Exercises

Depending on the stage of rehabilitation, different exercises for reconstruction of the elbow joint are possible. Some of the exercises are described below as examples. 1) Strengthening and mobility Stand upright and carry a light weight (e.g. a small water bottle) in your hand.

In the starting position the upper arm is close to the body, the forearm points forward at a 90° angle. Now move the weight towards the shoulder. The movement is done from the elbow.

3 times 10 repetitions. 2) Stabilization and coordination Move into the quadruped position. Now lift the uninjured arm angled to the side.

Make sure that the hand of the injured arm is below the shoulder and that the elbow joint is not completely extended. Hold this position for 15 seconds. 3) Stabilization and Strengthening Stretch the affected arm straight forward.

The palm of the hand points upwards. Now take the other hand to help push the arm down. Hold the injured arm for at least 15 seconds.

4) Stretching of the elbow joint Stand straight and upright. The affected arm hangs loosely in front of the body. Make a fist with your hand.

Now grasp the fist with the hand of the healthy arm and pull up. The elbow remains stretched so that you feel a stretch. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. More exercises can be found in the articles:

Physiotherapy for a golfer’s elbow
Physiotherapy for tennis elbow
Exercises for torn ligaments in the elbow
Exercises for elbow arthrosis

Symptoms

An elbow dislocation is usually caused by an accident and is accompanied by severe pain. Due to the dislocation, the elbow joint is severely restricted in its mobility and a malposition is clearly visible. Depending on which structures are also injured by the dislocation (ligaments, tendons, bones, nerves), sensory disturbances in the arm and hand can also occur. The injuries within the joint can lead to severe swelling, which additionally reduces mobility and contributes to pain. If the elbow dislocation is congenital due to anatomical anomalies, which is the case in only about 2% of cases, pain is usually not experienced.