Soft tissue elbow injury

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 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. Use the sling, if provided, for comfort only. Try to stop using the sling as soon as possible.
Follow up:	We do not routinely follow up patients with this type of injury. If after six weeks you are still experiencing pain and swelling then please do not hesitate to contact us for a further consultation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.