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Sport-Specific Rehabilitation After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery

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Book cover Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury

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Abstract

Successful rehabilitation following reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow requires a specific procedure to regain optimal range of motion, muscular strength and endurance, and ultimately enhanced upper extremity and kinetic chain function. This requires not only specific emphasis on the elbow and distal upper extremity but rather a complete upper extremity and kinetic chain focus that globally addressed the entire body beyond the elbow including the glenohumeral and scapulothroracic articulations as well as the core and lower extremity as well. Additionally, sport-specific resistive exercise applications are of paramount importance as well as interval sport return programs to prepare the athlete for the specific demands they will undergo during their return to full sport participation. The goal of this chapter is to review key concepts in sport-specific rehabilitation as they relate to the patient following UCL reconstruction and provide examples of kinetic chain rehabilitation and sport-specific progressions for clinical application.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. ATP World Tour, Physiotherapy Associates Schottsdale Sports Clinic, 9917 No. 95th St., 85258, Scottsdale, AZ, USA

    Todd S. Ellenbecker DPT, MS, SCS, OCS, CSCS

  2. 2Champion Sports Medicine, Physiotherapy Associates, 805 St. Vincent’s Dr., Ste G100, 35205, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Kevin E. Wilk PT, DPT

Authors
  1. Todd S. Ellenbecker DPT, MS, SCS, OCS, CSCS
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  2. Kevin E. Wilk PT, DPT
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Todd S. Ellenbecker DPT, MS, SCS, OCS, CSCS .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA

    Joshua S. Dines

  2. Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA

    David W. Altchek

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Ellenbecker, T., Wilk, K. (2015). Sport-Specific Rehabilitation After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery. In: Dines, J., Altchek, D. (eds) Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7540-9_28

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7540-9_28

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-7539-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-7540-9

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