Rehabilitation Program Following Tommy John Surgery

I thought this was interesting, as you always hear about Tommy John surgery, but rarely what the physical rehabilitation will entail. TJ surgery has become almost routine, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make it all the way back.

Here is a typical rehab program:

0-7 Days: Splint is worn, squeeze a soft ball.

1-4 Weeks: Discontinue splint; sling worn for one more week; gradually achieve full range of motion.

1-2 Months: Full range of motion at elbow, wrist, forearm, shoulder; lightweights for forearm exercises.

2-3 Months: Continue lower body conditioning program; continue exercises for upper extremities, including rotator cuff.

3-4 Months: Easy tossing (no wind-up), 25-30 throws building up to 70.

4-5 Months: Continue throwing program with easy wind-up, 20-50 feet, 10-40 throws.

5-6 Months: Throwing program extends to 60 feet at half-speed.

6-7 Months: Gradually increase distance to 150 feet.

7-8 Months: Progress to a mound at half- to three-quarters speed, using proper body mechanics (stay on top of the ball, keep elbow up, throw over the top, follow through with the arm and trunk).

9-10 Months: Simulate game situations.

10-12 Months: Begin normal routine and make appropriate rehab starts.


Originally provided by Dr. Craig Morgan to the Courier Post Online.