Tommy John Sugery - Recovery

Over the past 20 years, I have been around about 30 pitchers that had TJ surgery. Each year, the pitchers have come along better and better, to the point where outside of the recovery time, the pitchers are coming back as good or better than before. Guys are pitching after 12 months, but from what I have seen, they get back to the top of their game after about 18 months.

I am working with one right now, hes older than me, being my sisters boyfriend, but he was all narrows player. Right now hes throwing a 30 pitch bullpen with me, a changeup and a flatground curve. Good long toss too. I believe he will get back to where he was before injury and then become better. Hes in no mood to pick up a golf club though. He just stick to the plan the doctor gave him and runs alot.

My daughter just had the surgery last week. We are hoping for the best. Sure wish their were more posts on this topic.

My son is in the last stages of rehab/recovery of Tommy John surgery. I hope to post more, after we see the results of the surgery.

The key to full recovery, from what I have seen, is hard work on the part of the patient and their physical makeup

Some get back faster than others while others may take longer-- it all depends on the individual and the work ethic

My son had Tommy John's on July 31st, 2003 and was making a remarkable recovery, but tore his achilles tendon in Feb,2004. He was going to be ready to pitch again in late March. The surgery for achilles tendon did delay his pitching. He was pitching again though in June of 2004. He had a really good summer & fall ball. I don't think he was back 100%, but still had good #'s. He is looking forward to Spring ball and being back to 100%. I hope his surgeries don't put a damper on the scouts interests. We have received questionnaires from 3 pro teams so far during off-season and of course, they wantinfo on medical background. Our 1st game is Feb 11th if snow is not on the ground here.

Elbow Reconstruction has advanced so much, it's becoming as routine as angioplasty.

Shoulder Surgery is not as advanced as TJ.

PM, regarding whether surgeries "damper" scouts interests......A local HS prospect blew his elbow during his 04 HS Sr season, was drafted in June 04, and signed (and for big bucks), and was flown out for surgery a week later.

Happy New Year

My son had TJ surgery in 2000. I agree that most players do come back - the key is the rehab. They must be dedicated to it and not give up no matter how much of their time and energy it takes. My son has friends who gave up and quit, only to see their careers in baseball disappear.
I have also seen players who feel good and want to pitch around 9 -10 -11 months, and I would advise against it. Give it the most time you can to heal and take it slow----those that rush back can plan on some set backs.
You can read my son's story right here on the website if you do a search under interviews on Nick Masset.
Nick has not once in 5 years experienced any problems with the elbow, last year he was set back with a strained wrist, but not one problem with the elbow. I don't know what the statistics are one way or the other, but he did not have his nerve moved and some do. He did have some further exploritory surgery by Dr. James Andrews in the fall after his surgery because he still had some numbness from the nerve being moved and put back during surgery, but all was well, no scar tissue, he just looked at it and closed him back up and within a few months, everything was good once again.
In his case he was selected in the 8th round of the 2000 draft, just two months off surgery, but he did wait a year to sign as he wanted to prove to the Rangers that he was healthy and worth a little more than an 8th rounder.
Good luck to all of you kids dealing with TJ, but work hard as that is the key, and you will be fine -

I had TJ surgery in July 2003 and it forced me to miss my first season at Indiana State University. I do agree with BaseballMom244 when she said that recovery is the worst part. The worst part isn't the physical part, but its the mental game. I know I started to 2nd guess myself in my abilities and wondered if my fastball is going to still "be there." For me that was the hardest part was to convince myself that the Dr's and physical therapists knew what they were doing. When my UCL went, it took some bone with it and it completly severed the tendons, ligaments, and I had slight tears in my muscle. My recovery is was/is 18months total and it will conclude when I take the mound for out 2nd game aganist Missouri.
I never experienced elbow problems either, but I now feel I am better because my mechanics have changed and I have gotten bigger and smarter which all helped me gain about 3-4mph more on my fastball.
To everyone out there having TJ or that needs it...........JUST REMEMBER


Everything happens for a reason!

Ryan Tatusko
Indiana State Baseball #40