Fractured Elbow

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   Our user asked: "Hi about 2 years ago i was in a car wreck doctors said i fratured my elbow and i needed surgry to place screws to hold a peice of bone. After surgy i was given directions on some physical therapy that i need to do. i gained some range of motion back but im am unable to bend it like it normally should. I have tryed adding creams and pills to take the pain away from trying to get it to bend more but nothing seems to work. Is there any other things i can do before i go back to the doctor and see if i need surgery again? Thank you"

Ask a PT Response: "In regards to your question of how to achieve gains with elbow range of motion (ROM) - time is key. Quite often with my patients who have limited ROM I would issue gentle static stretches either into flexion or extension. A hot pack can be applied around the elbow as well while performing the static stretch to help the tissue become more pliable. You should be experiencing a mild discomfort with stretching. It should not be painful. Perhaps it may be a good idea to participate in physical therapy again to help you ahieve more ROM and function as well. Good luck!"

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Ask a PT Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: Jul 07 2008 Status: Offline Points: 954	Post Options Post Reply Quote Ask a PT Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Fractured Elbow Posted: Apr 21 2009 at 2:31pm
	Our user asked: "Hi about 2 years ago i was in a car wreck doctors said i fratured my elbow and i needed surgry to place screws to hold a peice of bone. After surgy i was given directions on some physical therapy that i need to do. i gained some range of motion back but im am unable to bend it like it normally should. I have tryed adding creams and pills to take the pain away from trying to get it to bend more but nothing seems to work. Is there any other things i can do before i go back to the doctor and see if i need surgery again? Thank you" Ask a PT Response: "In regards to your question of how to achieve gains with elbow range of motion (ROM) - time is key. Quite often with my patients who have limited ROM I would issue gentle static stretches either into flexion or extension. A hot pack can be applied around the elbow as well while performing the static stretch to help the tissue become more pliable. You should be experiencing a mild discomfort with stretching. It should not be painful. Perhaps it may be a good idea to participate in physical therapy again to help you ahieve more ROM and function as well. Good luck!"

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