recovery

  • No abnormal next-day soreness

  • Consistent mechanics

  • Stable strength and mobility

  • No meaningful loss of throwing performance

  • Appropriate velocity/command for the phase

  • Tolerance of the current workload

The athlete does not necessarily have to feel perfect after every throwing session.

But symptoms should be understood in context and managed according to the athlete's diagnosis and medical team's instructions.


When Should an Athlete Regress?

Warning signs may include:

  • Pain during throwing

  • Increasing pain during a session

  • Increased soreness after throwing

  • Symptoms that persist longer than expected

  • Loss of range of motion

  • Significant fatigue

  • Loss of velocity

  • Loss of command

  • Mechanical breakdown

  • Changes in arm slot

  • Compensatory movement

If symptoms increase, the answer is not always:

“Push through it.”

Sometimes the correct response is:

Reduce the load. Reassess. Recover. Then progress again.

Published interval throwing programs commonly incorporate symptom-based “soreness rules,” and recent reviews emphasize the importance of having clear criteria for managing setbacks.


The 24-Hour Rule—and Why Recovery Matters

One of the most useful questions after throwing is:

How did the athlete feel the next day?

Somber baseball player in orange Astros jersey sits in locker room, clutching bandaged elbow, head bowed.

An athlete may tolerate a throwing session well initially and then develop:

  • Shoulder soreness

  • Elbow soreness

  • Loss of motion

  • Stiffness

  • Fatigue

  • Reduced throwing performance

the following day.

That response matters.

Recovery should be considered another component of workload monitoring.

A throwing program should therefore evaluate both:

What did we do today?

and

How did the body respond afterward?


Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Return to Throwing

There is no single return-to-throwing timeline for every injury.

This is especially important following surgery. Often a 6–12+ weeks progression.

Non-Surgical Injuries

An athlete returning from a nonoperative injury may progress based on:

  • Symptoms

  • Tissue healing

  • Strength

  • Mobility

  • Functional testing

  • Throwing tolerance

  • Medical diagnosis

  • Previous workload

Some athletes may return relatively quickly.

Others may require months of rehabilitation.

The diagnosis matters.

A pitcher recovering from a mild muscular injury should not be placed on the same timeline as an athlete recovering from a significant UCL injury.


Post-Surgical Return to Throwing

Postoperative rehabilitation must follow the specific surgical procedure and the surgeon's protocol.

Examples include:

  • UCL reconstruction

  • UCL repair

  • Internal brace procedures

  • SLAP repair

  • Rotator cuff surgery

  • Labral surgery

The timeline is influenced by:

  • Surgical procedure

  • Tissue healing

  • Surgeon protocol

  • Patient age

  • Competition level

  • Rehabilitation progress

  • Objective testing

  • Throwing response

For example, systematic reviews of UCL reconstruction show substantial variation in return-to-sport timelines and criteria. One review found return-to-throwing programs commonly began around 12–18 weeks after surgery, while mound programs in the literature often began around 6–9 months; these are research observations, not universal prescriptions.


Return to competition after UCL reconstruction also commonly takes many months. A 2024 systematic review reported primary UCL reconstruction return-to-play timelines ranging from approximately 336 to 615 days, demonstrating why a single “9-month” or “12-month” rule is overly simplistic.


Important:

The surgeon's protocol and the athlete's objective readiness should guide postoperative progression—not an internet timeline.


Surgery Does Not Automatically Fix the Factors That Contributed to Injury

Surgery can repair or reconstruct damaged tissue.

But rehabilitation must also address the athlete.

That may include:

  • Strength deficits

  • Mobility restrictions

  • Scapular control

  • Trunk control

  • Hip mobility

  • Lower-extremity strength

  • Kinetic-chain sequencing

  • Throwing mechanics

  • Workload management

  • Recovery

  • Training errors

This is why return to throwing should be considered part of a larger return-to-performance process.


Traditional Interval Throwing Programs vs. Modern Individualized Programs

Traditional interval throwing programs remain valuable.

They provide structure and progressively expose the athlete to throwing.

Many are based primarily on:

  • Distance

  • Throw count

  • Rest intervals

  • Position

  • Gradual progression

These principles are still useful.

However, modern approaches can add additional information.

Modern Return-to-Throwing Programs May Incorporate:

Man in a blue shirt balances on one leg in a gym, holding a glove beside an exercise ball and colorful target net.

  • Throwing velocity

    Baseball player in orange Astros jersey sits in a locker room, head down with a bandaged elbow, looking tired and somber.
  • Arm speed

  • Elbow torque

  • Throw count

  • Distance

  • RPE

  • Recovery

  • Video analysis

  • Biomechanics

  • Position-specific workload


  • Pitch-specific workload

Research on interval throwing programs increasingly supports individualized progression and the potential use of technology to better quantify throwing load.

However, technology should not replace clinical judgment.

A radar gun does not tell you everything about tissue readiness.

Neither does a wearable. The best approach combines:

Objective data + clinical assessment + athlete feedback + sport demands.


Return to Throwing Should Be Criteria-Based—Not Calendar-Based

One of the most important changes in modern sports rehabilitation is moving away from:

“It has been 12 weeks, so you can throw.”

and toward:

“You have met the criteria to begin throwing.”

Before starting a throwing program, an athlete may need appropriate:

  • Range of motion

  • Strength

  • Scapular control

  • Neuromuscular control

  • Plyometric capacity

  • Functional tolerance

  • Pain response

  • Medical clearance

A review of return-to-throwing literature emphasizes normalization of range of motion, strength and scapular mechanics followed by a progressive plyometric program before beginning interval throwing.


Return to Throwing Is Not the Same as Return to Performance

This distinction is critical.

An athlete may be able to:

Throw without pain

but not yet be able to:

Throw at game velocity.

They may be able to:

Throw at game velocity

but not yet tolerate:

Repeated game workload.

And they may tolerate:

One game

but not yet tolerate:

A full season workload.

The progression should therefore continue beyond the first successful throwing session.

Return to throwing

Can the athlete throw?

Return to pitching/position work

Can the athlete perform their specific baseball demands?

Return to competition

Can the athlete perform in a game?

Return to performance

Can the athlete perform at their previous level?

Return to full workload

Can the athlete repeatedly tolerate the demands of the season?

That is the real goal.


The Biggest Mistake: Treating Return to Throwing Like a Checklist

The biggest mistake is thinking:

“Today we throw 30 balls at 60 feet.”

Instead, the better questions are:

  • How much did we throw?

  • How far?

  • How hard?

  • What was the intent?

  • What was the velocity?

  • How did the mechanics look?

  • How did the athlete feel?

  • How did they recover?

  • What did the next day look like?

  • Are they ready for more?

  • Does their current capacity match the demands of their sport?

That is the difference between simply following a throwing program and managing a return-to-throwing process.


Key Takeaways for Baseball and Softball Athletes & Parents

1. Capacity comes before intensity.

The athlete needs a foundation capable of tolerating throwing before high-intent throwing is introduced.

2. Distance matters—but it is not everything.

Distance is an important progression tool, but it does not fully describe throwing stress.

3. Intensity matters.

Velocity and throwing intent can substantially change the demands placed on the arm.

4. Perceived effort is not always an accurate measure of actual effort.

Research demonstrates that athletes can generate considerably more velocity and elbow torque than expected when instructed to throw at reduced perceived effort.

5. Position matters.

Pitchers, catchers, infielders and outfielders have different throwing demands.

6. Pitchers require an additional progression.

Flat ground, mound work, bullpens, simulated innings and competition should be progressively integrated.

7. Recovery matters.

The response later that day and the following day provides valuable information about workload tolerance.

8. Pain and symptoms are feedback.

Symptoms should not simply be ignored or pushed through. They should be interpreted within the athlete's diagnosis and rehabilitation plan.

9. Surgery does not determine readiness by itself.

Time is one factor. Objective function, tissue healing, rehabilitation progress and sport-specific workload all matter.

10. Return to throwing is only one step.

The ultimate goal is return to performance and the ability to tolerate the demands of the season.


Returning to Throwing? Don't Guess at the Next Step.

A successful return-to-throwing program should be individualized to the athlete—not copied from a generic internet throwing chart.

At Athletic Edge and Wellness, return-to-throwing rehabilitation can address the entire athlete, including:

  • Shoulder and elbow strength

  • Mobility

  • Scapular mechanics

  • Core and trunk control

  • Hip and lower-extremity function

  • Kinetic-chain mechanics

  • Throwing mechanics

  • Throwing workload

  • Sport-specific progression

  • Pitcher-specific progression

  • Return-to-performance readiness

The goal isn't simply to get the athlete back to throwing.

The goal is to get them back to throwing well—and prepared for the demands of their sport.


Don't just ask, “When can I throw?”

Ask:

“Is my body ready for the workload I'm asking it to handle?”

If you or your athlete is returning to throwing after an injury, surgery, or extended time away from baseball or softball, schedule an evaluation with Athletic Edge and Wellness Physical Therapy to build an individualized return-to-throwing and return-to-performance plan.


Assess the body. Build the capacity.

Progress the workload.

Return with confidence.

Book your sports physical therapy or performance evaluation today at 225-5050-3343.


Frequently Asked Questions About Return to Throwing

How long does a return-to-throwing program take?

There is no universal timeline. The length depends on the injury, surgery, athlete age, position, previous workload, rehabilitation progress and response to throwing.

When can I start throwing after a shoulder or elbow injury?

Throwing should begin after the athlete has met the appropriate medical and rehabilitation criteria for their specific injury. Range of motion, strength, neuromuscular control, symptoms and functional readiness should all be considered.

Should I increase throwing distance or intensity first?

There is no universal answer. Distance and intensity are separate workload variables and should be progressed strategically based on the athlete's diagnosis, position, goals and response.

When should a baseball player start long toss?

Long toss should be introduced when the athlete has demonstrated adequate throwing capacity and is ready for the additional demands of longer-distance throwing. There is no single age or week that applies to every athlete.

Is throwing at 50% effort really 50% of the stress?

Not necessarily. Research found that perceived 50% effort still produced approximately 87% of maximum elbow varus torque and 78% of maximum ball velocity in the studied pitchers.

When can a pitcher return to the mound?

Mound work should be introduced after the athlete has developed adequate throwing capacity and has met the criteria established by the medical and rehabilitation team. Postoperative athletes must also follow their surgeon-specific restrictions.

When can a pitcher return to games?

A pitcher should demonstrate the ability to tolerate progressively increasing pitching volume, intensity and recovery demands before returning to competition. Return to the mound is not automatically the same as return to full competition.

Can I use the same return-to-throwing program for every player?

No. Pitchers and position players have different throwing demands, and even players at the same position may require different progressions based on injury, age, previous workload and performance level.

What should I do if my arm hurts during a throwing program?

Stop and communicate the symptoms with your medical or rehabilitation professional. Pain, increasing soreness, loss of motion, loss of velocity or mechanical changes may indicate that the current workload needs to be modified.

Why is recovery important during return to throwing?

Throwing creates stress on tissues. How the athlete responds during the following hours and the next day provides information about whether the current workload is being tolerated and whether progression is appropriate.


References

  1. Melugin HP, Larson DR, Fleisig GS, et al. Baseball Pitchers' Perceived Effort Does Not Match Actual Measured Effort During a Structured Long-Toss Throwing Program. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019;47(8):1949-1954. doi:10.1177/0363546519850560.

  2. Individualizing the Throwing Progression Following Injury in Baseball Pitchers: The Past, Present, and Future. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. This review discusses progressive sport-specific loading and the evolution toward individualized interval throwing programs.

  3. Current State of Baseball Interval Throwing Programs: A Systematic Review of Content, Structure, and Variability of Published Throwing Programs. Recent systematic review examining the structure, progression and limitations of published baseball throwing programs.

  4. Interval Throwing Programs for Baseball Players: Methodological Assessment of the Quality and Construct of Publicly Available Programs. Systematic review demonstrating substantial variability and limitations among publicly available throwing programs.

  5. Data-Based Interval Throwing Programs for Baseball Players. Research describing position- and level-specific interval throwing programs based on throwing workload data.

  6. Return to Throwing after Shoulder or Elbow Injury. Clinical review emphasizing criterion-based progression, kinetic-chain function, strength, mobility and progressive increases in distance, effort and volume.

  7. Biomechanical Basis of Interval Throwing Programs for Baseball Pitchers: A Systematic Review. Review examining the biomechanical relationship between interval throwing and pitching demands.

  8. An Interval Throwing Program for Baseball Pitchers Based upon Workload Data. Study describing a workload-based interval throwing program incorporating throwing workload and elbow varus torque estimates.

  9. Return-to-Competition Criteria After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. American Journal of Sports Medicine. Review examining return-to-competition criteria and timelines after UCL reconstruction.

  10. Rehabilitation and Return to Sport Criteria Following Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Sports Medicine. Review demonstrating substantial variability in postoperative rehabilitation and return-to-sport criteria.

  11. Hones KM, et al. Variable Return to Play and Sport Performance After Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Baseball Players: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2024;40(7):1997-2006.e1.

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