Dumped by physical therapist 4 weeks after radial fracture of elbow - long post

[Raksha2015]

Thanks for answering.

Actually, the therapist moved the left arm, not the shoulder. The injury was a radial head fracture of the elbow, type II. I knew that there would be some discomfort and pain with the exercises and therapy; but I did not expect that pain to be so excruciating that I could not bear it for very long.

This past Wednesday, I saw the orthopedic surgeon who I had originally consulted (back on 12/17). He said that I was where he expected me to be at this point (after x-raying me again and evaluating the x-rays as well as my left arm) and could start a home exercise program.

I am seeing another therapist, though not as frequently, just enough to check that I'm doing the exercises (including the 2 new ones she assigned me) correctly. I may not continue after the next two sessions; she didn't seem to think I would need more. She said I was doing well, as expected in terms of flexion/bending and slightly ahead of the curve in the dexterity/flexibility of my left hand (I think that's what she said). She was much nicer and more positive than the other therapist. Both she and the surgeon took measurements that indicated improvement from the first time they had done so, 4 days after the injury. The therapist did imply, when I questioned her, that I would not be able to ever touch my left hand to my shoulder again, but it is not yet impossible, and she did say I will be able to straighten the left arm more than I can right now.

And my surgeon cleared me to drive as of early February. My left hand is stronger, though it still has a way to go (I can open soup and soda cans again with just the left hand). I hadn't expected to regain full function in all things within two months; my therapist says it could be several months to a year.

I'm coming to the end of that 6-week window after which the elbow stiffens. I have been moving it throughout most of the time, regardless of twinges or discomfort, and am doing the exercises 3 or 4 times a day (trying for 4, but the last several days my sleep cycle has been poor and messed up my timing). I hope I will still be able to continue the recovery; my therapist indicated I would, though it might not continue at the same pace.

If I find out that my prior physical therapy was mismanaged and that this had an impact on my ultimate recovery, I will be displeased. Probably there's no way to know for sure. I wonder whether I would have done better to chance the surgery, though I've also been told that it is very painful and can cause infections and arthritis.

[mathewvarghese]

See an expert physiotherapist well versed in Anatomy and Biomechanics.