What is the process of recovering from an elbow fracture? How can physical therapy help in the recovery process? What to expect when the cast or sling is removed? Get the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide.

Fractured Elbow Recovery: What to Expect

Following an elbow fracture, your physical therapist will design an individualized treatment program to help improve your elbow movement and strength, ease swelling, and restore use of your arm for daily living and athletic activities.

Elbow Immobilization During Healing

While your bone heals, your arm will be in a cast or a sling to keep it still and allow healing. This is also the case if you have had surgery. During the healing process, it is important to prevent as much stiffness, weakness, or swelling as possible. Depending on the amount of activity that is allowed by your physician for your type of fracture or surgery, your physical therapist will prescribe exercises to keep your shoulder, wrist, and hand moving while you are in the cast or sling.

Maintaining Independence During Recovery

Your physical therapist will help you stay as independent as possible by teaching you how to perform your daily activities—such as dressing, working on a computer, housekeeping, and even exercising—while wearing a cast or a sling. Under your physical therapist’s guidance, you can exercise your other arm and legs to maintain and build your fitness level during the healing process.

Restoring Elbow Function After Cast Removal

When your cast or sling is removed, your elbow will most likely be stiff and your arm will be weak, especially if you have had surgery. Your physical therapist will help you prevent permanent loss of movement in the elbow, so don’t delay your visit! Your therapist will examine your elbow and select treatments based on your particular physical problems, goals, level of physical activity, and general health.

Physical Therapy Interventions for Elbow Fracture Recovery

Your physical therapist may prescribe a variety of treatments to help you reduce pain and swelling, improve your ability to move, increase flexibility, increase strength, improve endurance, and safely return to your desired activities.

Developing a Home Exercise Program

Your physical therapist will teach you strengthening and stretching exercises to perform at home. These exercises will be specific for your needs; if you do them as prescribed by your physical therapist, you can speed your recovery.

Achieving Your Recovery Goals

Your physical therapist will discuss your activity goals with you and use them to set your work, sport, and home-life recovery goals. Your treatment program will help you reach your goals in the safest, fastest, and most effective way possible. Your physical therapist will teach you exercises, work retraining activities, and sport-specific techniques and drills to help you achieve your goals.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Elbow Fracture Recovery

Your physical therapist is trained and experienced in choosing the best treatments and exercises to help you safely heal, return to your normal lifestyle, and reach your goals faster than you are likely to do on your own.

Elbow Injury Overview

Elbow injuries are common in both adults and children. Early recognition and treatment of an elbow injury can reduce the risk of complications and later disability. Any serious injury of the elbow deserves medical attention.

Understanding the Elbow Joint

Your elbow is a complex joint formed by 3 bones: the humerus in the upper arm, and the radius and ulna in the forearm. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons maintain your elbow’s stability and allow joint movement.

Common Elbow Injuries

Serious injuries, such as fractures (a bone break) and dislocations, can damage the bones and other structures of the elbow joint, leading to pain, swelling, instability, and limited range of motion.

Importance of Early Treatment

Early recognition and treatment of an elbow injury can reduce the risk of complications and later disability. Any serious injury of the elbow deserves medical attention.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Elbow Injury Recovery

Your physical therapist will design an individualized treatment program to help improve your elbow movement and strength, ease swelling, and restore use of your arm for daily living and athletic activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, recovering from an elbow fracture requires a comprehensive approach that involves immobilization, physical therapy interventions, and a customized home exercise program. By working closely with your physical therapist, you can regain your elbow function, reduce pain and swelling, and safely return to your desired activities.