Post-op rehabilitation program for golfers elbow release

 

Problem: refractory golfers elbow resistant to non-surgical treatment

 

Aim: to decrease pain and increase function in elbow

 

Important points: wean out of sling by day 2 if possible

 

Forbidden:

  • heavy activities or heavy work before 6 weeks

 

Expectations:

  • return to desk jobs at 14 days
  • driving from end of week two (if pain and function allows safe driving)
  • breaststroke  and freestyle swimming at 6 weeks
  • return to manual work at 6 weeks
  • all activities including racquet sports by 3 months

 

Physiotherapy protocol day 1 onwards:

  • Ensure adequate pain relief, neurovascular status normal and no signs of infection
  • Full active movement of shoulder, wrist and hand
  • Active assisted flexion, extension, pronation and supination within comfort zone

 

Physiotherapy protocol day 3 onwards:

  • Removal of bulky dressing
  • Full active flexion, extension, pronation and supination within comfort zone

 

Physiotherapy protocol day 14 onwards:

  • Aim for full range of movement
  • Begin strengthening in active flexion, extension, pronation and supination within comfort zone

 

Physiotherapy protocol 6 weeks onwards:

  • Increase strengthening in active flexion, extension, pronation and supination with concentric loading

 

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