Rehab for Elbow Surgery

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Rehab for Elbow Surgery

HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP ME RECOVER FROM ELBOW SURGERY?

Physical therapists play an important role in post-surgical rehabilitation of the elbow. Following a surgery to the elbow, your arm will need to undergo a period of recovery prior to returning to full activities. Except in the case of minor procedures, physical therapy is often recommended following a surgery to help the patient recover fully. Physical therapy helps promote healing of the surgical area and return to full function through the use of manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular re-education and more.

WHAT DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY FOLLOWING ELBOW SURGERY LOOK LIKE?

My team of physical therapists and I will help you recover from elbow surgery. In the beginning your PT will work on reducing pain and swelling around the elbow, teach you how to protect the area and initiate return of muscle function and range of motion around the arm. As recovery progresses you will continue through a series of exercises to increase range of motion, improve strength and neuromuscular control, regain normal movement and then progress to sport-specific or high impact activities like throwing, push ups or lifting heavy objects. Usually this consists of 2-3 visits per week with your therapist as well as a series of exercises or other activities you will perform at home between visits. The frequency of visits often decreases near the end of your rehabilitation program.

HOW LONG WILL I NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY?

The duration of your physical therapy plan of care will vary depending on the type of surgery you had and any additional impairments that also need to be addressed. While full resolution of symptoms can take some time, you may begin to see some results right away. You should experience improvements in many symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and inflammation within a couple of weeks. Progression in strength, flexibility and overall mobility that allows you to use your hands for more intensive tasks, may take longer. Achieving long lasting results may take some time, but dedication to your program will help you achieve these results. Your PT will be able to give you a more specific timeline for recovery after your surgery and as you move through the rehabilitation process.

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COMMON ELBOW SURGERIES?

The elbow consists of the articulation of three bones. The humerus, or upper arm bone, articulates with the heads of the two bones that make up the forearm, the radius and the ulna. This joint is considered a hinge joint that allows for bending (ie flexion) and straightening (ie extension) of the elbow. Just below this lies the articulation of the radius and ulna which allows you to rotate your palm up and down. Muscles that bend and extend the elbow and wrist attach near the elbow as well as several ligaments that hold the bones in place and stabilize the joint. Surgery to the elbow can target any of the anatomical structures present in this area. Some common elbow surgeries are as follows:

Bicep tendon repair
Ulnar nerve decompression
Elbow replacement
Extensor tendon repair
Arthroscopic debridement
Total Elbow replacement
Synovectomy
Tommy-John Surgery
Fracture stabilization
Dislocation repair

WHY CHOOSE PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER ELBOW SURGERY?

Surgeries on the elbow are performed to address symptoms like pain and instability and conditions such as arthritis, fracture and dislocation. While ultimately the surgery should result in healing of the original issue, the surgery itself is viewed as an injury or trauma by the body and the body must recover from that injury. Physical therapists are here to teach you how to protect the surgical area while actively promoting full healing. Working with a physical therapist can improve the rate and completion of healing from elbow surgery.

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End Injury Progression

Rehab physical therapy for elbow surgery has proven to prevent injury, slow and even stop pain issues, improve performance, and reverse injury progression in many cases.

Relieve Pain

The movements used in this technique can target your entire body helping you to manage discomfort and pain during the course of your physical therapy treatments.

**Improve Range of Motion**
Posture awareness is an important area to focus on due to the fact that certain positions may cause you further discomfort and pain.

**Restore Mobility**
You can regain mobility and flexibility by taking part in the stretches and exercises as prescribed by your physical therapist.

How Long Will Rehab Physical Therapy for Elbow Surgery Treatments Last?

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help with elbow rehab issues, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER SURGERY?

The exact progression of your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you had. Some surgeries will require a period of immobilization of the arm to allow tissues to heal sufficiently before any stress is applied to them. During this time your therapist may have you work on adjacent areas of the body to prevent atrophy in multiple places. Other surgeries will benefit from a more active recovery approach right away. Right after your surgery your physical therapist may use modalities, manual therapy techniques or gentle passive range of motion to address pain and inflammation and to preserve motion. As you progress through your recovery and the surgical site is allowed to undergo more stress, your program will likely include some of the following types of treatment in order to achieve your maximal level of function:

Strengthening: Restoring strength and endurance to the muscles around the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand is an important part of post-surgical rehabilitation. It will reduce the risk of re-injury and help you return to your prior level of function.

Stretching: Stretching is often needed after a surgery to restore normal joint motion and muscle length but needs to be done carefully to prevent disruption of the healing process.

Neuromuscular Re-education: This type of treatment is used to improve the motor control and coordination of muscles in the arm so that the elbow functions well during both daily tasks and higher impact activities like athletics.

Manual therapy: Manual therapy techniques like joint and soft tissue mobilization may be utilized to address restrictions in joint motion and tissue mobility around the elbow and arm.

Sport- or work-specific Tasks: For athletes returning to sport or individuals returning to a labor-intensive job, sport- and work-specific exercises will be incorporated later on in your rehabilitation to prepare the elbow for the demands of returning to play and work. This might include things like lifting, pushing, pulling and throwing exercises.

Having any type of surgery can feel daunting but my team of physical therapists and I are here to help make that process as smooth as possible. Call Evolve today to get started on your recovery from elbow surgery.