Your radius is the larger of the two bones in your lower arm that form your elbow. The radius, along with the ulna bone located beside it -- and the humerus, your upper arm bone -- allow your lower arm to rotate toward and away from your body. They also allow you to turn your palm up and down. Falling and landing on an outstretched arm is one of the most common ways this injury occurs, according to Dr. Pierre Rouzier of the Summit Medical Group. With a broken radial head, one major goal of your therapist is to help restore a full range of motion to your elbow joint.
Elbow Bend to Straighten
After a period of immobilization your therapist may prescribe rehabilitative range of motion exercises for your injured elbow joint. One of these is performed by standing with your injured elbow bent as far as you can without pain and then straightening it. You should only bend and straighten the joint as far as you can without making your symptoms worse, according to PhysioAdvisor.com. Do 10 repetitions of this therapeutic treatment.
Wrist Flexion and Extension
In addition to affecting the range of motion of your elbow joint, a fractured radial head can also make your wrist hard to move. This exercise is performed with your palm facing down and your elbow in a comfortable position that allows for wrist motion without pain. Bend your wrist joint as far as you can in an up and down motion. The Memorial Sports Medicine Institute recommend you do three sets of 10 repetitions. As your condition improves your doctor may want you to perform this exercise with your palm facing up.
Forearm Pronation and Supination
This exercise is often prescribed as your condition improves, and should not be attempted without first checking with your doctor or therapist. Begin by bending your elbow at a 90 degree angle and keeping it tucked tightly into your side. Rotate your lower arm until your palm is facing the ceiling -- hold this position for about five seconds. Rotate your forearm down until your palm is facing down and hold this position for five seconds. Be sure your elbow remains tucked into your side and bent at a 90 degree angle throughout this exercise. PhysioAdvisor.com encourages you to perform three sets of 10 repetitions of this exercise as directed by your doctor.
Member Comments