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This information will guide you through the next 6 weeks of your rehabilitation. Use the video or information below to gain a better understanding of your injury and what can be done to maximise your recovery.
| Healing: | This injury will take 6-12 weeks to heal. |
| Pain and Swelling: |
Your elbow may be swollen. Take pain killers as prescribed. |
|
Using your arm: |
It is important to keep the elbow moving to prevent stiffness. You should avoid any heavy lifting for 6 weeks. |
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Follow up:
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You will need to have a repeat x-ray at approximately 2-3 weeks post injury to check there has been no movement of the fracture. Our virtual fracture clinic team will have advised you where you can have this x-ray. Please can you contact us via phone or using the contact us page to tell us when this has been done. We will then assess your x-ray the next day. |
Area of Injury:
If you are worried that you are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan, or have any questions, then please phone the Fracture Care Team for advice.
Or if you are experiencing pain and symptoms anywhere else, other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area, please also get in touch using the telephone or e-mail details at the top of this letter.
What to expect:
|
Weeks since injury |
Rehabilitation plan |
|
0-2 |
|
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2-6 |
X Don't lift more than the weight of a cup of tea for six weeks. |
|
6 -12 |
X Heavy tasks may still cause some discomfort and swelling. |
| 12 |
If you are still experiencing significant pain and stiffness then please contact us for further consultation. |
Advice for a new injury
Cold packs: A cold pack (ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) can provide short-term pain relief. Apply this to the sore area for up to 15 minutes, every few hours. The ice must never be in direct contact with the skin.
Rest: Try to rest your arm for the first 24-72 hours. However, it is important to maintain movement in your elbow. Gently move your elbow following the exercises shown. These should not cause too much pain. This will ensure your elbow does not become stiff and it will help the healing process.
Smoking advice
Medical evidence suggests that smoking prolongs fracture healing time. In extreme cases it can stop healing altogether. It is important that you consider this information with relation to your recent injury. Stopping smoking during the healing phase of your fracture will help ensure optimal recovery from this injury.
For advice on smoking cessation and local support available, please refer to the following website: http://smokefree.nhs.uk or discuss this with your GP.
Exercises
Start these exercises as soon as possible and do them 5-6 times a day:
Finger and wrist flexion and extension
Open and close your hand as shown 10-15 times.
Then move your wrist up and down 10-15 times.
After a few days, hold a soft ball/ball of socks. Squeeze the ball as hard as possible without pain.
Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times.
Elbow Bend to Straighten
Bend and straighten your elbow so you feel a mild to moderate stretch. You can use your other arm to assist if necessary. Do not push into pain.
Forearm Rotations
Put your elbow at your side. Bend it to 90 degrees. Slowly rotate your palm up and down until you feel a mild to moderate stretch. You can use your other arm to assist if necessary. Do not push into pain.
Repeat 10-15 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.
Wear your sling for comfort