Below you will find important information to follow 0 to 2 weeks post injury.

Pain relief: Paracetamol can be used as per the guidance on the packaging. For stronger pain relief or if you have allergies please contact your General Practitioner or a local pharmacy.

Sling: May be worn for the first 2 weeks. The sling should be removed regularly to perform the exercises detailed below and to reduce strain on your neck. You do not need to wear the sling in bed.

Ice: A cold pack or frozen peas wrapped in a towel can be applied to your elbow for 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. The ice must not come into direct contact with the skin. Ice is most effective within 72 hours of injury.

Exercises: 

Exercises are best done little and often. Discomfort is expected, however if your pain is severe you are doing too much.

 

1. Sit in a chair and bend your elbows, keeping your palms facing up, then extend them
completely toward the floor.

2. Stand up straight with your elbow tucked in by your side and your forearm perpendicular to
your upper arm. Turn your palm up towards the ceiling and then down towards the floor.
To progress, repeat with a weight in your hand.

Sick Note: You will not require a sick note for the first 7 days that you're absent from work. Please contact the fracture clinic if you require a further period of time off work.

You may progress to phase 2 once you are 2 weeks post injury.

Below you will find important information to follow 2 to 6 weeks post injury.

Pain relief: Continue to use appropriate painkillers as necessary.

Sling: Should now be discarded.

Exercises: 

Exercises are best done little and often. Discomfort is expected, however if your pain is severe you are doing too much.

1. Sit and grasp your forearm with the other hand. Slowly rotate your forearm to bring the palm of your hand facing the ceiling as much as possible using the other hand to help increase the movement. Return to initial position and repeat.

2. Bend the elbow toward your shoulder and apply extra pressure with the free hand.
Return to the starting position and repeat the exercise. This exercise can be painful but pain should subside with repetitions or diminish afterward.

3. Sit straight with the point of your elbow on the armchair or table. Straighten your elbow until a stretch is felt. Push slightly with the opposite hand to increase the stretch. Maintain the position and relax.

You may progress to phase 3 once you are 6 weeks post injury.

Below you will find important information to follow 6 weeks post injury.

Important: Phase 3 exercises should only be done if you were able to do them prior to injury. If you were unable to do these exercises before you were injured, only perform phase 2 exercises .

Exercises: 

Exercises are best done little and often. Discomfort is expected, however if your pain is severe you are doing too much.

 

1. Sit in a chair with forearm supported on the table or armchair. Tie a weight to one end of a stick and firmly hold the other end with your hand. Slowly rotate the stick from one side to the other and repeat.

2. Stand about 12 to 18 inches away from a wall while facing it and place your hands on the wall at shoulder level. Keeping your shoulders down and back, gradually bend your elbows to bring your face and forearms to the wall.

3. Lie on your stomach-propped up on your forearms-and align elbows and shoulders.
Slowly lower your chest, bending your elbows, and continue to bend the involved elbow until
the stretch is strong and slightly uncomfortable. Complete the prescribed number of repetitions.

4. Seated in a chair with a weight in your hand. Elbow glued to the side of your body.
Lift the weight up to the ceiling while keeping elbow still. Return and repeat.

You may progress to phase 4 for further information.

Below you will find further information to support your recovery.

• By the sixth week post-injury you should have moved into phase three of your rehabilitation package the exercises. 
• You should have improved your movement and overall function.  
• The injury you have sustained takes six weeks to heal but it is not uncommon to experience pain and or swelling for three months post injury. 
• Continue to use pain relief as appropriate. 
• If you are happy with your recovery and outcome, you can discontinue your exercises.  
• You may return to sport after six weeks post-injury if you feel able to do so. 
• We do not routinely follow up this type of injury.  
• If you continue to experience pain after three months post injury, please contact us for further consultation. If we do not hear from you within three months, you will be discharged back to the care of your general practitioner.