Repaired Fractured Elbow Pain During Physical Therapy
The elbow is a hinge joint that allows movement for tasks like lifting, holding, and turning. Fractures in its bones can lead to problems and restrict motion in this complex joint, so rehabilitation is essential in order to regain normal function while relieving pain and swelling.
Elbow fractures are a common injury, usually caused by falls or sports activity. These injuries may affect the humerus (upper arm bone), radius and ulna bones in the forearm.
Different types of broken elbows require various medical treatments and healing processes. Depending on the fracture type, people may require medical treatments like splints or casts, surgery like open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), or both.
Your doctor will use a variety of treatments to reduce pain, swelling and other symptoms caused by the injury. They also monitor healing progress and assist in realigning bones in order to promote healing.
Your doctor will start the healing process by placing you in a splint or cast that prevents your elbow from moving. This takes pressure off nerves and blood vessels around your elbow, which could otherwise cause numbness, weakness, or other symptoms.
You will need to remain in this splint or cast for several weeks until your doctor determines that your bones have healed sufficiently on their own. Once they determine you have enough healing, they will remove the splint/cast and you can resume normal activity.
Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals that specialize in working with those who have injuries, disabilities and conditions that restrict mobility and movement. During therapy sessions, your PT will provide hands-on treatments and teach you specific exercises to build strength and flexibility within muscles and joints.
When you first visit a physical therapist (PT), they will ask questions about your condition, why it occurred, and how well you move or perform daily tasks. After discussing these details with them, they can formulate a treatment plan tailored to meet each individual’s individual needs and limitations.
Once your physical therapist has created a personalized treatment plan, they will demonstrate the exercises that will improve movement and function in your elbow. Furthermore, they’ll teach you how to correctly apply those exercises for maximum benefit.
Your physical therapist (PT) can also offer you education and information regarding your injury, how to move better, and how to avoid future incidents. These lessons can significantly enhance the quality of life in the long-term.
If you have had surgery to repair a broken elbow, your physical therapist will begin rehabilitation as soon as the surgeon suggests it based on normal bone healing times. This may include doing gentle exercises to strengthen your fingers and wrist as well as some shoulder movements.
If you are in pain or require more exercise than what a physical therapist can provide, your doctor may prescribe medications to ease the discomfort and allow for an active lifestyle again. These could include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or an anti-inflammatory.