ELBOW MCL RECONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
The information below is meant as a guideline only. The professional skills of a therapist must come into play for each individual patient.
Dr. Ben Robinson
PHASE ONE
2-4 WEEKS
RANGE OF MOTION
Passive ROM to tolerance
IMMOBILIZER
Brace locked at 30 – 100 be worn at all times
EXERCISES
Gentle hand, wrist, shoulder isometrics and ROM
PHASE TWO
4-6 WEEKS *
RANGE OF MOTION
Begin AAROM to full flexion *
IMMOBILIZER
Brace locked at 10 – 120 to be worn at all times
EXERCISES
Wrist curls, supination, pronation with light weight. Elbow ext/flex active assist ROM and active ROM. Shoulder isotonics. Except resistive external rotation to protect UCL.
PHASE THREE
6-12 WEEKS
RANGE OF MOTION
Progress to full motion without discomfort
IMMOBILIZER
Brace locked at 10 – 120
To be worn at all times then discontinued at end of Week Six
EXERCISES
Progress wrist, elbow, and shoulder strengthening.
Begin resistive external rotation.
Week Nine: Initiate eccentric elbow flexion and extension.
PHASE FOUR
3-5 MONTHS
RANGE OF MOTION
Full + pain-free
IMMOBILIZER
None
EXERCISES
Continue with shoulder strengthening, begin aggressive rotational exercises, light tossing, and return to sport specific activities.
22-26 weeks: Return to competitive throwing and work capacity based on surgeons assessment of surgical repair.
