Elbow Fracture Rehabilitation: A Physiotherapist’s Guide to Recovery

September 26, 2026

An elbow fracture can make simple everyday activities surprisingly difficult. Eating, combing your hair, washing your face, lifting a cup of tea, using your phone, driving, or buttoning your shirt may suddenly become uncomfortable or difficult.

After an elbow fracture, many people ask:

“The fracture has healed, so why is my elbow still stiff?”

This is a common concern during recovery. After several weeks in a sling, splint, or cast, the elbow may become stiff and the surrounding muscles may lose strength. People may also avoid using the arm because of pain or fear of movement.

This is where elbow fracture rehabilitation and physiotherapy become important.

The goal of elbow fracture rehabilitation is not only to recover from the fracture but also to restore elbow movement, flexibility, strength, confidence, and the ability to perform normal daily activities.

Important: Exercises and the timing of rehabilitation should follow your doctor’s or surgeon’s instructions, especially after surgery or when the fracture is still healing.

Understanding the Elbow

Before discussing elbow fracture rehabilitation, it helps to understand the basic anatomy of the elbow.

The elbow is formed by three bones:

• Humerus – the upper arm bone
• Radius – one of the forearm bones
• Ulna – the other forearm bone

Together, these bones allow the arm to perform important movements such as:

• Bending the elbow
• Straightening the elbow
• Turning the palm upward
• Turning the palm downward

When an injury affects the elbow and the joint remains still for several weeks, stiffness can develop and affect normal arm function.

What Is an Elbow Fracture?

An elbow fracture means that one of the bones forming the elbow joint has broken.

Common types of elbow fractures include:

• Radial head fracture
• Olecranon fracture
• Distal humerus fracture

Some fractures may be treated with a sling or cast, while others may require surgery using plates, screws, or wires. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture.

Because every fracture is different, the rehabilitation program should be based on the injury, treatment, healing stage, and medical instructions.

Common Problems After an Elbow Fracture

After the initial injury has started healing, people may notice problems that affect their daily activities.

Common complaints include:

• Elbow stiffness
• Pain during movement
• Swelling
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty lifting objects
• Difficulty turning a key
• Difficulty opening jars
• Difficulty combing the hair
• Reduced grip strength
• Difficulty fully straightening the elbow
• Difficulty fully bending the elbow
• Fear or lack of confidence when using the arm

One of the biggest challenges after an elbow fracture is stiffness. This is why controlled rehabilitation becomes important once movement is medically permitted.

Why Is Physiotherapy Important After an Elbow Fracture?

Many people wonder whether they should simply wait for the elbow to recover on its own.

Once movement is medically allowed, physiotherapy can help restore the movement and function that may have been lost during immobilization.

Depending on the stage of recovery, physiotherapy may focus on:

• Reducing stiffness
• Improving elbow movement
• Improving flexibility
• Restoring muscle strength
• Improving arm function
• Improving confidence
• Returning to normal daily activities
• Preparing for work or sports activities

The rehabilitation program should always respect the healing requirements of the fracture.

Goals of Elbow Fracture Rehabilitation

The main goals of elbow fracture rehabilitation are to help the patient gradually regain normal use of the arm.

These goals may include:

• Reduce pain
• Reduce swelling
• Restore elbow movement
• Improve flexibility
• Improve muscle strength
• Improve arm function
• Improve confidence
• Return to normal daily activities

The exercises and treatments are progressed gradually according to recovery.

Phase 1: Protection and Early Recovery

The first phase of elbow fracture rehabilitation focuses on protecting the healing injury while maintaining movement in the areas that are medically safe to move.

Main Goals

• Protect healing tissues
• Reduce swelling
• Maintain movement in nearby joints
• Prevent unnecessary stiffness

Rehabilitation does not necessarily mean immediately moving the injured elbow. During the protection phase, movement of the fingers, wrist, shoulder, and hand may be encouraged when medically permitted.

For more information about rehabilitation after a wrist injury, read our Wrist Fracture Rehabilitation guide.

Exercises

Finger Flexion and Extension

Open and close the hand repeatedly to maintain finger movement.

Hand Pump Exercises

Gentle hand movements may help maintain circulation and reduce stiffness.

Wrist Flexion and Extension

Gentle wrist movements help maintain wrist mobility.

Shoulder Range of Motion Exercises

Shoulder movements can help prevent stiffness while the elbow is protected.

Scapular Retraction Exercise

Gentle shoulder-blade movement can help maintain shoulder mobility and posture.

The important principle during this stage is to avoid allowing the rest of the arm to become unnecessarily stiff while the elbow is recovering.

Phase 2: Mobility Restoration

During elbow fracture rehabilitation, the focus gradually shifts toward restoring elbow mobility once movement is medically permitted.

After immobilization, patients may notice that the elbow does not bend or straighten as it did before the injury.

Main Goals

• Restore elbow movement
• Improve flexibility
• Reduce stiffness
• Improve forearm movement

Exercises

Elbow Flexion and Extension

Gentle bending and straightening movements can help restore elbow range of motion.

Active Assisted Elbow Flexion

The opposite hand can provide support during the movement when appropriate.

Forearm Pronation and Supination

These movements involve turning the palm upward and downward and help restore forearm rotation.

Table Slide Exercise

A table slide can be used as a controlled mobility exercise when appropriate.

Hand Flip Exercise

This exercise helps work on forearm rotation.

Elbow Extensor Stretch

A gentle stretch may be introduced according to tolerance and medical guidance.

The goal during this phase is to improve movement gradually rather than force the elbow.

Phase 3: Strengthening

As elbow movement improves during elbow fracture rehabilitation and the fracture is sufficiently healed for strengthening, exercises can gradually become more challenging.

Main Goals

• Improve muscle strength
• Improve endurance
• Improve arm function
• Improve confidence when using the arm

Strengthening Exercises

Isometric Biceps Contractions

Gentle contractions can help introduce strengthening with limited joint movement.

Isometric Triceps Contractions

These exercises can help restore strength around the elbow.

Biceps Curls

Biceps curls may be introduced as strength and healing progress.

Triceps Extensions

These exercises can help improve pushing strength.

Theraband Elbow Flexion

Resistance-band exercises can provide progressive strengthening.

Theraband Elbow Extension

Resistance can be gradually increased as appropriate.

Hammer Curls

Hammer curls can help strengthen the forearm and elbow muscles.

Grip Strengthening Exercises

A soft ball or therapy putty may be used to work on grip strength.

Strengthening should be progressed gradually rather than rushed.

Phase 4: Functional Recovery and Return to Activity

The final phase focuses on returning the arm to practical everyday activities.

At this stage, rehabilitation moves beyond individual exercises and begins to focus more on how the arm is used in real life.

Main Goals

• Return to normal activities
• Improve endurance
• Restore confidence
• Improve functional arm use

Functional Exercises

Depending on the person’s needs, rehabilitation may include:

• Carrying drills
• Functional lifting exercises
• Wall push-ups
• Modified counter push-ups
• Reaching activities
• Work-specific training
• Sports-specific rehabilitation

For example, an office worker, teacher, athlete, gym user, or manual worker may require different functional exercises depending on the activities they need to perform.

Manual Therapy Techniques

Depending on the assessment and stage of recovery, a physiotherapy program may also include manual therapy.

Possible techniques include:

• Joint mobilization
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Myofascial release
• Scar mobilization after surgery
• Swelling management techniques

Manual therapy is generally used alongside an appropriate exercise program rather than as the only part of rehabilitation.

Home Exercise Program

Recovery does not happen only during clinic visits. A suitable home exercise program can help patients continue working on mobility and strength between sessions.

A home program may include:

Wrist mobility can also be important when recovering from an upper-limb injury. Learn more in our guide to Wrist Pain.

• Elbow flexion and extension
• Forearm pronation and supination
• Hand pump exercises
• Wrist mobility exercises
• Ball squeeze exercises
• Biceps curls
• Theraband strengthening

The exact exercises, repetitions, resistance, and frequency should depend on the stage of healing and the instructions given by your healthcare professional.

Consistency is important. A gradual and appropriate exercise routine can be more useful than suddenly doing a very long exercise session.

How Long Does Elbow Fracture Rehabilitation Take?

Recovery time can vary from person to person.

Important factors include:

• Type of elbow fracture
• Location of the fracture
• Whether surgery was required
• How long the elbow was immobilized
• The amount of stiffness present
• Strength and movement at the start of rehabilitation
• Consistency with the rehabilitation program

Some improvements may happen relatively quickly, while movement, strength, and function can continue improving over a longer period.

The fracture healing and the recovery of normal elbow function are related but are not always exactly the same process.

When Should You Get Professional Advice?

If you have an elbow fracture, follow the instructions provided by your doctor or surgeon.

Professional assessment is particularly important if you are unsure when to start exercises, how much movement is appropriate, or how much resistance you can safely use.

Do not force painful movements or progress strengthening faster than recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physiotherapy help after an elbow fracture?

Yes. Once movement and exercise are medically permitted, physiotherapy can help address stiffness, reduced movement, weakness, and difficulty using the arm during daily activities.

When should elbow exercises start after a fracture?

The timing depends on the type of fracture, treatment, healing stage, and whether surgery was performed. Follow your doctor’s or surgeon’s instructions before starting or progressing elbow exercises.

What exercises are used for elbow fracture rehabilitation?

Exercises may include elbow flexion and extension, forearm pronation and supination, wrist and hand movements, stretching, strengthening exercises, resistance-band exercises, grip exercises, and functional activities.

Why does the elbow become stiff after a fracture?

Immobilization and reduced movement can contribute to stiffness around the elbow. The muscles may also become weaker during the recovery period.

Can I return to work after an elbow fracture?

Return to work depends on the type of work you do, the fracture, treatment, strength, movement, and recovery progress. A rehabilitation program can be adjusted according to your work requirements.

Can I return to sports after an elbow fracture?

Return to sports depends on healing, strength, movement, and the demands of the sport. Sports-specific rehabilitation may be introduced as recovery progresses and when medically appropriate.

Final Thoughts

An elbow fracture can be frustrating because it can affect many everyday activities that people normally take for granted.

Eating, dressing, lifting objects, driving, using a phone, and performing work or sports activities may all become more difficult during recovery.

The healing of the bone is an important part of recovery, but restoring movement, strength, confidence, and functional use of the arm is also important.

Elbow fracture rehabilitation should be gradual and appropriate to the individual’s injury and healing stage. With proper guidance, consistent exercises, patience, and progressive rehabilitation, the goal is to help the person return to normal daily activities with a functional and confident arm.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Written by Dr Areej Nadeem PT
College of Physiotherapy
JPMC Karachi