Gymnastics for the elbow joint: indications and features of the exercises. Exercises to develop the elbow joint after a fracture Physical exercises for pain in the elbow joint

The elbow joint is one of the most complex structures in the human body. These are three joints united by one cylindrical joint capsule.

Complex anatomy and continuous loads make this structure very vulnerable. The resulting pathologies are accompanied by pain, inflammation, and limited mobility, which worsens the quality of life. Timely treatment and proper development of the elbow joint will help restore health.

Various reasons can cause harm to the joint: from banal overexertion to serious degenerative tissue changes. Therefore, the treatment tactics for a damaged joint depend on the specifics of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.

Thematic material:

For epicondylitis

In the area of the elbow joint, the tendons of the muscles responsible for flexion and extension of the forearm and wrist are attached. With constant overexertion, long-term repeated monotonous hand movements or microtraumas, these structures become inflamed. The process spreads quickly, affecting the periosteum and cartilaginous layer.

Initially, pain in the elbow area appears only during exercise or movement. If the problem is not treated, the discomfort increases and becomes permanent, accompanied by local redness of the skin, increased temperature, decreased sweating, and capillary spasms. As a result, a person will experience muscle atrophy and complete loss of ability to work.

Epicondylitis is also called “tennis elbow.” Indeed, it affects people who have to constantly load their shoulders or perform monotonous movements: athletes, loaders, plasterers, painters, musicians.

Fortunately, the pathology can be successfully treated, but therapy takes a lot of time: from 3 weeks to several months. In the acute period, medication and physiotherapeutic treatment is prescribed, aimed at pain relief and inflammation. The rest of the injured limb is ensured by the applied splint.

In the subacute period, rehabilitation is carried out using physical therapy and massage.

Exercise therapy

To relieve muscle tension and relieve pain, the following exercises are especially effective:

Such manipulations stretch the muscles, restore elasticity to the ligaments, preventing the re-formation of congestion, spasms, and clamps.

Massage

The procedure is prescribed after acute symptoms have been relieved in order to improve blood circulation and lymph flow, restore joint mobility, and prevent the appearance of contractures. They spend it sitting.

The procedure lasts about 15 minutes and is carried out daily for 10–12 days. Therapy requires precise knowledge of anatomy, so self-massage is not recommended - it is better to seek help from a specialist.

For stiffness

The elbow joint is quite mobile: it is capable of bending the arm to an angle of 40 0, extending it 180 0, turning the palmar side (supination) and the back side (pronation) forward. When these functions are impaired, they speak of joint contracture or limitation of its mobility.

The cause of the pathological condition can be a congenital malformation, trauma, inflammation, degenerative tissue changes, disruption of nervous regulation, toxic substances entering the body, scar formation, prolonged immobilization.

Stiffness is accompanied by pain, muscle tension, swelling, joint deformation, or changes in the position of the limb. Fortunately, timely diagnosis allows you to use conservative treatment methods and avoid the development of complications.

The acute condition is relieved with anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Physiotherapy with the use of absorbable agents has a good effect. During the rehabilitation period, you cannot do without exercise therapy and massage.

Physiotherapy

If the elbow joint is stiff, exercises should be performed especially carefully, only under the supervision of an instructor. These can be relaxation or stretching complexes, passive or active movements. They are carried out in the gym or in the swimming pool.

Each exercise is repeated 8–10 times. The goal of such complexes is to gradually increase the range of motion of the elbow joint, improve blood circulation, and increase contractile muscle activity.

Massage

In case of joint contracture, the procedure is performed according to the scheme. First, the areas located above and below the affected area are massaged - the shoulder and forearm. Moreover, the method of working out different muscle groups should not be violated.

The flexors are worked with straight strokes, beak-shaped squeezes, ordinary and circular kneading, and light shaking.
Alternate stroking, squeezing, and beak-like kneading are better suited for influencing the extensors.
The techniques of chopping, effleurage, and tapping are contraindicated for this disease.

Having warmed up the nearby areas, you can begin to massage the elbow joint itself. It is performed in two positions when the hand:

relaxed and hanging along the body - they work on the inside of the joint;
lies in front of the patient - massage the outer surface of the joint.

All movements are performed carefully, without unnecessary pressure. Only circular stroking and rubbing are used as techniques.

At a fracture

It is easy to break the elbow joint: the lack of soft tissue makes this area unprotected. A fall on an outstretched arm, a strong blow, even a sudden awkward movement can lead to a violation of the integrity of the joint or the bones that make it up. An additional risk factor is age-related features of the structure of bone tissue, weakness of ligaments and tendons, and osteoporosis.

Signs of a fracture:

sharp pain that spreads throughout the arm;
limitation of joint mobility, its deformation;
the appearance of edema, hematoma;
decreased sensitivity or numbness of the limb;
crunching at the slightest movement;
skin damage and protruding bone fragments in an open fracture.

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. In 70% of cases, surgical intervention is resorted to to accurately align the resulting fragments and stitch torn ligaments and tendons. Sometimes it is necessary to completely replace the damaged joint with an endoprosthesis.

In any case, it is necessary to ensure the immobility of the joint, which is achieved by applying a plaster cast for a long time. During this time, atrophy of muscles and ligaments occurs, tissue nutrition and venous outflow are disrupted. Exercise and massage help speed up recovery.

Exercise therapy

Prescribed already 2-3 days after applying a plaster cast. In the initial period, breathing exercises are performed, as well as exercises for the hands, which improve blood circulation in the immobilized limb:

flexion-extension of fists;
spreading fingers;
alternately performing circular movements;
kneading plasticine.

After removing the cast, you cannot load the elbow joint for some time, so gentle exercises are selected. The patient is offered:

Tighten and relax the muscles of the extended injured limb.
Sitting on a chair and lowering your hand along the back, swing it like a pendulum.
Without bending your elbow, roll the ball on the table, each time trying to increase the range of motion.

Only after a month will the doctor prescribe a new set of exercises aimed at developing the joint.

It will take time to develop the elbow joint after a fracture and long immobilization. Classes will most likely be accompanied by pain and discomfort. But under no circumstances should you give up therapeutic exercises: only daily training with a gradual increase in load will allow the joint to return to its previous mobility. You can learn how to develop a joint at home yourself from the video.

Massage

This procedure is no less important than physical exercise. It will relieve pain, restore motor activity of the joint, and prevent the development of degenerative processes in muscle tissue. However, it is important to know that during the acute period, in order to avoid the displacement of fragments, any massage is contraindicated.

Immediately after the pain and swelling disappear, the areas of the limb located above and below the cast, as well as the back, are treated with light stroking and rubbing. This improves blood circulation and nutrition of the tissues of the affected joint, prevents muscle fiber atrophy, and strengthens the ligamentous apparatus.

Only after the cast is removed is a gentle impact on the shoulder and forearm allowed in the form of stroking, rubbing, pressing, kneading with the use of decongestant ointments, and finger percussion.

It is not recommended to massage the elbow itself after a fracture; in the later stages of rehabilitation, only light stroking is allowed.

After operation

Surgical treatment of elbow diseases is not uncommon. Indications for surgery include dislocations, rupture of ligaments and tendons. In case of a complex fracture, a titanium plate is inserted or osteosynthesis is performed - connection and special fixation of the fragments. Some pathologies - arthritis, osteoarthritis, aseptic necrosis, ankylosing spondylitis - cause the development of irreversible processes or complete destruction of joint structures. In this case, the question arises of replacing it with an endoprosthesis.

The recovery process will be easier and faster if the patient follows all the procedures prescribed by the doctor.

Exercise therapy

Therapeutic exercises for developing the elbow joint begin with the permission of the surgeon in the first days after surgery, and the sooner the better. Gymnastics prevents the development of complications in the form of muscle dystrophy, circulatory disorders, and limited mobility caused by forced passivity of the joint. The load is first applied to the nearby joints of the hand, wrist or shoulder. Over time, they begin to carefully develop the operated elbow.

In a sitting position, placing the sore arm on a soft cushion, they try to perform maximum extension, helping with the healthy limb.
The same is done by bending the elbow.
Lying on your back, placing a soft towel under the lower third of the shoulder, perform active flexion and extension of the elbow joint.
The same movements are repeated while standing against the wall. First, the hand lowers quickly, and then slowly, with little resistance.
Repeat raising and lowering the forearm while holding a gymnastic stick.
Leaning your back against the wall, bend your arm as much as possible, fixing it in this position for several seconds.
Holding a small object in your fist, you perform pronation-supination of the hand.

Massage

The procedure is carried out according to the same rules as for a fracture. It is important to remember that only nearby areas and the back are massaged. Intense impact on the area of the operated elbow is prohibited at all stages of rehabilitation.

In case of dislocation

As a result of a blow, a fall, or strong traction, the radius or ulna can become displaced, disrupting the usual structure of the joint. In this case, they talk about a dislocation of the elbow joint. This painful injury is often accompanied by rupture of ligaments and tendons, which greatly complicates the recovery process.

Treatment methods are chosen depending on the severity of the lesion and the individual characteristics of the victim’s body. In any case, the injured joint is first reduced and then immobilized by applying a plaster splint for two weeks. At the same time, drug therapy, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises and massage are carried out.

Exercise therapy

From the first days after applying the fixing bandage, the patient needs to exercise the shoulder muscles, sometimes straining and then relaxing them, clench his fingers into a fist in order to improve blood circulation and prevent muscle atrophy.

Two weeks after the injury, the splint is removed, and the patient is prescribed a treatment complex to restore joint mobility and normalize the range of motion. This is achieved with the simple exercises shown below.

The complex is performed 3–5 times, smoothly, in a moderate rhythm, avoiding jerking and painful sensations. Hitting a ball, spinning a gymnastic stick, rolling a rolling pin on a table, or swimming in a pool gives a very good effect.

Massage

The purpose of the procedure is to restore normal blood supply and nutrition to the tissues of the damaged joint, relieve swelling, remove excess fluid, and strengthen ligaments. In the absence of contraindications and complications, massage begins within 3–5 days after the joint has been realigned. It is performed according to the following scheme:

during the first two procedures, the shoulder, forearm and hand are worked on, using stroking, rubbing and light pressure;
starting with the third procedure, finger massage is added, paying special attention to the joints.

5 weeks after the injury, light impact on the elbow area is allowed. Intensive treatments are prohibited during this period.

For bruises and sprains

Falls, blows, and overexertion often cause stretching of the capsule and ligaments of the elbow joint, causing a bruise - a sharp compression of soft tissues, which causes a hematoma, swelling, loss of sensitivity and pain.

Such problems are mainly solved by conservative treatment. The hand is immobilized with a bandage, cold is applied to the damaged area on the first day, and later they move on to thermal procedures. For severe pain, take painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Massage

In the first three days after injury, only the periarticular area is affected in order to normalize blood circulation and eliminate swelling. This procedure is called preparatory or drainage and is performed using longitudinal, transverse, circular or spiral stroking, rubbing, and light pressure. Do it morning and evening for 10–15 minutes.

If on the fourth day the swelling, inflammation and redness subside, proceed to the main massage aimed at the joint and tendons itself. For this:

rub the elbow area, pressing the indentations with your fingers;
perform longitudinal, transverse, double circular kneading of the problem area;
lightly tap with your fingertips.

The session ends with passive flexion-extension of the elbow joint.

Massagers that provide targeted effects with low-frequency impulses are used in later stages of rehabilitation, even at home. As a result, cell regeneration is accelerated, the structure of the cartilage and the functions of the joint are restored.

Exercise therapy

The goal of physical therapy is to increase the mobility of the damaged joint. Therefore, we perform gymnastics similar to those prescribed for elbow contracture.

The “pyramid” exercise is especially useful during this period, as it allows you to effectively develop the joint and increase its mobility.

The principle of its implementation is as follows:

We sit at the table so that the bent elbow is in the same plane as the shoulder.
With your healthy hand we hold the base of the pyramid. We place its removable parts on the table.
We collect and string the elements, moving the hand only due to the work of the elbow joint. Each time we place the parts further and further, we try to reach them, increasing the amplitude of flexion and extension.

It is important to remember that you should not forcefully bend or straighten the joint. If you experience discomfort or pain, you should stop training. During the entire treatment period, sudden movements, heavy lifting, and hanging should be avoided.

Drug therapy

Elbow diseases in the acute stage are treated using medications, which necessarily include:

Nonsteroidal drugs– “Diclofenac”, “Mobilak”, “Artrosan”, which have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. Powders, capsules, tablets are produced for internal use, and ointments for external use. Patients with a diseased stomach or liver are prescribed injections.
Glucocorticoid hormones –"Mydocalm", "Depo-medrol", "Diprospan" – the strongest anti-inflammatory drugs, which are used only in exceptional cases, as they have many serious side effects.
Chondroprotectors– “Arthra”, “Alflutop”, “Teraflex” - means for restoring damaged joint structures, made from natural ingredients.
Hyaluronic acid preparations– “Ostenil”, “Synvisk” - stimulate the regeneration of cartilage, improve its shock absorption and elasticity. The injections have a prolonged effect, up to 12 months.

Pharmacy does not stand still. Every year, new medications appear that can quickly relieve a person of pain and return him to his usual active daily life.

The effectiveness of therapeutic exercises, its benefits, goals and objectives

The main advantage of the exercises is their ability to simultaneously influence locally the cartilage tissue of the elbow area and the entire body. This leads to an acceleration of the healing process and restoration of normal motor function.

Thanks to therapeutic exercises, muscles are trained and elasticity is restored to the ligaments. This also has a positive effect on the production of synovial fluid in the joint, which is normally produced only with light friction of the articular surfaces.

Goals of exercises for arthrosis of the elbow joint:

relieve pain syndrome;
restore muscle tone;
make tendons elastic;
prevent stagnation of blood in the affected tissue and the appearance of edema;
stimulate the production of synovial fluid.

Objectives of exercise therapy for arthrosis of the elbow joint:

restore normal joint mobility;
prevent further development of arthrosis;
eliminate pain.

With the correct selection of a set of exercises, the first effects in the form of a decrease in the intensity of symptoms will appear after 2–4 weeks of active training.

Implementation principles

You should perform exercises to treat arthrosis of the elbow joint only after consulting a doctor. A specialist will help you choose the right training complex suitable for the specific stage of development of the disease. What can be done at the first stage should not be used at the last.

Along with exercise therapy, drug treatment and physical therapy are prescribed.

When selecting therapeutic exercises for arthrosis of the elbow joint, it is taken into account:

Patient's age. The older the age group, the less intense training is prescribed.
Physical condition of the ligamentous apparatus. If there are violations of the integrity of the ligaments or tendons, then passive or as simple as possible static exercises are selected.
Stage of development of arthrosis. In the first stages, standard sets of exercises are also suitable. In the latter, the loads are minimized or eliminated altogether, up to the partial restoration of cartilage tissue using other treatment methods.

IMPORTANT! All exercises for the elbow joint with arthrosis are performed slowly and smoothly. The emphasis during gymnastics is on working out the joint and restoring muscle tone, rather than on building mass.

During training you should avoid:

severe pain;
using equipment more than 1–2 kg;
the appearance of edema as a result of overstrain of muscles and ligaments.

All movements must be performed after warming up. To do this, you can clench and unclench your fingers and bend your elbow. You can do a light massage, taking into account the direction of lymph flow (from the fingers to the shoulder). To warm up, rubbing for 5–7 minutes is suitable.

Charger

To maintain the normal condition of the elbow joint, it is recommended to perform exercises in the morning. This will prepare the joint for further performance of the set of exercises.

Do the following exercises immediately after waking up:

Gymnastics at home

A set of exercises at home should begin with a warm-up, gradually proceeding to the main exercises. It is important to monitor your sensations and well-being: if pain occurs, it is recommended to reduce the load or stop the exercise.

Gymnastics for arthrosis of the elbow joint in a sitting position:

Short exercise for the elbow joint with arthrosis in a standing position:

Complex in the gym

For arthrosis of the elbow joint, a set of strength exercises or exercise therapy in the gym has a positive effect on the damaged joint.

During training, it is important to avoid exercises that lead to excessive extension of the joint. At first, you should not use weights or apply light weights, or use painkillers. If pain occurs, you need to reduce the load or stop doing the exercise.

Each workout begins with a warm-up, which consists of amplitude, low-dynamic exercises:

There is no clear number of repetitions for each exercise. Warm-up should be done for 5-7 minutes.

To restore the normal amplitude of a damaged joint, stretching is suitable - exercises that are aimed at systematically stretching the muscles. They can be performed at the beginning or end of a workout. Each stretching exercise should last no more than 30 seconds.

Gymnastics in the gym to strengthen the periarticular muscles and restore the joint:

In addition to working out in the gym, swimming can be done while rehabilitating the elbow joint. The effectiveness of swimming lies in the fact that the main load falls on the periarticular muscles, the joint itself remains practically motionless.

Bubnovsky's technique

The Bubnovsky complex is exercises aimed at restoring the mobility of the affected joint and restoring normal blood flow in the periarticular tissues.

Along with physical exercise, breathing exercises and drinking discipline play an important role. You should not start gymnastics after eating. During the exercise, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and breathe deeply.

The load should be increased gradually and a smooth transition to the main movements. At the beginning, the number of repetitions should be minimal, then it is recommended to gradually increase, bringing up to 10-15 times.

If you have not previously engaged in physical exercises or they were not regular, you should start with basic, adaptive training with this algorithm:

Repeat each exercise 3-4 times.

For pain in the elbow joint, do exercises:

Do each movement for arthrosis 3-4 times, perform 3 approaches.

Wall push-ups have a positive effect when restoring a joint using the Bubnovsky method. They are done 4-5 times, perform 3 approaches.

Before performing gymnastics, study the basic rules for its implementation.:

train with arthrosis daily, 1-2 times a day, at least 3-4 weeks;
Perform all exercises while sitting;
do not rush to finish gymnastics earlier than required by exercise therapy;
be attentive and focused on recovery;
avoid painful sensations in the joints;
increase the load on the limbs gradually;
repeat each movement for arthrosis 3 to 5 times.

Below is a description of basic gymnastic exercises to eliminateorreducing pain in the elbow jointaccording to the method of rheumatologist Pavel Evdokimenko:

Video from exercise therapy

Look at the complex for elbow joints with arthrosis using the Evdokimenko method.

Exercises in the pool

Below is a description of gymnastic movements for the treatment of arthrosis of the elbow joint in the pool. Starting position - in the pool, feet shoulder-width apart, water at chest level.

Perform these exercises in the pool if you have arthrosis of the elbow joint:

Contraindications

You should not perform exercise therapy for arthrosis if you have:

injury to the elbow joint or sprain of the ligaments, muscles of the joint;
exacerbation of pathology of the elbow joint, accompanied by pain;
body temperature above 36.9ºС;
infectious disease (ARVI, tonsillitis);
surgery on the affected joint was less than 3 months ago.

ATTENTION! Acute pain followed by swelling of the joint during exercise is a reason to immediately consult a doctor.

Results:

Arthrosis of the elbow joint is accompanied by severe pain, partial loss of mobility and swelling.
Treatment of arthrosis of the elbow joint with exercises is complemented by physiotherapy and symptomatic medications.
The correct selection of exercise therapy will speed up the rehabilitation process by 2–4 weeks and prolong the period of remission.
To maintain the normal condition of the elbow joint, it is recommended to do morning exercises.
Perform the movements at home and in the gym using a targeted set of movements.
Wall push-ups have a positive effect when restoring a joint with arthrosis using the Bubnovsky method.
In addition to standard gymnastics, it is recommended to visit the pool and perform special exercises for the treatment of arthrosis of the elbow joint.

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Exercise therapy for damage to the capsular-ligamentous structures of the elbow joint

As a result of a number of injuries to the capsule and ligaments of the elbow joint with insufficient immobilization, instability occurs, which is accompanied by excessive deviation of the forearm. In case of instability, a pain syndrome is observed, which provokes progressive wasting of the periarticular muscles. In the chronic course of the process, not only periarticular, but also articular structures are involved. Post-traumatic deforming arthrosis develops, and contracture often forms. In some cases, tendinopathy and neuropathies are observed.

To restore function or compensate for the functional failure of the elbow joint when its capsular-ligamentous structures are damaged, it is necessary to carry out a complex set of rehabilitation measures that take into account the pathogenesis of instability syndrome and secondary changes associated with it.

In case of partial damage to the capsular-ligamentous structures of the elbow joint (medial section), treatment is conservative. In case of acute injury, immobilization is necessary to create conditions optimal for the formation of a full-fledged connective tissue scar (immobilization period). In the future, the amplitude of passive movements should be restored so as not to overstretch this scar (early post-immobilization period). At the same time, it is necessary to train the periarticular muscles, which act as active stabilizers of the elbow joint. In this regard, hydrokinesitherapy is used to a limited extent in this group of patients, since it promotes muscle relaxation and can cause an excessively rapid increase in the amplitude of movements.

Subsequently, after the range of motion has been restored, intensive training of the strength of the periarticular muscles is carried out. At the same time, excessive loads on the developing scar should not be allowed—forced radial deviation of the forearm. And only after restoration of amplitude, strength and endurance for long-term work, the task of restoring coordination of movements with additional weights and counteraction (sports movements) is set. In addition to the functional characteristics, when increasing loads, you should always focus on the phases of formation of the connective tissue scar. Intense strength training can be started no earlier than 2.5 months. after such an injury.

To speed up the process of restoring the strength of the periarticular muscles, additional rehabilitation means are used:
1) strength training with biofeedback;
2) isokinetic training;
3) dynamic electrical stimulation of muscles with weights;
4) manual massage of the muscles of the shoulder and forearm using a tonic technique (without direct impact on the elbow joint).

For more severe post-traumatic instability of the elbow joint, treatment is surgical.

The rehabilitation program after surgical treatment of instability of the elbow joint consists of four periods:
I period - early postoperative (immobilization of the elbow joint).
II period - late postoperative (restoration of mobility).
Period III - pre-training period (restoration of stability).
IV period - training.

The objectives of the first period are the prevention of muscle wasting of the operated limb, improvement of peripheral blood flow and maintenance of general professional and sports performance.

For this purpose, isometric muscle contractions are used, which can be rhythmic and long-lasting. Rhythmic tensions are performed in a rhythm of 30-50 times per minute. Muscle tensions held for 3 seconds or more are regarded as prolonged. The optimal duration of isometric tension is 5-7 s. Prolonged isometric tension is necessary to increase muscle strength.

From the 2nd day after surgery, rhythmic isometric tension of the flexor muscles of the hand, fingers and shoulder begins by attempting to perform movements in the corresponding joints. During one lesson, performing 10-12 tensions is considered optimal. During the day, patients should repeat exercises up to 20 times.

From the 3-4th day after surgery, isometric stress becomes prolonged. Particular attention is paid to the synergistic muscles of the medial ligament, as well as the triceps brachii muscle.

For selective isometric muscle training at this stage, the most effective is the use of biofeedback based on EMG.

After normalization of the general condition (5-7 days after surgery), general developmental exercises, active movements with resistance and weights for a healthy limb, walking at an average pace, easy running, jumping in place, squats, lunges, exercises on exercise machines are used to maintain athletic performance. treadmill, etc.). The load gradually increases by increasing the duration of the session and reducing rest pauses.

In addition to LH, during immobilization a course of rhythmic electrical stimulation of the triceps muscle and wrist extensors is carried out.

In case of severe swelling of the periarticular soft tissues, UHF therapy in an oligothermic dosage or magnetic therapy is prescribed.

In the second period, simultaneously with the restoration of mobility in the elbow joint, classes to maintain sports performance are continued.

After the immobilization is stopped, a special orthosis is put on the arm - a splint consisting of a sleeve of the shoulder and forearm, which are connected by two hinges with locks that ensure the setting of the limits of the permissible range of motion.

In the first 3-4 days, relaxation exercises are used: active voluntary and post-isometric relaxation. Exercises for stretching paraarticular tissues are performed strictly in the plane of movement in the shoulder-elbow joint, excluding lateral deviation of the forearm (active-facilitated movements and self-help exercises). Each procedure ends with placing the operated limb in a position of flexion and extension of the elbow joint (postural exercise). With a slow restoration of mobility, “sliding” installation is used using a roller cart and on an inclined polished panel.

After restoration of the full range of motion in the joint, period III begins, the main task of which is to increase the strength and endurance of the muscles surrounding the elbow joint. Exercises with resistance, weights up to 6 kg, expander, etc. are used. Exercises that cause tension in the area of the medial part of the capsular-ligamentous apparatus are excluded. As a rule, movements are performed in a special splint with hinges, which prevents deviation of the forearm.

To speed up the process of restoring the strength of the periarticular muscles, additional means are also used. This is training with biofeedback for strength, isokinetic training, dynamic electrical stimulation of muscles with weights, manual massage of the muscles of the shoulder and forearm (without the elbow joint) using a tonic technique.

Together with special exercises, general tonic, auxiliary and imitation sports exercises are performed (running, walking, game elements, exercises with weights for the legs and torso, imitation of a snatch and push with a gymnastic stick for weightlifters, gripping techniques, sweeps with a rubber band for wrestlers); gymnasts perform exercises for flexibility, coordination, balance, etc.

At the end of the pre-training period (more than 2.5 months after surgery), the load, both general and on the operated joint, gradually increases, approaching the usual for a given sport or profession. The rate of recovery of training depends on the specialization and qualifications of the athlete. Representatives of the group of martial arts, complex coordination and speed-strength sports begin training at a later date than those involved in cyclic sports.

The criterion for an athlete’s admission to training is the absence of pain in the area of damage to the capsular-ligamentous apparatus when the joint is loaded and the medial ligament is strained, the absence of atrophy of the surrounding muscles, the normalization of their elasticity and bioelectrical activity. The most informative is isometric and isokinetic testing.

M.B. Tsykunov

If problems appear in the elbow, it is advisable to reduce the mobility of this joint for only a few days until the active, sharp pain subsides. After this, complex rehabilitation therapy must include gymnastics to develop the elbow joint.

Why do you need exercise?

It is no secret that most diseases of the musculoskeletal system begin against the background of excessively increased load. Then how can this same load be useful? Physical education allows you to strengthen muscle fibers, and they are the ones who create the muscular skeleton that supports the spine and other parts of the musculoskeletal system, including the elbow joint.

In addition, exercise therapy helps improve blood microcirculation, which means that nutrition will be supplied to cells and tissues in an increased volume. Even the most modern drugs cannot achieve such an effect. Gymnastics for the elbow joint should pursue the following goals:

improvement of lymph and blood flow;
relieving muscle spasm;
increasing regenerative abilities.

Basic Rules

Therapeutic gymnastics is relatively simple, but the effect can only be achieved if certain rules are followed:

You can start charging only 2 hours after eating.
At the very beginning, it is necessary to warm up the joints. Warm-up can take from 4 to 10 minutes. This will help avoid tears, sprains and other injuries.
During training, you need to monitor your breathing and follow the recommendations given by the doctor. This is a very important point, because at these moments the blood flow requires an increased volume of oxygen.
During exercise, you should drink some fluid regularly.

A set of exercises should be selected by specialists

General complex

Exercise 1

You need to stand up, put your feet shoulder-width apart. The person stretches his arms forward and then spreads his elbows to the sides. The amplitude of movements must be determined by the person himself. They should not cause acute pain. Gradually you need to increase the amplitude.

Exercise 2

It is very similar to skiing. Imitation of these movements consists of alternately placing one arm forward and placing the other back.

Exercise 3

The starting position is kneeling, with the palms on outstretched arms acting as support points. It is necessary to bend forward, while trying to touch the surface of the floor with your shoulders.

Exercise 4

It's called a "swing". It can be performed directly on the bed. You need to lean on the floor with your toes, knees and elbows, which at the same time clasp your head. The edge of the palms covers the eyes. Now you need to move your body forward, placing your head on the mattress. You need to stay in this position for two seconds. Then move in the opposite direction, trying to touch your calves with your hips, and also hold for two seconds.

Exercise 5

You need to pick up a stick and perform any movements to bend and straighten your elbow. This exercise is especially good to perform with contracture of the elbow joint. Each type of exercise is performed 10 times in the first stage. Subsequently, this number can be increased, and also performed in approaches.

Complex after injuries

They differ in that their goal is a soft, delicate development of the joint. Strength loading during rehabilitation after an injury, such as a fracture, is harmful because too much force can interfere with the healing of bone, muscle and cartilage tissue. So, what can be offered to such patients:

Exercise 1 . You need to interlace your fingers and lock them together. Now you need to alternately pull them back, then by one shoulder, then by the other. These movements are a bit like casting a fishing rod.
Exercise 2 . The arm is bent at an angle of 90 degrees. Now you need to perform circular movements with your forearm. This improves blood flow and enhances the conductivity of nerve endings.
Exercise 3. Rolling balls in your palms. On the inside of the hands there are many nerve endings responsible for the functioning of various organs and systems. Developing this area helps improve the condition of the elbow.

Regularity is of great importance for such patients. Exercises should be performed daily, several times during the day, as soon as the opportunity arises. The intervals between approaches should be about 6 hours.

Exercises according to Bubnovsky

The set of exercises developed by Dr. Bubnovsky is considered one of the most effective. Thousands of patients with different fates, diagnoses and types of injuries have passed through its centers. Bubnovsky is not afraid to include strength exercises just two weeks after developing his elbow. Of course, everything should only take place under the supervision of a doctor. The pace of execution is moderate. The doctor recommends paying attention to correctness and self-control.

If the patient feels that his muscles and elbow joint are sufficiently developed, then it is necessary to gradually increase the load, thereby strengthening the joint.

Therapeutic gymnastics according to the Bubnovsky method consists of the following exercises:

The hands need to be squeezed and unclenched strongly. At the same time, a rush of blood is felt to the hands, which is felt as the appearance of heat.
The brush of one hand is placed on a hard surface, and the brush of the other hand is used to cover it. Now you need to try to raise the hand of the first hand, while the second should resist this as much as possible.
A person hugs the sore elbow with his healthy hand and makes circular movements, as if turning it down, then up, then left, then right.
The palms are tightly clasped together. A person should try to break this clutch, spread his arms.
You need to put the ball in front of you. Now you need to press the ball with your palm, applying maximum effort.
Place your palms in front of you at chest level. Now the person tries to lift his fingers without lifting his palm from the surface.

In specialized centers, physical therapy specialists use simple exercise equipment. At home, Bubnovsky recommends replacing them with dumbbells or any other available means.

As soon as the patient’s sore elbows become stronger, serious gymnastic equipment, such as dumbbells, can be used. Here the doctor is not trying to come up with something new. It is enough to simply move your arms to the side, as well as lift them up (together and alternately) to significantly improve blood microcirculation and strengthen the muscle tissue in the elbow area. When exercising, you should exhale at the moment of pain.

According to the specialist, on average, within a month the patient will see the effect, and there will be improvements not only in the joints, but also in the cardiovascular system. The same exercises can be performed to prevent arthrosis, epicondylitis and other diagnoses.

Gymnastics using the Evdokimenko method

Therapeutic gymnastics developed by this doctor are used in the treatment of arthrosis, muscle weakness, and inflammation of the tendons in the elbow joint. It allows you to gently develop the joint after injury, while significantly improving the structure of cartilage tissue. They cannot be performed for dislocations, fresh injuries and sprains, as well as for infectious diseases in the acute stage.

If there is severe pain in the elbow, then you need to wait until its intensity decreases by taking analgesics and only then start physical exercise:

Exercise 1 . A man sits down at a table and puts his shoulder on its surface. Now you need to try to bend and straighten your elbow in this position as much as possible. Each hand requires 10 to 15 repetitions.
Exercise 2 . In a sitting position, you need to spread your arms to the sides and up. Cleanliness of the exercises is very important. There is no need to lean forward or fall back.
Exercise 3. You need to place your forearm on the table surface and fix it in this position. Now you need to use the same hand to roll the tennis ball on the table. This should be done until you feel slightly tired.
Exercise 4. You need to hold the ball firmly in your hands. Now, with outstretched arms, the hands of which hold the ball, you need to perform circular movements of the maximum possible amplitude. This will help relieve pain from arthrosis of the elbow joint.

What can you do at home?

If desired, you can effectively maintain muscle tone and joint condition at home. For example, a very effective and popular exercise is the plank. It is performed on the floor, supported by arms and legs. The fulcrum points can be toes, knees, fingers and hands, as well as elbows. To restore the elbow joint, it is better not to use this joint as a support, but to replace it with the hands.

You need to stand in the plank position for as long as possible. As a rule, in the first days it is only 1 minute, and then the time increases. The plank allows you to strengthen all muscle groups, including the abdominal muscles, hips, buttocks, and arms. When the muscles are strong enough, you can complicate the exercise. For example, a side plank on one arm and one leg will help more experienced and professional people improve their joint health. You can also try doing the plank “in reverse”, that is, performing the exercise facing the ceiling.

The plank is an exercise that has shocked the whole world in recent years. It loads different types of muscles and joints well, without leading to injury or damage.

And of course, if possible, you should visit the pool. There is nothing better for strengthening joints than exercise in water. The advantage here is a significant reduction in gravity and an increase in resistance during movement.

Physical education is the basis of health, and this definition largely concerns the musculoskeletal system. Proper treatment of joints, and most importantly, long-term rehabilitation and pain relief, is only possible if the joints work. It is important to find a professional trainer who will follow the right tactics of gradually increasing the load and monitor the patient’s condition.

Some patients do not take exercises for the elbow joints seriously, considering this method of treatment to be ineffective. But still, exercise therapy for contracture is one of the best options and is recommended by doctors as the main method for restoring normal range of motion.

Note. Exercises for the elbow joint from Bubnovsky are especially effective. They are designed in such a way as to obtain the most effective result with due persistence of the patient: relieve pain and improve the tone of weakened muscles.

Preparation for exercise therapy and basic rules

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Complex physical therapy: doing exercises

Therapeutic gymnastics for the elbow joints is simple, and its implementation does not take much time. So, take your starting position - sit sideways to a table or other flat horizontal surface so that its edge is in the armpit, and do the following exercises to strengthen the elbow joint:

Starting with your forearm vertical, try to bend and straighten your arm at the elbow. Keep the pace slow. Repeat 8-10 times. Gymnastics for joints with arthrosis of the elbow joint should be smooth, without jerking or excessive effort. If you experience acute pain, you should stop the exercise.

Place your hand on the table and relax your muscles. Take a small ball or other round object (you can use a children's car) and roll it along the table surface. Movements should be done with the forearm until fatigue appears.

a — horizontal movements of the forearm; b - rocking with shoulder support; c — forearm movements using a tennis ball or special roller carts; d — bending at the elbows; d - rolling a stick over the surface; e - swinging the stick (not only the hand, but also the forearm works); g - exercise with emphasis.

Swing your arms forward, up and to the sides. You can do it either sitting in the same position or standing (10-15 repetitions). Move calmly, without fuss.

Bubnovsky recommends doing the following exercises for the elbow joint using an expander in the form of a rubber band. If the option described above is very easy for you, then to complicate it you need to spread your arms to the sides with a projectile.

Hand movements simulating skiing. You can perform it sitting or standing; it is advisable to take sticks in your hands. You can also use an expander. The pace should be calculated taking into account your own feelings.

Important! Thanks to the power elements of exercise therapy, the regeneration of joint tissue occurs much faster. In addition, after regular exercise, the entire neuromuscular system stabilizes its functioning.

Restoring the elbow joint after injury

After a serious hand injury, gradual systemic recovery is usually required. The following exercises for developing the elbow joint after a fracture will help you return to your normal rhythm of life after about two weeks of daily exercise:

Join your hands into a lock and move them in this position, one after another, behind each shoulder (this movement should be similar to throwing a fishing rod). After a short break, change the trajectory - throw your hands, clasped in a lock, now behind your head.

Bend your injured arm at a right angle and perform rotational movements with your forearm around the axis. Such gymnastics for the elbow joint works most effectively with systematic exercises after a fracture.

An excellent option is to roll two balls in your palms. This exercise should be done three times a day, but due to the fact that balls are a heavy projectile for undeveloped joints, you need to start with a small number of rolls, increase it gradually.

This set of exercises takes about 15 minutes daily, but is distinguished by its effectiveness in recovery therapy. Keep in mind that gymnastics for arthrosis of the elbow joint or after an injury should be performed on both arms, and not just on the sore one.

Important! If any of the exercises is difficult for you, then it should be postponed. If acute pain or insurmountable tension occurs, it means that the joint has simply not developed yet; you should return to this technique later. Otherwise, you risk making the situation worse.

Any set of exercises for the elbow joint can and should be performed not only as part of recovery or treatment, but also as preventive exercise. After all, if you regularly take care of your condition, the likelihood of arthrosis or arthritis will be much lower.

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