Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
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Arthrolysis
Elbow Arthrolysis
Elbow arthrolysis is a surgical procedure used to treat stiffness and significantly reduced range of motion in the elbow joint. Physiotherapy with Ace Physio Sports is essential both before and after surgery to maximise movement, strength, and overall function of the elbow.
Elbow stiffness is a common condition that can result from osteoarthritis, fractures, or other injuries to the elbow joint. It may also develop following previous surgeries or medical treatments. Elbow arthrolysis surgery is performed to restore movement and improve function within the joint. It is typically recommended for patients who are unable to bend (flex) their elbow beyond 130˚, straighten (extend) it to within 30˚ of full range, or rotate (pronate/supinate) their forearm more than 45˚ in either direction.
Elbow arthrolysis is a surgical procedure designed to release the soft tissues that restrict the full range of motion in the elbow joint. During the procedure, several small incisions are made along the sides and back of the elbow. The surgeon inspects the front of the joint and removes any scar tissue (debridement) that may be limiting movement. The outer (lateral) side of the joint is addressed first, where adhesions and tight tissues are released. Next, the inner (medial) side is treated, including the release of the joint capsule and contracted tissues. To further enhance mobility, the medial ligament on the inner side of the elbow may also be released. Finally, any bony abnormalities are corrected before the incisions are closed with small butterfly stitches.
Physiotherapy is essential both before and after elbow arthrolysis to ensure the success of the surgery and to reduce the risk of future complications. A structured rehabilitation programme helps restore full — or near-full — range of motion and function in the elbow joint, promoting optimal recovery of the entire upper limb.
Physiotherapy prior to elbow arthrolysis
Physiotherapy prior to your elbow arthrolysis surgery is highly recommended to prepare your elbow for surgery and support a faster, smoother recovery. At Ace Physio Sports, pre-surgery physiotherapy focuses on maintaining as much range of movement as possible while strengthening the muscles around the elbow joint, including the biceps and triceps. A stronger, well-prepared elbow prior to surgery contributes significantly to the success of the procedure.
Symptoms after elbow arthrolysis
After elbow arthrolysis surgery, it is normal to experience some pain and swelling, for which appropriate treatments will be provided. You may also notice numbness, weakness, and a temporary reduction in elbow function during the initial recovery period. Immediately after surgery, a sling will be provided to support and protect your elbow, and a bulky dressing placed over the joint can usually be removed after 48 hours. You should be able to return home once you feel comfortable, provided there were no complications during your hospital stay. Physiotherapy should begin as soon as possible following surgery to maximise recovery, which typically takes up to 3 months, depending on the rehabilitation programme’s success. Driving is not advised until you regain full and painless range of movement in your elbow.
Physiotherapy after elbow arthrolysis
Physiotherapy after elbow arthrolysis is essential to ensure the success of the surgery. At Ace Physio Sports, we provide a comprehensive rehabilitation programme designed to prevent future elbow problems and help you regain full — or near-full — function of the joint. To safely and efficiently return to everyday or high-level activities, your elbow must have adequate strength, flexibility, and endurance. Following elbow arthrolysis, full recovery and successful rehabilitation may take up to 3 months. It is crucial to avoid returning to high-intensity activities too soon, as this can increase the risk of re-injury or recurrent issues.
Week 1
You will be advised to wear the sling provided for up to 48 hours after your elbow arthrolysis, although you may choose to continue using it for short periods when out and about for added support and protection. The initial goals of your physiotherapy programme at Ace Physio Sports focus on controlling pain and swelling while gradually improving your range of movement as soon as possible after surgery. Early movement of the elbow joint is crucial in the first stages of recovery and plays a key role in determining the long-term success of your rehabilitation and overall elbow function.
- Wear the sling for up to 48 hours after elbow arthrolysis; it can also be used short-term for support and protection when out and about.
- Control pain and swelling as the first goal of your physiotherapy programme.
- Gradually improve range of movement as soon as possible after surgery.
- Initiate early movement of the elbow joint, which is crucial for long-term rehabilitation success.
1-4 weeks
During the first month of your rehabilitation at Ace Physio Sports, your physiotherapy programme will continue to focus on controlling any pain and swelling while working to increase both passive (assisted) and active (independent) range of movement in your elbow joint. At this stage, the goals will also begin to include strengthening the muscles around your elbow to further support your recovery. Your physiotherapy may include:
- Pain and swelling management using ice, compression, and gentle modalities.
- Passive (assisted) range of motion exercises to maintain joint mobility.
- Active (independent) range of motion exercises to gradually restore movement.
- Gentle strengthening exercises for muscles around the elbow, including biceps, triceps, and forearm muscles.
- Functional exercises to improve daily activity performance and elbow coordination.
- Education and advice on posture, movement, and activity modification to support recovery.
4-8 weeks
After a month of successful rehabilitation at Ace Physio Sports, your physiotherapy programme will progress to enhance strength, range of movement, and flexibility achieved in the previous weeks. At this stage, goals will also focus on improving cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance to maximise function in both your affected and non-affected upper limb. Your physiotherapy may include:
- Progressive strengthening exercises for the elbow, forearm, and shoulder muscles.
- Advanced range of motion exercises to further improve flexibility and joint mobility.
- Endurance training for upper limb muscles to support sustained activity.
- Cardiovascular exercises appropriate for your fitness level to enhance overall stamina.
- Functional training to improve coordination and performance in daily tasks or work-related activities.
- Education and guidance on maintaining progress, preventing injury, and safe return to higher-level activities.
8-12 weeks
In the third month of your rehabilitation following elbow arthrolysis, your physiotherapy programme at Ace Physio Sports will focus on continuing the progress achieved in the previous weeks, further enhancing strength, flexibility, and function of the elbow and upper limb. Your physiotherapy may include:
- Advanced strengthening exercises for the elbow, forearm, and shoulder to restore full function.
- Full range of motion exercises to maximise flexibility and joint mobility.
- Endurance and conditioning exercises for sustained upper limb activity.
- Functional and task-specific training to simulate daily activities or sports movements.
- Posture and movement retraining to prevent strain and maintain long-term joint health.
- Guidance on safe return to higher-level activities and prevention of future injuries.
Three months after your elbow arthrolysis surgery, following successful physiotherapy at Ace Physio Sports, you should notice significant improvements in muscle strength, range of movement, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness in your affected upper limb. By this stage, you should be experiencing no pain during elbow movement. Your physiotherapy will now focus on preventing future elbow problems, while continuing to enhance cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance. Rehabilitation at this stage will also be tailored towards job-, sport-, or hobby-specific activities to ensure a safe and effective return to your normal lifestyle.
Full recovery after elbow arthrolysis may take up to 3 months. The success and speed of your recovery largely depend on your commitment and adherence to the comprehensive physiotherapy programme at Ace Physio Sports, as well as the condition of your elbow prior to surgery.
Summary
Elbow arthrolysis is a surgical procedure used to treat conditions that cause significant stiffness and reduced range of motion in the elbow joint. The procedure involves the release of soft tissues that restrict full movement, addressing symptoms such as decreased range of motion, reduced upper limb function, and muscle weakness. Participating in a comprehensive physiotherapy programme before and after elbow arthrolysis is essential to ensure the success of the surgery, prevent future complications, and maximise the return of full — or near-full — movement and function of the elbow and the entire upper limb. At Ace Physio Sports, we offer a personalised physiotherapy programme designed to help you regain as much function as possible in your elbow and upper limb, enabling a faster return to everyday tasks, work, hobbies, or sports. For more information or to book an appointment, visit acephysiosports.com or call +65 81535374.
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