For many people, the first treatment approach is non-surgical. This option focuses on reducing pain, preventing further damage, and strengthening the muscles around the injured ligament. Non-surgical treatment typically involves:

1. Rest: Giving the elbow time to heal by avoiding activities that stress the ligament, especially overhead movements like throwing.
2. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like tylenol, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation in the elbow.
3. Ice: Applying ice to the elbow every day helps decrease pain and swelling. Ice should be applied in intervals (e.g., 15-20 minutes at a time) to avoid damaging the skin.
4. Physical Therapy: Once the initial pain and swelling have gone down, physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the elbow. Strengthening these muscles will help compensate for the injured ligament and reduce stress on the elbow joint.

With non-surgical treatment, recovery time can vary, depending on injury severity and what level of activity to which you want to return. For some people, a few weeks to several months of rest and rehab may be enough to heal the elbow.

If non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, or if you want to return to intense throwing activities (like pitching in baseball), your doctor may recommend UCL reconstruction, commonly known as Tommy John Surgery.

• The torn UCL is replaced with a tendon taken from another part of your body (often from your forearm or hamstring) or from a donor.
• Tunnels are drilled in the ulna (forearm bone) and humerus (upper arm bone) to attach the new tendon securely.
• Sometimes, remnants of the original ligament are attached to the new tendon to strengthen it.

Tommy John surgery is a common procedure among athletes, especially baseball players. However, it is a significant surgery, and full recovery takes time.

The recovery time for a UCL injury can vary, depending on whether you need surgery and your rehabilitation progress.

If Non-Surgical Treatment Works:

• Recovery time can range from several weeks to several months.
• You’ll gradually regain full movement in your elbow with the help of physical therapy.
• The goal is to return to normal activities without pain or instability, but you may not be able to return to strenuous overhead or throwing activities for a while.

If Tommy John Surgery is Required:

• Recovery time after Tommy John surgery is longer. It typically takes nine months to a year, sometimes longer, to fully recover.
• Right after surgery, your elbow will be placed in a hinged brace to protect the new tendon and provide support while regaining range of motion.
• Your physical therapy program will gradually increase the range of motion in your elbow, aiming to restore full extension and function.
• Athletes who plan to return to throwing or competitive sports, will need more rigorous physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility in the elbow.

However, be patient! Recovery takes time, and it’s essential not to rush the process. Returning to throwing or overhead sports too soon can put too much stress on the new tendon, risking failure of the graft and lengthening the time it takes to recovery.