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Elbow and forearm rehabilitation after injury
A guide to elbow and forearm injuries selected for nonsurgical treatment. The topics distinguish the type of injury, not just the location of pain.
Problems an orthopaedic surgeon assesses in this area
The topics below provide an overview. Detailed exercise protocols are being developed as separate pages; these summaries are not complete exercise programmes.
Radial head fracture
Restoring movement and function following a fracture treated without surgery. Elbow stability, forearm rotation and possible associated injuries are important.
Elbow dislocation
Rehabilitation after reduction and assessment of joint stability. This topic concerns cases in which the treating team has selected nonsurgical care.
Fractures around the elbow
Selected fractures of the distal humerus or proximal ulna treated without surgery. The programme must address the particular fracture, not simply its location.
Forearm muscle injuries
Strains and other muscle injuries selected for nonsurgical management. Return to gripping and hand use needs to account for the affected tissues.
Stiffness after injury or immobilisation
Restricted bending, straightening or forearm rotation after the required protection period. The cause of the restriction should be established before selecting exercises.
What to prepare before planning rehabilitation
Prepare information about difficulties with gripping, carrying and forearm rotation. It helps to distinguish restricted joint movement from pain that appears during muscle use.
Prepare the injury date, diagnosis and instructions about protection, movement and loading. Time elapsed alone does not mean every activity is permitted. Your treating team’s individual instructions take priority.
Author: Tomasz Poboży - orthopaedic surgeon, MD, PhD. Educational information; it does not replace individual assessment and advice.