What kind of exercise can help prevent Tommy John surgery?
Tommy John surgery, or ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR), is a procedure that reconstructs the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. The UCL is a band of tissue that connects the humerus (upper arm bone) to the ulna (one of the two bones in the forearm). It helps to stabilize the elbow and prevents it from dislocating.
Tommy John surgery is often performed on baseball pitchers who have injured their UCL due to overuse. However, it can also be performed on other athletes who have injured their UCL, such as football players, basketball players, and tennis players.
There are a number of exercises that can help to prevent Tommy John surgery. These exercises help to strengthen the muscles and ligaments around the elbow and improve flexibility. Some examples of these exercises include:
* Elbow flexion and extension: These exercises can be performed with a weight or without weight. To perform an elbow flexion, hold your arm straight out in front of you and bend your elbow so that your hand touches your shoulder. To perform an elbow extension, hold your arm straight out in front of you and straighten your elbow.
* Elbow pronation and supination: These exercises can be performed with a weight or without weight. To perform an elbow pronation, hold your arm straight out in front of you and rotate your forearm so that your palm faces down. To perform an elbow supination, hold your arm straight out in front of you and rotate your forearm so that your palm faces up.
* Triceps pushdowns: These exercises can be performed with a weight or without weight. To perform a triceps pushdown, hold a weight in each hand and extend your arms overhead. Then, bend your elbows and lower the weights until your forearms are parallel to the ground.
* Biceps curls: These exercises can be performed with a weight or without weight. To perform a bicep curl, hold a weight in each hand and bend your elbows so that your hands come up to your shoulders.
It is important to perform these exercises correctly to avoid injury. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, stop the exercise and consult a doctor or physical therapist.