The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is a piece of connective tissue that runs from the distal medial end of the humerus to the proximal medial end of the ulnar (inside of elbow).  The ligament is made up of three divisions, and helps prevent valgus movement of the elbow joint (bowing in of the elbow).  This ligament is most often associated with throwing injuries, or contact sports. When excessive force is placed on the UCL it can become overstretched and create small or large tears in the tissue.  Depending on the grade of the tear (grade I microscopic tears, grade II partial thickness tear, grade III full thickness tear) physical therapy can help to rehabilitate the arm after injury.  If surgery is not needed, physical therapy can help to regain strength in the arm, correct for mechanical flaws that caused increased stress to the ligament, and progress our patients through a throwing program for return to sport activity.

Associated symptoms:

• Medial elbow pain
• Elbow stiffness
• Swelling
• Decreased elbow range of motion
• Numbness/tingling in forearm/hands.
• Pain with lifting
• Elbow instability (looseness)