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Here’s Dr. Joel wrapping up with JC post-throw — and dropping a key tip for pitchers.
We’re always watching total arc. For college and pro throwers, we want 184 degrees. That range protects the shoulder. Without it, other structures start overworking… and pitching’s already violent enough.
Simple treatment, big protection.
Pitching Shoulder Mobility: Protecting the Thrower’s Arc
Active Sports Therapy is the best chiropractic and rehabilitation therapy clinic in Hendersonville, TN, and we specialize in protecting pitchers through targeted shoulder mobility work. Maintaining a total throwing arc of about 184 degrees is a simple measure with big implications for long-term performance and injury prevention. Our team helps local athletes restore that arc so they can pitch harder, recover faster, and stay on the mound.
What this topic means
Pitching shoulder mobility refers to the combined motion available at the shoulder girdle and thoracic spine that allows a thrower to attain a full arc through the cocking and acceleration phases of a pitch. For college and professional throwers, a total arc of about 184 degrees is often used as a clinical benchmark. When that arc is limited, nearby structures—rotator cuff, labrum, scapular stabilizers, and the neck and upper back—begin compensating, which increases wear and tear over time. At Active Sports Therapy, we emphasize movement quality and balanced mobility to protect those structures while optimizing performance.
Why it matters for patients in Hendersonville and Nashville
Pitchers in Hendersonville, Gallatin, and the Greater Nashville area face a heavy seasonal load from high school, club, college, and pro programs. Limited shoulder arc not only increases the risk of shoulder and elbow strain but can also lead to compensatory back pain and decreased velocity. As the best chiropractic care Hendersonville TN, and the best rehabilitation therapy Hendersonville TN, we see how small mobility deficits become big problems when athletes keep throwing through pain. Addressing arc early means fewer missed starts, improved longevity, and better overall wellness for athletes and active adults alike.
How our experts diagnose and treat it
At Active Sports Therapy we start with a movement-based assessment tailored to throwers. Our clinicians, including Dr. Joel, evaluate shoulder internal and external rotation, scapular timing, thoracic extension, and total arc. We use hands-on orthopedic and neurologic testing along with functional movement screens to determine which tissues are limiting motion. Treatment is not about a single adjustment—it’s an integrated plan combining precise spinal and shoulder joint work, targeted soft-tissue techniques, and progressive movement retraining to restore the 184° arc safely.
Advanced techniques and equipment used
To accelerate recovery and refine performance, we combine manual chiropractic adjustments with instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, diagnostic motion analysis, and individualized strength programs. Our sports rehab Nashville TN offerings include eccentric rotator cuff loading, scapular stabilization drills, thoracic mobility progressions, and on-field throwing integrations. We also leverage wearable feedback and video analysis when needed so pitchers can visually link mobility improvements to throwing mechanics and performance gains.
Patient success stories and real-world examples
One local college pitcher came in after losing velocity and developing shoulder soreness mid-season. After a focused two-week program emphasizing thoracic extension, posterior capsule mobility, and scapular timing drills, his total arc improved. His soreness resolved, velocity returned, and he completed the season without interruption. Another high school arm reported reduced elbow pain and better command after improving shoulder arc alongside pitch-count management. These outcomes show how targeted mobility work at Active Sports Therapy facilitates injury recovery and performance improvement.
Prevention and long-term recovery strategies
Prevention is about consistent, small habits: daily thoracic extension drills, targeted warm-ups that include active internal and external rotation, and periodic check-ins with a qualified provider. Pitchers should pair mobility work with load management and strength training tailored to throwing demands. For anyone searching for a “chiropractor near me” focused on athletes, our approach integrates performance and wellness so you can pitch more and worry less. Long-term recovery includes a graded return-to-throw plan, ongoing maintenance sessions, and education to sustain the 184° arc season after season.
If you’re dealing with pitching shoulder mobility, the best chiropractic and rehabilitation therapy team in Hendersonville, TN, is here to help you recover faster and perform better.
Make sure to watch this video for a deeper look at how our team helps patients overcome pitching shoulder mobility and return to full strength.
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