Rehabilitation after UCLR: 6-12 Week Post-Op

After 6 weeks post-operatively, strengthening exercises of forearm, wrist, and shoulder should be advanced while maintaining/regaining full ROM of the elbow. Isometric and isotonic exercises can be used for forearm, wrist, and shoulder muscles. The goals of this phase is 1) to maintain or regain full ROM, 2) to control pain/inflammation, and 3) to progress in strengthening program. Some examples of shoulder (posterior cuff and scapular) exercises can be seen in our website (Please note that NOT ALL of these exercises are appropriate for this phase of rehabilitation after UCLR). Wrist curls using free weights and tubing, radial and ulnar deviations, pronation and supination, grip exercises are some of examples.

If full ROM is not achieved by this phase, it is critical to regain full ROM, especially in extension. ROM (active and passive) exercise to regain full ROM should be emphasized. Exericises that cause any pain on the surgical site or any ulnar nerve symptoms should be avoided. Note that ulnar nerve may or may not be transpositioned.

Use of elbow brace is usually discontinued at week 6 (may vary depending on the surgeon's protocol).