Orthopaedic Surgeon
Elbow Arthroscopy Surgical Rehabilitation
PHASE I - Initial Phase (Week 1)
Goal: Full wrist and elbow ROM, decrease swelling, decrease pain, stop muscle atrophy
A. Day of Surgery
Begin gently moving elbow in bulky dressing
B. Post-op Day 1 and 2
1. Immediate post-op hand, wrist, and elbow exercises
a. Putty/grip strengthening
b. Wrist flexor stretching
c. Wrist extensor stretching
d. Wrist curls
e. Reverse wrist curls
f. Neutral wrist curls
g. Pronation/supination
h. AAROM elbow ext/flex
C. Post-op Day 3 through 7
1. PROM elbow ext/flex (motion to tolerance)
2. Begin Progressive Resistance Exercises (PRE) with 1 lb weight
a. Wrist curls
b. Reverse wrist curls
c. Neutral wrist curls
d. Pronation/supination
e. Broomstick roll-up
PHASE II - Intermediate Phase (Week 2-4)
Goal: Improve muscular strength and endurance; normalize joint arthrokinematics
A. Week 2 Range of Motion exercises (overpressure into extension)
1. Addition of biceps curls and triceps extension
2. Continue to progress PRE weight and repetitions as tolerable
B. Week 3
1. Initiate biceps and biceps eccentric exercise program
2. Initiate rotator cuff exercises program
a. External rotators
b. Internal rotators
c. Deltoid
d. Supraspinatus
e. Scapulothoracic strengthening
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PHASE III - Advanced Phase (Week 4-8)
Goals: Preparation of athlete for return to functional activities
*Criteria to progress to Advanced Phase:
1. Full non-painful ROM
2. No pain or tenderness
3. Isokinetic test that fulfills criteria to throw
4. Satisfactory clinical exam
A. Weeks 4 through 6
1. Continue maintenance program, emphasizing muscular strength, endurance, & flexibility
2. Initiate Interval Throwing Program Phase