The common extensor tendons are a group of tendons -- tough bands of fibrous tissue -- in the elbow that anchor the forearm muscles to the bones. These tendons work with the muscles to exert a pulling force. Many of the forearm muscles that originate in the elbow affect grip strength. Injury to the extensor tendons likely will cause disruption to daily activities and may require physical therapy.
Purpose
A sudden tear that occurs to the muscle and tendon structure is known as a strain, which manifests as pain, spasms, bruising and loss of movement. A related injury, known as tennis elbow, manifests when the tendons continuously and repetitively rub against the bone as the elbow bends and straightens. Most of the pain and bruising endemic to either injury will diminish with rest and/or surgery. However, physical therapy is an additional treatment to restore the muscle mass, flexibility, grip strength and range of motion. The therapy ends once these functions have returned to their previous level.
Isotonic Exercises
Isotonic exercise routines, simple muscle contractions against resistance, are the basis of elbow rehabilitation. If you have a dumbbell or some kind of heavy object that fits into your hand, then you can "curl" your wrist, with forearm stationary, by lifting and then lowering the weight, palm up or palm down. Other exercises include twisting your wrist with the weight in hand, pushing or pulling the hand, squeezing a tennis ball and pushing again an elastic device such as a rubber band with your fingers. Your doctor or therapist typically will recommend a rehabilitation program that works for you, practiced under medical supervision, but home exercise may be appropriate as your therapy continues and proper form established.
Progression
As pain subsides, a full range of motion can be established, and you can use more advanced strengthening exercises, some of which may use heavier weights, and a limited set of low-impact aerobic exercises such as swimming and cycling. Only toward the end of the therapy can you resume sports or high-impact activities. A therapist may suggest strengthening your shoulder; by improving the muscular balance of the arm, a stronger shoulder can rehabilitate the elbow and prevent future injuries. Ultrasound, ice massage or muscle-stimulating techniques also can improve the healing process.
Time Frame
Light strength training starts about two months after the completion of surgery for an injury such as tennis elbow. A full recovery and return to athletic ability can take as long as four to six months. However, the time frame and scope of rehabilitation depends upon the extent of the injury. Different levels of strains exist. A grade 1 strain is mild and may only need minor therapeutic exercise to restore strength and flexibility. A grade 3 strain is a complete rupture and may split the entire tendon into two pieces. It usually requires significant physical rehabilitation; a complete rupture in the elbow, however, is unusual.
