I can't speak from personal experience, but here's what I found:
After surgery, a sterile bandage and splint is place on the elbow. Patients will remain in a splint for about one week to allow the incision to heal. After that point, the splint is removed, and the patient can begin gentle motion of the wrist and elbow.
Patients will begin light exercises within several weeks of surgery and can begin strengthening after about 6 weeks. Patients who want to return to athletic activities can begin to do so after about 12 weeks from surgery.
Hope that helps