In the final episode of the year, Ashley Sunshine and Laura McDonald explore the challenges surrounding pitching, pain, and return to play.

They discuss why pitching requires sport specific understanding, how pain is often mishandled in athlete environments, and why return to throw protocols must reflect real training demands. The conversation highlights the importance of communication between coaches and medical staff, the evolving education of athletic trainers, and the need for better collaboration to support athlete recovery and long term performance.

This episode closes the year with an honest and practical discussion for anyone working with pitchers at the youth, high school, or college level.