Post-operative functional rehabilitation guidance program for elbow joint

  Within 1 month after surgery: knead: gently knead the affected upper limb, 3 times each on the anterior and posterior sides; perform passive functional exercises of the elbow joint within the allowed range of motion of the elbow joint, 10-15 minutes each time, 2 times a day.  Traction: ① Flexion elbow muscle group stretching: patient in supine position, pillow behind elbow, hand clenched fist, wrist joint dorsal extension; pull down the forearm until the anterior side of the elbow joint appears pulling-like pain, to the extent that it can be tolerated; stretch 3 times for 30 seconds each time.  ② Elbow extension muscle group stretching: the patient takes the standing position, the upper limb is raised, the elbow joint is flexed backward, until the elbow joint posteriorly appears pulling-like pain, to the extent that the patient can tolerate; stretching 3 times, each time 30 seconds.  (3) Weight-bearing stretching of flexor elbow muscle group: the patient is placed in a supine position with a pillow behind the elbow, holding a dumbbell in the hand and the wrist joint is dorsally extended; the forearm is pulled downward until the anterior side of the elbow joint has pulling pain, as much as the patient can tolerate.  The patient should be in a standing position, with the upper limb raised, holding a dumbbell, and the elbow joint flexed backward until a pulling pain occurs behind the elbow joint, as tolerated; maintain the position for 10-15 seconds, then relax and rest for 5 seconds before performing the next stretching.  Review weekly to avoid new adhesions in the joint due to improper exercise, and your physician can provide timely guidance and correction of your functional exercise regimen.