If a UCL repair is done, the recovery time is cut in half when compared to a reconstruction. After a week-long period of immobilization, range of motion of the elbow is started while wearing a brace. The brace is typically worn for about 6 weeks. After coming out of the brace, progressive strengthening of the arm is carried out under the direct supervision of a sports-trained physical therapist familiar with this procedure. A closely monitored slow return to throwing then follows under the supervision of the surgeon, therapist, and athletic trainer. The total time to return to pitching after a direct repair of the UCL is about 6 months whereas the total time to pitching after a UCL reconstruction is about one year.
If you think you have injured your UCL, make sure that you get evaluated and treated by a sports medicine specialist that is very familiar with the treatment of Tommy John injuries. ISMI physicians are the team physicians for all BSU athletics including baseball and thus are very experienced with managing this complex injury.