Sling |
When will I go home? |
What can I do? |
What can’t I do? |
2 weeks | You will be discharged on the same day as the operation | Gentle elbow range of movement | No movement into painful extremes |
Acute phase (0-2 weeks)
Goals
- Reduce pain
- Minimize elbow swelling and finger stiffness
Rehabilitation
- Elbow range of movement exercises respecting pain
- Hand & finger exercises
- Wean sling by 2 weeks
Intermediate phase (2-6 weeks)
Goals
- Restore full elbow range of movement
Rehabilitation
- Progress range of movement exercises to full functional range
- Ensure elbow strength and stability through range
- Scar massage and modalities for improving tissue elongation
- Restore wrist, finger range of movement
Late phase (>6 weeks)
Goals
- Full function of elbow
Rehabilitation
- Continue to progress range of movement, strength and function of upper limb
- Proprioception upper limb exercises to enhance stability
Guidelines for return to functional activities
Driving |
Lifting |
Swimming |
Golf |
2 weeks | 6 weeks | 4 weeks | 6 weeks |