Radial Head Replacement Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside
Rehabilitating After Radial Head Replacement: How Physiotherapy Can Help
At our Brisbane-based physiotherapy clinic, we provide expert rehabilitation services for individuals recovering from radial head replacement surgery. With personalised care plans and additional services like Clinical Pilates, we are dedicated to helping you restore elbow function, improve strength, and regain confidence in daily and recreational activities.
Why is physiotherapy important after radial head replacement?
Physiotherapy plays a key role in your recovery by:
What precautions should be taken after radial head replacement?
What is the recovery time for radial head replacement?
Recovery timelines vary but typically follow this structure:
When can I start using my arm after radial head replacement?
What exercises can you do after radial head replacement?
Exercises are introduced gradually and may include:
What other physiotherapy treatments can assist recovery?
How long does swelling last after radial head replacement?
Swelling typically decreases significantly within the first 4–6 weeks post-surgery, though residual swelling may persist for several months. Physiotherapy techniques can help speed this process.
Are there long-term effects of radial head replacement?
With proper rehabilitation, most patients achieve excellent functional outcomes. However, some individuals may experience minor limitations in elbow mobility or strength. Physiotherapy is essential in minimising these effects and improving quality of life.
Ready to Regain Strength and Mobility?
Contact us today to book your consultation and let our expert team support your recovery journey after radial head replacement. Together, we’ll help you rebuild strength, restore function, and get back to doing the activities you love!
Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]
At our Brisbane-based physiotherapy clinic, we provide expert rehabilitation services for individuals recovering from radial head replacement surgery. With personalised care plans and additional services like Clinical Pilates, we are dedicated to helping you restore elbow function, improve strength, and regain confidence in daily and recreational activities.
Why is physiotherapy important after radial head replacement?
Physiotherapy plays a key role in your recovery by:
- Restoring joint mobility: Improving the range of motion in the elbow and forearm to enable daily activities.
- Rebuilding strength: Targeted exercises focus on restoring the muscles of the arm and forearm that may have weakened post-surgery.
- Reducing stiffness and pain: Hands-on techniques and guided exercises help alleviate discomfort and prevent joint stiffness.
- Preventing complications: Physiotherapy ensures proper movement patterns and reduces the risk of complications like chronic stiffness or instability.
What precautions should be taken after radial head replacement?
- Avoid excessive loading: Avoid lifting heavy objects or putting weight on the affected arm during early recovery.
- Protect the joint: Follow your surgeon’s guidelines on wearing slings or braces to protect the elbow.
- Gradual progression: Do not rush into full activities; adhere to the exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist.
- Avoid excessive rotation: Limit pronation (palm down) and supination (palm up) movements until cleared by your physiotherapist.
What is the recovery time for radial head replacement?
Recovery timelines vary but typically follow this structure:
- 0–6 weeks: Initial healing phase with focus on pain control, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle mobility exercises.
- 6–12 weeks: Gradual reintroduction of strength exercises and more complex movement patterns.
- 3–6 months: Improved function and strength for daily activities.
- 6–12 months: Full recovery, including return to sports or heavy lifting, depending on individual progress.
When can I start using my arm after radial head replacement?
- Light, pain-free movements of the elbow and wrist can begin within a few days post-surgery as directed by your physiotherapist.
- Functional use of the arm without significant restrictions typically starts around 6–8 weeks post-surgery.
What exercises can you do after radial head replacement?
Exercises are introduced gradually and may include:
- Early stages:
- Passive range of motion (ROM) exercises for the elbow and forearm.
- Hand and wrist mobility exercises to maintain dexterity.
- Mid-stages:
- Active elbow flexion and extension exercises.
- Supination and pronation movements with assistance.
- Light resistance band exercises for the forearm and biceps.
- Later stages:
- Functional strengthening exercises like lifting light objects.
- Weight-bearing exercises once cleared by your physiotherapist.
- Sport-specific or job-specific drills to restore confidence and performance.
What other physiotherapy treatments can assist recovery?
- Manual therapy:
- Gentle joint mobilisations to improve elbow flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Soft tissue massage to address muscle tightness around the elbow and forearm.
- Scar management: Techniques to minimise adhesions and enhance skin mobility around the surgical site.
- Pain and swelling management: Cryotherapy, compression wraps, or lymphatic drainage to reduce post-surgical inflammation.
- Proprioception training: Exercises to improve joint stability and coordination during movement.
- Clinical Pilates: Builds upper body and core strength to support recovery and prevent compensatory movement patterns.
How long does swelling last after radial head replacement?
Swelling typically decreases significantly within the first 4–6 weeks post-surgery, though residual swelling may persist for several months. Physiotherapy techniques can help speed this process.
Are there long-term effects of radial head replacement?
With proper rehabilitation, most patients achieve excellent functional outcomes. However, some individuals may experience minor limitations in elbow mobility or strength. Physiotherapy is essential in minimising these effects and improving quality of life.
Ready to Regain Strength and Mobility?
Contact us today to book your consultation and let our expert team support your recovery journey after radial head replacement. Together, we’ll help you rebuild strength, restore function, and get back to doing the activities you love!
Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]
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