What activities can I engage in after an elbow reconstruction surgery?
Generally, after having elbow reconstruction surgery, you should avoid any activity that involves a lot of movement.
For the first days after having this procedure, your arm should remain in the sling, unless you are otherwise instructed. You should refrain from any kind of activity that involves movement and may return to sedentary work or school only after 3 or 4 days and only if the pain is tolerable.
Most people are able to go for walks and use the arm for the gentle activities of daily living as early as 2 to 6 weeks after the surgery. These activities are strongly encouraged soon after having the surgery.
Driving, self-care, activities of daily living, shopping, will require some assistance until you can comfortably and confidently perform the necessary functions, which may take 6 or more weeks.
Generally, after their elbow surgeries, people can return home if they can be provided with assistance by family members, or if personal care can be arranged through private agencies. When home support is not available, a safe environment for recovery could be available at a convalescent facility.
Source: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/
Related Questions About Shoulder and Elbow
There are two surgical approaches employed to repair a rotator cuff tear. The first, open repair surgery, involves a large incision, while the second, arthroscopy, requires one or several small incisions through which the arthroscope will be inserted. With the aid of this medical device, surgeons are able to repair or remove any damaged tissue or bone spurs.
See full answerAfter shoulder/elbow surgery, it’s necessary to have a follow-up appointment in order to understand how well you’re healing and what precautions you should still take. You will have your follow-up appointment several weeks after the surgery.
See full answerEach patient has a different recovery time. You will be able to return to work as soon as you have recovered sufficiently, and you are able to carry out your activity without putting yourself at risk.
See full answerYou can shower right after the surgery if your dressings are waterproof and your incision site will not get wet. If your dressings are not waterproof, you should avoid soaking them in water.
See full answerFor most patients, the recovery period is around 6 weeks.
See full answerFor better comfort during sleep, after having elbow surgery, it is recommended sleeping in a slightly upright position, for example, in a reclining chair with a pillow under the forearm.
See full answerDriving is not allowed nor advisable at least until a partial recovery is achieved.
See full answerGenerally, after having elbow reconstruction surgery, you should avoid any activity that involves a lot of movement.
See full answerElbow reconstruction surgery reduces the pain in the elbow and helps it work better.
See full answerShoulder reconstruction is a surgical procedure suitable for patients with various shoulder problems resulted from injury or illness.
See full answerAs with any surgery, shoulder reconstruction does involve small risks, and while complications are rare, sometimes they do occur.
See full answerReturning to work is heavily dependent on a patient's general health and the physical demands of a job.
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