Elbow Surgery Rehab
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Post-operative management
You will have a dressing on your surgery site which needs to stay clean and dry for 14 days.
You can move your shoulder, hand and fingers straight away but wear the sling provided for most of the day. The sling helps to take the weight of your arm to let the elbow rest.
You can begin to gently move the shoulder a couple of days after surgery but do not carry any weight or lift anything during the first 2 weeks.
After 2 weeks you will have an appointment with your specialist to have your wound checked, any stitches will be removed. The team will then give you advice on exercises and physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy can be helpful to get your arm and shoulder moving and strong again, but do not start this until you have had your appointment with your specialist at 2 weeks.
As with all surgery, there are risks repairing your elbow. These include infection, delayed healing or no healing of the tendon. Difficulty with pain and range of movement may also be occur.
Rehabilitation Program
STAGE 0 (0-2 weeks)
Pendular type exercises can be started in the first 2 weeks after surgery:
This exercise allows you to gently move the shoulder and arm in a slow circular movement several times and day. It helps keep the shoulder moving so that it does not get stiff.
In the first two weeks do not lift your shoulder above 90 degrees or lift anything heavier than a glass of water.
STAGE 1 (2 - 6 weeks)
Depending on your surgery you may be able to begin to move the elbow. You can rotate the forearm with a movement similar to twisting a door knob
The elbow can be raised up and down when your specialist gives you clearance.
