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How do I know if my arm pain is serious or just normal soreness?Updated 2 months ago

Before assuming the worst, go through a progressive warm-up that includes:

  • Dynamic movement

  • Any custom prep prescribed by the ArmCare App

  • Arm & lower body activation

  • A gradual throwing progression (if applicable) starting with easy throws.

✔ Soreness: If your discomfort improves as you warm up, it’s likely normal post-throwing soreness. Complete a Fresh Exam to check for underlying strength changes and proceed with activity cautiously.

❌ Pain: If the discomfort persists or worsens despite warming up, it is not normal soreness and should be evaluated using the 48-hour rule.

1. Pain lasting beyond 48 hours 

If pain persists in daily activities (e.g., putting on a shirt, lifting objects), get a medical evaluation.  If there’s no pain with daily activities, complete a Fresh Exam at 72 hours.

2. Pain with the Fresh Exam?  

If pain is experienced during the strength exam, get a medical evaluation.  Resume throwing if there is no pain with the strength test. 

3. Is throwing painful?  

If throwing is painful, then get a medical evaluation.


Is it Pain or Soreness?

The key takeaway is that if discomfort disappears after a proper warm-up, it’s likely just soreness from prior workload and fatigue.  Use the Fresh Exam and App recommendations to adjust accordingly. 

If pain lingers or worsens after the warm-up, follow the 48-hour rule and stop throwing until cleared.


Go here to go more in-depth on the ArmCare Pain Protocol 

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