As an athlete, facing the challenges of rehabilitating after a Tommy John surgery can be daunting. The first week of physical therapy treatment marks the crucial starting point on the road to recovery, where every session is a step closer to regaining strength, mobility, and ultimately, the ability to return to your sport.
Check out this snapshot of Owen's first day of PT with me and then checkout the week 1 targets below!
Week 1 Goals for Physical Therapy:
Evaluation and Goal Setting
The beginning of your Tommy John rehabilitation journey starts with a comprehensive evaluation. We will assess your range of motion, strength, and overall function to establish a baseline for your recovery. Ideally, if you can get assessed before your surgery by the physical therapist you want to work with, this will help set appropriate goals to aim for.
Pain Management and Swelling Reduction
Pain management is a significant aspect of the early stages of rehabilitation. One of the most crucial aspects of initial rehab is to eliminate post op swelling.
Gentle Mobilization Exercises
During the first week of Tommy John rehabilitation, you will be introduced to gentle mobilization exercises aimed at improving blood flow, reducing stiffness, and enhancing joint flexibility. These exercises lay the foundation for more advanced movements in the upcoming weeks.
Day 4: Strengthening Protocol Initiation
Strength training plays a vital role in rebuilding the muscles around your elbow post-surgery. The first week, we begin with light isometrics for the elbow & shoulder plus initiating a 10% rehab protocol on FlexProGrip. www.flexprogrip.com
Conclusion
The first week of Tommy John rehabilitation is a critical phase that sets the tone for the rest of your recovery journey. Embrace the challenges, stay committed to your treatment plan, and trust the expertise of your physical therapist. Remember, progress may seem incremental, but every small step forward brings you closer to achieving your ultimate goal of getting back in the game stronger than ever before.
Recover well, and here's to a successful comeback!
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