What is Elbow Dislocation?
An elbow joint dislocation is a condition when the bones of the forearm, namely ulna and radius, get dislocated from the upper arm called the humerus. The elbow dislocation can be broadly classified into two types namely:-
Simple Elbow Dislocation:- This is usually characterized by the presence of only ligamentous injury with no fracture of the elbow joint. They are caused when a person falls. The most common type of simple elbow dislocation is known as posterolateral dislocation.
Complex Elbow Dislocation:- Ligamentous injury is accompanied by the fracture of the elbow joint.
How Physiotherapy is Effective?
The major function of the elbow is to do flexion or extension and due to injury when these movements are restricted, elbow joints become stiff and require expert treatment names such as Physiorevive. Under the valuable guidance of Dr Vikrant Bhardwaj, Physiorevive has emerged to be one of the best Physiotherapist in Vasant Kunj. Depending upon the kind, the extent of elbow dislocation, and to promote movement, various physiotherapy techniques are used in combination with other medical treatments such as:-
⮚ For a simple stable elbow joint, splints for 2-3 days, followed by physiotherapy is advised.
⮚ Unstable simple elbow dislocations can be treated with physio exercises for ligament repair.
⮚ Chronic elbow dislocation can be fixed by the surgery using an external fixator, followed by physiotherapy exercises.
⮚ Recurring elbow dislocation can be treated with surgery by the reconstruction of ligaments.
⮚ Always practice supination (turning your palm upside down) first before diving into physio exercises for elbow flexion ( elbow bending movements such as eating, brushing, combing hair etc).
⮚ For elbow flexion improvement, practice keeping your hand straight, and then try to bend the elbow upwards to touch your shoulder. Repeating few sets of these would bring a change in the movement of the elbow.
⮚ Wrinkles around your elbow are meant to give you more mobility, so to enhance the mobility, try to play a little around that wrinkled area and try to lightly pull the skin down using your other hand. Hold it in the same position for a few seconds.
⮚ Another very common and very effective exercise is stretching using pillows. Sit on a comfortable chair and rest your elbow on the pillow, the thumb should face you. Use your other hand to gently hold your wrist and stretch your hand backwards as much as it can be done.
Note: massage should not be done at the elbow joint.
