UCL Physical Therapy
LOCAL PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR ATHLETES AND ACTIVE INDIVIDUALS
Petroski Physio is a local Philadelphia, PA based sports and orthopedic practice that creates personalized treatment plans that improves recovery and showcases noticeable results. Our one-on-one approach allows us to listen to your concerns and provide a hands-on experience that is tailored to your goals. Call our office at (215) 576-4796 to discover the difference. #RehabDifferent
UCL SURGERY
UCL reconstruction surgery is also known as “Tommy John Surgery”. UCL injuries are most common in Baseball players and the surgery is a treatment option that, with the right rehabilitation, can get you back on the field and ready to compete. The surgical procedure replaces the injured ligament with a tendon from another area of your body.
UCL RECOVERY
Phase 1
Immediately post operative you will be wearing a sling and a brace. At your first Physical Therapy visit your DPT will perform a full body evaluation and specific injury assessment to create your plan. Exercises will include passive range of motion exercise and soft tissue treatment. What makes Petroski Physio different is that we also include exercises that will position you to have more success down the road. These exercises include breathing techniques, scapular positioning exercises and core patterning.
Phase 2
At six weeks post-op, we are ready to start moving towards advanced exercises. Progressing these exercises takes specific interventions that appropriately stress the medial elbow and also prepare you to return to throwing. Understanding how each thrower is different is the key to long term rehab success. At this point it is imperative to address the inter-relationships between the full chain of upper extremity. This includes the spine, the rib cage, the scapula, shoulder and elbow.
Phase 3
A benefit of performing UCL reconstruction rehab at Petroski Physio is that there are not many DPTs that see more UCL injuries. This is crucial when beginning Phase 3. During Phase three you will begin more functional and sport specific activities. At this time it is extremely important that you properly address the impairments that caused the injury. This can only be addressed through very specific and individualized advanced exercises.
Phase 4
At the four to five month mark is when we are looking to begin a throwing program, depending on the time of year. At this point your physical therapist should be working with your pitching coach to collaborate on developing a plan that can lead you to have the most success. Every return to throwing program is different and has many variables including level of play, time of year, progress through rehab program, and confidence in returning, among other aspects.