Dislocated Elbow Injury need some advice
 

April 16 I dislocated my elbow while snowboarding
I had the ulna bone put back (reduced) about 1 hour after injury (after x rays were taken)

then in a splint for 2-3 weeks
I have been to PT(physical therapy) 3 times

I have been trying to stretch my elbow /arm with PT exercises given

now it June 8
for extension of arm I still have about a 20 degrees bend
and
for me to try and touch my shoulder I can get 4 inches away if I push with the other hand

seem like some swelling still exists - when I push on outside of arm near elbow I can press in and then feel a "dent"

I am so ready to have full use of my elbow

has anyone had this type of injury?

what happened to you?

does my rehab sound normal?

I would appreciate any feedback

thanks

Re: Dislocated Elbow Injury need some advice
 

Keep up the PT. It helps. You can also get a cortisol shot and that will help with the pain and mobility. But that is steroids and some people do not want them in their body. I just tore my rotator cuff and I could not move my arm at all. I got a shot and the pain is gone and I have a full range of movement. I see a PT twice a week and do the recommended exercises 4 times a week.

Re: Dislocated Elbow Injury need some advice
 

thanks diamond839
do you know how long the effectiveness of cortisol shot lasts?

Re: Dislocated Elbow Injury need some advice
 

I think it depends on the person. Some shots can last 3 to 6 months, or longer. But the point of the shot is to give you mobility to do PT so additional shots are not needed.

Re: Dislocated Elbow Injury need some advice
 

[QUOTE=diamond839;4774162]I think it depends on the person. Some shots can last 3 to 6 months, or longer. But the point of the shot is to give you mobility to do PT so additional shots are not needed.[/QUOTE]

THANKS
I wonder if my muscles are ok
I wonder if ligaments are ok
I wonder when swelling will totally be gone

I just keep doing exercises
hoping that I will get range of motion back
then after that strength

my PT says first we need to work on range of motion then strength

Re: Dislocated Elbow Injury need some advice
 

The surface of the elbow joint is a perfect fit in full extention. This means that full extention will be the most difficult to achieve. With elbow injuries it always slow. Keep up the exercises and never ever try to force the movements even when it is tempting. Also, no shots into an elbow.
James