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. 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.
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 one week and only if the pain is tolerable.
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.
Understanding limitations after elbow reconstruction surgery
Elbow reconstruction is effective in lessening pain and restoring the functional ability of the elbow, but even after you have completed the recovery process, you will still have some restrictions:
0 – 3 weeks
The elbow is immobilized in a splint until the patient’s first post-operative visit, usually at 7 to 10 days after surgery. The surgery performed on the elbow tends to create significant scar tissue and stiffness, and as a result, light active range of motion exercises are started early to help prevent post-operative stiffness.
3 – 6 weeks
After 3 weeks, the patient can be advanced to a hinged elbow brace with limits set by the surgeon. Strict non-weight-bearing precautions are maintained during this phase. It is important to emphasize to therapists that patients need to avoid shoulder abduction because gravity can cause varus stress to the elbow and stress the repair.
6 -12 weeks
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.
Disclaimer: We do not assume responsibility for the use of the provided information or its interpretation. Our efforts are towards providing current and reliable information; however these should not be considered, or used as a substitute for diagnosis or treatment.
Source: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/
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Each 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. After the recovery period, it is often recommended that the patients begin physical therapy. The chance of a full recovery is above 90 percent.
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. 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.
See full answerWhen it is performed by an experienced surgeon, elbow reconstruction surgery can be very effective in restoring function and comfort to your elbow. The biggest benefits are certainly the ability to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living and to sleep on the affected arm. As long as the new elbow is properly cared for, including the avoidance of injuries, the replacement can last for decades.
See full answerFor a sedentary job, you can expect the recovery time to be two to three weeks. For a more physically demanding job, you may need up to three months to fully recover.
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