When Can I Return to Sports After Elbow Arthroscopy?

1. Weeks 1–2

For the first two weeks, the primary concern is the protection of your elbow, as well as the gentle movement that must be achieved. It’s likely that you’ll be leaving the surgery center in a sling or a bulky bandage to protect your joint.

The goal during this time is to reduce swelling by applying ice and keeping your arm elevated, while also beginning very light movements of your wrist and fingers to prevent stiffness. Most people are able to return to desk work within a few days, but any sports or activities that involve using the arm are completely restricted.

2. Weeks 3–6

Once the wounds from the cuts have healed and the swelling has reduced, you will then begin the next stage of healing, which involves assisted physical therapy. The emphasis of this stage will be to allow you to move freely with your elbow, meaning gradual improvement in bending and straightening the elbow is expected.

Your therapist will assist you in doing some small exercises, such as squeezing putty or even lifting small weights (1-2 lbs), as well as allowing you to exercise other parts of your body, such as your lower limbs, as long as you are not required to balance with your healing arm.

3. Weeks 7–12

This phase is a transitional phase from basic rehabilitation to more functional, real-life movements. Before starting this phase, you should have a full, pain-free range of motion in your elbow. At this stage, your exercises will become more active and controlled to improve strength and coordination. 

For an overhead athlete, a program may be initiated that works on strengthening the shoulder and upper body, which in turn helps the elbow joint. For simpler procedures, such as fragment removal, some individuals may begin a gradual return-to-play program around weeks 8–10.

Return to Sports Based on Procedure

The timeline for returning to sports depends largely on the type of procedure you had. If you underwent loose body removal, recovery is typically faster, and many athletes can return to full activity within 6 to 8 weeks. 

In cases of bone spur removal, where the bone was reshaped, it may take about 2 to 3 months before you can safely return to full activity. For a tennis elbow release, recovery takes longer because it involves tendon healing, and it may require 3 to 6 months before you regain full strength and can perform at your previous level.

Signs You Are Ready to Return

Doctors usually look for a few important signs before clearing you for sports:

• Your operated arm should move just as well as your healthy arm.
• The operated arm’s strength should be about 80–90% compared to the other arm.
• You should be able to perform sport-related movements, like throwing or swinging, without sharp pain or discomfort.