Rehabilitation training after elbow surgery

Surgery is required for many problems with the elbow joint, such as unexplained pain, rheumatoid arthritis, severe elbow valgus, etc. As long as the indications for surgery are met, the most common elbow arthroscopy can provide good treatment. However, surgical treatment is only one aspect. If you want to recover as quickly as possible, you must also cooperate with postoperative rehabilitation training of the elbow joint, which is the focus of postoperative rehabilitation.

1. The methods and data provided in this plan are formulated in accordance with general routine situations. The specific implementation needs to be completed under the guidance of a doctor depending on one's own conditions and surgical circumstances.

2. Pain during functional exercises is inevitable. If the pain subsides to its original level within half an hour of stopping the exercise, it will not cause damage to the tissue and should be tolerated.

3. Strength training should be concentrated until the muscles feel sore, swollen and tired, and then proceed to the next set after sufficient rest. Improving muscle strength is a key factor in functional recovery in the middle and late stages, and must be practiced seriously.

4. In addition to the immobilization and protection of the surgical limb, the other parts of the body (such as the healthy upper limb, waist, abdomen, legs, etc.) should be practiced as much as possible to ensure physical fitness, improve the overall circulation and metabolic level, and promote the recovery of the surgical area.

5. In the early stage, joint range of motion exercises should only be performed 1-2 times a day, and efforts should be made to improve the angle. Avoid repeated practice, which may cause serious consequences such as myositis ossificans! If there is no improvement in range of motion for a long time (> 2 weeks), there may be adhesion of the joint, so it should be taken seriously, the exercises should be completed, and timely rechecks should be conducted when necessary.

6. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes immediately after range of motion exercises. If you feel obvious swelling, pain, or fever in your joints, you can apply ice compresses 2-3 times a day.

7. The swelling of the joints will continue throughout the entire exercise process until the joint range of motion returns to normal and the stimulus for muscle strength recovery disappears. However, the degree of swelling must be controlled and cannot continue to increase. The general trend should be to gradually subside. If the swelling increases, or local redness, swelling, heat, or pain becomes obvious, you must stop practicing, increase the number of ice compresses, and seek medical attention immediately!