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4617674 tn?1357226927

Ulnar collateral ligament injury and weight lifting

Hello,

I'm certain I damaged my left UCL about a year ago - I'm right-handed and the pain is manageable.
Is it reasonable to continue a recently-started weight lifting plan to finish some short and medium-term goals, or should I be considering (Tommy John) surgery to repair this beforehand (8-week minimum down time post surgery)?
I'm trying to go easy on the elbow and avoid exercises that cause pain in the area, and I feel that the injury is not getting worse (*knocks on head*).

What I don't want is to waste time trying to gain muscle in an area that may be structurally deteriorating.
Can I get away with this?

Thanks for any help.

RM
3 Responses
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Avatar universal
I just was diagnosed through an MRI with UCL strain. Before diagnosis, I also could work with hand sideways action without pain. After diagnosis imaging, I took off two weeks and used the RICE recommendation. I returned to the gym on the 14th day and did only barbell pushing exersizes without pain. Cable work  caused me to feel the injury, so I only did what was not irritating the injury site. I believe I received the injury pitching baseball to my 12 year old son(I am 64). An unloading furniture accident probably caused the acute injury which was likely vulnerable from the pitching practices.
I am going to continue to work out, continue with an alternate RICE and avoid exersizes that cause pain until completely better. Note, I bench pressed the most I had in over a year after two weeks off.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Hi there.  You started your post on an older post and those are usually missed by people responding.  If you start your own thread, you'll get answers!  

How are you now?
Avatar universal
I have just been diagnosed with a partially torn UCL. I am a professional arm wrestler and it is crucial I don't loose too much muscle while I am healing. I was wondering if I can still go to the gym and work out my arm. Hammer curls and other exercises where my hand is sideways, palm facing left, doesn't hurt. Is it okay to do an exercise if it doesn't hurt my elbow, or do I need to shut it down completely?
Helpful - 0
1711789 tn?1361308007
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi there!

Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to comment specifically on the situation and without a definite diagnosis at hand it would be difficult to suggest a management plan. Possible causes of your symptoms that may need to be considered include stress fractures, injuries to ligaments/ tendons, cysts, inflammations, bursitis, tendonitis, degeneration etc. I would suggest getting this evaluated by a primary care physician or an orthopedician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!
Helpful - 0

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