Elbow
Comprehensive Elbow Therapy & Rehabilitation
Deck: Evidence-based recovery protocols designed by Dr. Frank McCormick and the SIGMA Orthopedics team to restore motion, rebuild strength, and optimize outcomes. Precision recovery for ligament, tendon, and joint injuries — designed by Dr. Frank McCormick & the SIGMA Orthopedics Team for athletes and active professionals.
At SIGMA Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, elbow rehabilitation follows the 100 Days to Success model — a data-driven recovery pathway integrating arthroscopic repair, biologic enhancement, and Six Sigma motion analytics. Whether following UCL reconstruction (Tommy John surgery), tendon repair, or arthroscopic debridement, each protocol is customized to restore throwing mechanics, grip strength, and upper-extremity stability with measurable precision.
What to Expect After Elbow Surgery
Every successful surgery is followed by motion, strength and stabilization. Our structured protocols are built on Dr. McCormick’s research and outcomes strategy to guide you from protection to performance
- Pain contro
- Early mobility
- Edema reduction
- Brace management
Rehabilitation Phases
Phase I: Protection (Weeks 0–2) – immobilization, cryotherapy, and gentle passive range of motion.
Goals: protect repair, control pain/swelling, begin passive/assisted motion.
Phase II: Mobility (Weeks 2–6) – controlled flexion/extension, progressive ROM, SynerG biologic reinforcement.
Goals: active motion, rotator cuff isometrics, scapular stability.
Phase III: Strength (Weeks 6–12) – isometrics → resistance bands → dynamic stability drills.
Goals: strength > 70%, sport-specific conditioning begins.
Phase IV: Return (Weeks 12 +) – sport-specific throwing program, upper-limb coordination, and kinetic chain integration.
Goals: full strength, return to throwing/overhead work, performance restoration.
Tools to Support Recovery
- Cryotherapy
- TENS Device
- Infrared Therapy
- Nutrition Optimization
- Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs)
- 100 Days to Health Program
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SIGMA Orthopedics Elbow Therapy — Common Questions
When can I start moving my elbow after surgery?
Gentle motion usually begins within 1–2 weeks under therapist guidance to prevent stiffness and protect the repair.
When can I return to lifting or throwing?
Most patients resume light activity by 8–10 weeks and sport-specific training after 12 weeks with SIGMA performance testing.
Do I need a brace, and for how long?
A hinged brace is typically worn for 2–6 weeks to protect healing tissue and gradually allow increased motion.
Can biologic injections speed up my tendon healing?
Yes — SynerG PRP or BMAC biologics enhance collagen repair, reduce inflammation, and may shorten recovery time.