Question:
Feb. 6 I fell hard, cracked sacrum and broke elbow badly.
Elbow was repaired in surgery - bones brought into alignment
with copper wires. Bones are healed by now, wires still in.
My first challenge is to regain full range of movement.
Can't fully extend arm, nor bend it fully up to shoulder.
Can't afford physical therapy, need to do this on my own.
The surgeon suggests using a 1-lb wt as an aid to stretching
both ways - doing slow stretches (about 10 seconds each
direction) with 7 to 10 reps. When I do this, my elbow
starts to hurt 24/7. This doesn't seem right. Maybe I'm
tearing ligaments instead of stretching them?
Anyone have experience with getting back in shape after
breaking an elbow or arm? I'll really appreciate information
and suggestions
Answer:
Cathy---one thing you might be able to do is call one or more physical
therapists, explain your situation, and ask either 1) If they know of any PTs
who volunteer their services to help lower-income people 2) If not, if any of
the people you contact would at least be able to show you some rehab exercises
you could do on your own
