The elbow is a hinged joint which consists of the humerus, radius and ulna. A fracture of any of these bones where they meet at the joint can decrease range of motion and strength. After a period of immobilization for healing, your doctor will allow you to begin an exercise program which will help you to regain as close to your normal functional level as possible. This article is not intended as medical advice, it is for informational purposes only.
Range of Motion
Range of motion of the elbow includes bending, straightening, and rotation of the hand from palm up to palm down. These are also known as flexion, extension, supination and pronation, respectively.
Begin with your upper arm resting on the edge of a table. Straighten it as far as you can. You may assist by gently pushing with your opposite hand.
Maintaining this position, pull your hand back toward your shoulder. Grasp your wrist and gently push to increase your flexion, or bending.
With your elbow at 90 degrees, and your hand resting off the edge of the table, attempt to turn your palm toward the ceiling, and then back toward the floor. You may assist with your opposite hand for this exercise as well.
Stretching
Stretching the musculature around the joint will help in regaining normal flexibility. Place your elbow on the edge of a table, with your palm facing the ceiling. Grasping your hand with your opposite hand, begin to straighten your elbow while stretching your fingers toward the floor. This will stretch your biceps and wrist flexors.
Turn your palm toward the floor and repeat to stretch your wrist extensors.
To stretch your triceps, raise your arm over your head. Bend your elbow while keeping your upper arm stabilized, elbow pointing toward the ceiling. Reach behind you, stretching your hand toward your opposite shoulder.
Strengthening
You can begin strengthening exercises when you have normal range of motion and your doctor or therapist approves.
Increase your forearm strength with gripping exercises. This may include squeezing thera-putty or wringing a wet washcloth.
Sitting at a table with your elbow bent and your forearm resting on the edge, you will move your wrist through each motion of flexion, extension and rotation. Begin with very light weight, such as a soup can or one pound dumbbell and increase as tolerated.
For bicep strengthening, begin with your arm straight, and bend your elbow as far as you can. Begin with a light weight and increase as your strength increases. Strengthen the triceps by beginning with your arm in the elbow overhead and bent position, and straighten your hand toward the ceiling. Use your opposite hand to hold your upper arm in a stable position.
Functional
Normal activities such as walking with a normal arm-swinging gait will help in increasing functional range of motion and strength. Resuming sports and games once you are cleared by your physician will promote a combination of movements which will promote a return to normal strength and range of motion.
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