Elbow Rehab

Elbow rehabilitation after acute fracture or dislocation is presented as a milestone-based, progressive process focused on restoring a pain-free, stable, functional joint as early and safely as possible. The teaching explains why the elbow commonly becomes stiff after trauma, including its anatomy, limited proprioceptive input, tendency toward flexion, and the effects of immobilization on muscle loss, cortical representation, and function. Key principles include early active movement rather than prolonged immobilization, close surgeon-therapist communication about safe movement ranges, and use of the overhead position to improve mobility while protecting stability. Functional range of motion is emphasized over perfect restoration, with particular attention to flexion needed for daily tasks such as bringing the hand to the mouth. Rehabilitation strategies include pain control, reducing fear and anxiety, sensory retraining, contralateral limb training, early activation of forearm stabilizers, and kinetic-chain exercises. Later stages progress to strengthening, sport-specific drills, plyometrics, and impact training. Learners are also introduced to evidence on splinting, bracing, heterotopic ossification, and recovery timelines, with the expectation that improvement may continue for 6 to 12 months.