Recovering from elbow surgery can be challenging, but the right physical therapy exercises are essential for restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion. At Hand to Shoulder Associates, our board-certified specialists design personalized rehab programs to help patients recover safely and effectively after elbow procedures.
Gentle Range of Motion Exercises
Immediately following surgery, gentle range of motion exercises are important to prevent stiffness. These may include:
- Elbow Flexion and Extension: Slowly bend and straighten the elbow to maintain mobility.
- Forearm Rotations: Gently rotate the palm up and down to improve pronation and supination.
- Wrist Flexion and Extension: Moving the wrist can help maintain overall arm function.
Strengthening Exercises
Once cleared by your physician, strengthening exercises are introduced to rebuild muscle and support the joint. Common exercises include:
- Isometric Elbow Contractions: Contract the muscles without moving the joint to maintain strength.
- Light Resistance Band Exercises: Perform curls, extensions, and rotations with minimal resistance.
- Grip Strength Exercises: Squeezing a soft ball or therapy putty helps rebuild forearm and hand strength.
Functional and Advanced Training
As recovery progresses, exercises focus on restoring normal movement and preparing patients for daily activities or sports. These may include:
- Wall Push-Ups: Gentle pushing motions to improve elbow stability.
- Therapy Putty or Hand Grippers: Enhances fine motor strength and endurance.
- Sport-Specific Drills: Tailored exercises for athletes to return safely to activity.
Tips for a Safe Recovery
- Perform all exercises slowly and with control to avoid injury.
- Follow the rehabilitation plan prescribed by your physical therapist.
- Stop exercises if you experience sharp pain, swelling, or numbness.
For more guidance on post-surgical rehabilitation, schedule a consultation with our elbow specialists in Chicago today.
