The instinct to rest an injury isn't wrong, it's just incomplete. In the first day or two after an acute injury, some protection is genuinely useful. Tissue is inflamed, swollen, and vulnerable, and loading it aggressively can make things worse. The problem is that this short-term caution got generalized into weeks of inactivity for injuries that would have healed faster with some guided movement.

Think about it: even a seemingly casual game of baseball involves bursts of sprinting, quick pivots, and powerful swings. Are your muscles, tendons, and joints truly prepared for these demands if your regular routine is more sedentary? The good news is that with a little foresight and planning, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury and enjoy a vibrant, active season.