Radial Head Fracture Elbow Rehabilitation Exercises

If you are looking for a therapist to help rehabilitate your elbow, contact our orthopedic experts at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow. Our physicians are ready to help. Contact our office in Marietta or Atlanta, Georgia today for quality rehabilitation treatments you can trust!

About Elbow Radial Head Fractures

Three bones meet to make up your elbow joint. They are your upper arm bone, called the humerus, and your forearm bones, the ulna, and the radius.

The radial head is the end of your radius bone that meets at the elbow. Its shape is cylindrical, which allows your forearm to rotate your hand up and down. The radial head is supported by a ligament called the annular ligament, which helps keep the bone in its place.

Falling on an outstretched hand (also known as a FOOSH injury) can cause the radial head to fracture. A radial head fracture can make it difficult for you to bend or straighten your elbow and twist your forearm to turn your palm up or down.

How Therapy Can Help With an Elbow Injury

A physical or occupational therapist will closely accompany your rehabilitation and give you the appropriate rehab exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles in your arm at the appropriate time.

The following exercises may be included in your treatment plan. You should always start each exercise slowly and never push yourself if you experience pain.

Elbow Flexion Stretch

1. Lift your affected arm, and bend your elbow. Your palm should be facing toward you.
2. With your other hand, gently push on the back of your affected forearm. You should feel a stretch on the back of your upper arm as you push your hand toward your shoulder.
3. Hold the stretch for at least 20 to 30 seconds.
4. Repeat 2 to 4 times.