Rehab for Tommy John

Anytime someone utters the words "rehab" or "physical therapy" it makes me cringe.  I think anyone who has had an injury would say the same because, quite frankly, it is not fun.  When I think of rehab I immediately think of hot packs, stim, weights, bands, trampolines, and, of course, ice.  Rehab is obviously essential to recover but it is by far the worst part of transitioning back to competition.  It seems as though it is never going to end.  For the first three months physical therapy is very repetitive and it is tough because you do not see as much progression as you would think.  After three months the throwing program begins at 45 feet.  It is discouraging if you think about how you used to be able to throw and now 45 feet seems like 300 feet and hitting your partner in the chest is almost impossible.

Cortisone Shot or Tommy John Surgery?

Where to even begin... I would have considered myself a very lucky/healthy person when it came to sports related injuries (minus a shoulder setback and a broken arm) but nothing I couldn't play through until a little over 9 months ago in a game against Clemson. We were up by 3 runs heading into the top of the 6th and our starter was beginning to show signs of fatigue. I started to get loose in the bullpen but it was taking a while longer than usual (my thinking--> it was just one of those days) and I figured I would be ready by the time I got in the game. Coach gave me the nod for the 7th and although a little wild at the beginning I finally settled in after surrendering a run. I went back out for the 8th and right before I released my first warmup pitch I felt a sharp pain almost as though someone jabbed a knife into my elbow and twisted it.