If you are or were at one time a baseball player, especially a pitcher, your elbow has likely seen its fair share of use and strain that may lead to injury during your career or later in life. Preventing elbow injuries and treating symptoms before they require surgery is often the best way to ensure your lifestyle, hobbies, or passions aren’t derailed by a procedure like Tommy John surgery.
What is Tommy John?
Tommy John surgery is the surgical procedure used to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. There’s no part of the arm or body called the Tommy John.
The condition often develops from repetitive, high-stress throwing motions, making it a well-known topic in sports like baseball and softball.
The surgery gets its nickname from Thomas John, a pitcher who was the first MLB player to undergo the procedure in 1974. Before that breakthrough surgery, a UCL tear was considered a career-ending injury. Thanks to advancements in sports medicine, many athletes are now able to recover and return to high-level performance following the procedure, although a complete recovery and return to sports can take upwards of a year.
Baseball players and pitchers aren’t the only ones who tear or damage their UCLs, although it’s not a common injury for most non-athletes. Many UCL injuries can be managed non-surgically, especially for individuals not involved in throwing-heavy activities.
The key is being aware of the symptoms of elbow injuries and taking steps to prevent overuse injuries from becoming bad enough to require surgery.
Symptoms of UCL injury
No matter what sport you played in high school, anyone can experience an injury to their UCL, usually due to overuse of the elbow joint. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Elbow pain that is especially noticeable during or after throwing activities
- A loss of pitch velocity or control while throwing
- A “popping” sensation or sound in the elbow, often followed by pain
- Swelling or bruising around the elbow area
- A sensation of the elbow feeling “unstable” or weak
Not every elbow injury that affects your daily life or throwing ability is a UCL injury, and likewise, not every UCL injury will automatically require Tommy John surgery to correct it. Many elbow injuries can be treated proactively with rest, ice, and physical therapy to prevent worsening symptoms and the need for surgery.
Sport risk factors for UCL injury
Certain sports and activities place individuals at higher risk for UCL injuries. If you play any of the following sports as a hobby or competitively, it’s especially important to be mindful of proper technique and injury prevention strategies:
- Football
- Baseball
- Softball
- Tennis and other racquet sports
Preventing the need for Tommy John surgery
While Tommy John surgery has been a game-changer for athletes, the simplest treatment for most people is to avoid needing it altogether. Here are several strategies athletes and active individuals can use to help protect their UCL and maintain healthy throwing mechanics.
Monitor and limit overuse
For baseball pitchers, adhering to pitch count recommendations and avoiding consecutive days of hard throwing are critical. Breaks between seasons also help to give your elbow joint time to recover.
Optimize throwing technique
Working with a trainer or physical therapist to refine your throwing motion can help reduce unnecessary stress on the UCL. Poor form or mechanics can sometimes contribute to faster wear and tear on the elbow.
Strengthen supporting muscles
Building up the shoulder, forearm, and even core muscle groups can be helpful in reducing strain on the elbow while providing more power and control for throwing or serving.
Warm up and stretch
Always take time to warm up properly before any intense physical activity. Dynamic stretches and mobility movements for your shoulders, wrists, and elbows can help prepare your body and reduce injury-related risks.
Pay attention to pain
Discomfort is often a warning sign, and pushing through the pain can make a minor strain much worse. If you notice persistent elbow pain, ease off the use of your arm and consult a professional before continuing to play or train.
With intentional preparation and mindful awareness of your joints, you can significantly reduce your risk of UCL injuries—even if you play in a high-stress position like baseball pitcher or tennis server.
Physical therapy and Tommy John rehab in Sacramento
Elbow pain can disrupt anyone’s life, especially those who count on being able to perform at a high level. If you’ve been having elbow pain that isn’t going away with at-home treatment or substantial rest, our physical therapists may be able to help, well before you resign yourself to seeking out Tommy John surgery.
Whether you just started feeling elbow pain or have been struggling for a while, you can find help at Alves & Martinez. Call one of our clinics or request your appointment online today to start getting relief and strength today.
