Did you know that elbow dislocations are one of the most common joint dislocations, accounting for up to 25% of all such injuries in America?
If you’ve recently gone through this painful experience, understanding the elbow dislocation rehab protocol is crucial for successful recovery.
In this article, we’ll go through the key components of this rehab process, including exercises, non-surgical therapy, and restoring elbow motion.
Understanding Elbow Dislocation
Elbow dislocation occurs when the bones that make up the elbow joint are forced out of their normal position. It’s often the result of a fall, a hard impact, or a sudden twisting motion. Symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Joint instability
- Numbness and tingling
- Swelling and inflammation
- Stiffness
- Visibly out-of-place elbow
When this happens, not only can it be incredibly painful, but it can also lead to significant functional limitations. That’s where the elbow dislocation rehab comes into play. Whether or not you need surgery for your injury, this is how you get back on track.
Elbow Dislocation Exercises
The road to recovery starts with elbow dislocation exercises. These are designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the elbow joint, enhance flexibility, and promote stability. They play a crucial role in restoring your elbow’s range of motion and functionality.
They are low-effort and should not cause significant pain or discomfort. Your physical therapist will tailor a set of exercises to your specific needs, gradually increasing the intensity as you recover.
The Non-Surgical Therapy
Orthopedic surgery is often the first step to recovery, but not always for elbows. Fortunately, many elbow dislocations can be managed without surgery. Non-surgical therapy protocols are the go-to approach for most cases.
This involves a combination of physical therapy, immobilization, and gradual reintegration of daily activities. It is likely that your elbow will need to remain immobile for a period after the injury. Only after you have had time to heal should you begin exercises and therapy.
Your therapist will guide you through the process, ensuring that your elbow heals correctly and gains strength during the recovery.
The Journey to Elbow Dislocation Recovery
Elbow dislocation recovery can be a long and challenging process. It demands patience, dedication, and a commitment to following your rehab regimen.
As you work to restore strength and motion, patience is key. Be consistent with your exercises and listen to your healthcare team’s guidance.
But how long does the process take? While recovery depends on the severity of the injury, a good ballpark figure is 5-8 weeks. This might seem like a long time to be out of action, but persevering with your rehab now will help you avoid long-term elbow problems.
Elbow Dislocation Rehab Protocol Tailored to You
Your elbow dislocation rehab protocol will be tailored to you. The right combination of exercise, therapy, and restoration will get you back on track in no time.
If you are looking for expert support to guide your recovery, we have got you covered. At Idaho Shoulder 2 Hand, we offer Boise patients all the resources they need to make a speedy and full recovery. You can reach out and make an appointment today.
