Elbow Arthroscopy

Phase I –Immediate Motion Phase

Goals

• Improve/regain of range of motion
• Retard muscular atrophy
• Decrease pain/inflammation

Day 1-4

• Range of motion to tolerance (elbow flexion/extension and supination/pronation)
• Often full elbow extension is not capable due to pain
• Gentle overpressure into extension
• Wrist flex/ext. exercises
• Gripping exercises with putty
• Isometrics for wrist/elbow
• Compression/ice 4-5 times daily

Day 5-10

• Range of motion ext./flex (at least 20-90)
• Overpressure into extension (4-5 times daily)
• Joint mobilization to re-establish ROM
• Continue isometrics and gripping exercises
• Continue use of ice

Day 11-14

• ROM exercises to tolerance (at least 10-100)
• Overpressure into extension (3-4 times daily)
• Continue joint mobilization techniques
• Initiate light dumbbell program (PREs)
• Biceps, triceps, wrist flex/ext, sup/pronators
• Continue use of ice post--exercise

Phase II –Intermediate Phase

Goals

• Increase range of motion
• Improve strength/power/endurance
• Initiate functional activities

Week 3 to 4

• Full ROM exercises (4-5 times daily)
• Overpressure into elbow extension
• Continue PRE program for elbow and wrist musculature
• Shoulder program (Thrower’s Ten Shoulder Program)
• Continue joint mobilization
• Continue use of ice post-exercise

Week 4 to 7

• Continue all exercises listed above
• Initiate light upper body program
• Continue use of ice post-exercise

Phase III –Advanced Strengthening Program

Goals

• Improve strength/power/endurance
• Gradual return to functional activities
• Criteria to Enter Phase III
  • Full non-painful ROM
  • No pain or tenderness

Week 8 to 12

• Continue PRE program for elbow and wrist
• Continue shoulder program
• Continue stretching for elbow/shoulder
• Initiate Interval program and gradually return to sporting activities