Non-Surgical Treatment

The goal of non-operative treatment of a torn UCL is to restore stability to the elbow joint and provide pain relief to the patient. Treatment consists of an initial period of rest along with taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) and applying ice to the elbow daily until the pain and swelling are gone. After inflammation of the elbow has decreased, the patient may begin physical therapy. The purpose of the physical therapy is to strengthen the muscles around the elbow to compensate for the torn ligament.