10/02/2025
Let’s talk about managing expectations with UCL repair or reconstruction.. really, any UCL surgery.
A common question is, “How fast can I get back to playing? When will I be at full performance again?”
For athletes with an internal brace, the timeline is typically around 9–10 months. For those undergoing a full reconstruction, it’s often 12–14 months.
If you’re an athlete going through UCL recovery, it’s crucial to manage your expectations and understand that rehab isn’t linear. There will be ups and downs.
Our best advice? Focus on one milestone at a time.
When will I be out of the brace?
When can I lift and train in the gym again?
When will I start plyometrics?
When can I play catch?
When will I throw off a mound?
Taking it step by step, instead of fixating on the final return date, makes the process mentally, physically, and emotionally easier to handle.