A Patient’s Perspective After Elbow Surgery
If you’re someone who’s had or is having elbow surgery, this article is for you. Elbow recovery after surgery can become exhausting, overwhelming, and emotional. Here’s an article from a patient’s perspective about elbow recovery after surgery.
The Accident
Most people who require elbow surgery do so after some type of accident or injury. I’m sure you didn’t wake up this morning, thinking to yourself, “I think I’d like to have elbow surgery this month…”
Nope. Highly unlikely.
What’s much more realistic is some type of a scenario like this…
You wake up early, take your bike out for a quick ride before work, and BAM! Crash to the ground, falling off of the bike, shattering your elbow on the sidewalk.
Or, insert whatever accident, mistake, injury, or error occurred in your life that is now causing you to need elbow surgery.
As a past elbow surgery patient, I was told many, many times that elbow fractures are one of the top three most serious and difficult. Elbow surgeries rank up there with knee surgery and, get this, middle finger surgery. Apparently, the middle fingers, knees, and elbows are the most challenging.
The Surgery
Once it’s confirmed that you need surgery, they will set a surgery date. You’ll meet with the surgeon who will review the procedure, its risks and benefits, and what to expect immediately after surgery.
Now, most surgeons will already start discussing elbow recovery after surgery even before the surgery takes place. When I had surgery, the surgeon scheduled me with a physical therapy (PT) appointment the very same day the team removed my hard cast.
Here’s where things might go awry.
When I fractured my elbow, the surgeon who was going to perform my elbow surgery told me that some of his patients are up, back at full activity, working, and into their life as it was prior to surgery in THREE DAYS to THREE WEEKS.
Fully back to normal functioning in just three days to three weeks after surgery.
Uhh, NO!
No way, no how.
Remember, I had elbow surgery. On August 14, 2020 at 10 a.m., I had an elbow surgery procedure. And I am here to tell you that after the hard cast came off, and I went to that first PT on that same day, I was NOT back to my normal functioning and level of activity in three days to three weeks’ time.
Elbow Recovery After Surgery: The True Timeline
Now, I am not even going to write about the complications I experienced after elbow surgery. That’s not fair since not everyone will go through all the issues that I did. That’s fine.
Even if I had no complications at all, there’s no way I was back at my normal, fully functioning, independent state I was prior to elbow surgery.
Trust me. I talked about this with my PT team. A lot.
Even if everything went according to the timeline, my therapist mapped out how many weeks I would attend three times a week PT sessions. It was going to be eight weeks. And, how did my PT therapist get to eight weeks? Here’s how…
Elbow recovery after surgery involves a variety of different activities and exercises to get the elbow joint back to the full range of motion. The elbow joint moves in many ways. It hinges, forwards and backward. It rotates, on a socket. It twists, back and forth. So, the elbow surgery patient has to engage in multiple therapeutic activities to get the elbow moving.
My PT therapist used a measurement tool, called a goniometer, to measure the number of degrees that I was able to hinge at the elbow, forward and backward. The goniometer measured how far I could extend my arm straight and how far I could get my arm bent at my elbow. Well, her goal was to get my elbow to move five additional degrees. And, she did a mathematical calculation, of adding five degrees per week that got us to the eight weeks of PT sessions.
Again, this is if everything was going fine and dandy. No complications. No additional issues. Just eight straight weeks of PT three times a week. Oh, and don’t forget about the hourly exercises that the PT staff sent me home with.
Even if everything went smoothly and I only had to go through PT for eight weeks… that’s still eight weeks! Get it?!?? Three times a week, eight weeks of…
- Obtaining a ride to get to PT: you likely will not be able to drive… if you are taking narcotic pain medications AND since your elbow won’t extend at first, you cannot reach the steering wheel
- Driving to PT: depending on where you live… it could take longer or shorter… but let’s average it out and say that your trip to PT is 30 minutes (so, that’s an hour… 30 minutes there and back)
- Attending PT: sessions are about an hour… at first, they may be longer and then they might shorten up… but that also depends on how many therapeutic activities you have to do
- Getting home and settled, after PT: using the restroom, eating something, etc.… be real… you don’t just get back to your house and are magically ready for work/kids/school/life
- Feeling exhausted after PT: it takes a LOT out of you, especially those first few weeks
- Doing your hourly exercises while you’re not at PT: every hour, on the hour… and even if you don’t do them hourly, at the very least you have to do them six times a day
Elbow Recovery After Surgery: Don’t Let it Take Over
Elbow recovery after surgery is intense. Don’t let it run your life. Sure, you have to focus on elbow rehab. Trust me, I heard it over and over again… “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.” But don’t let the recovery process take over everything.
The timeline for recovery varies. Depending on your situation, elbow recovery after surgery can become intense, frustrating, and very tiring. That’s another thing I heard time and time again, “Each patient is different. Each elbow is unique. Each surgical outcome is one-of-a-kind.” I’d ask for answers and rarely get them because nobody could predict how long the recovery time would be.
Eventually, my elbow started improving. And with feeling better came the desire to do more. I started practicing qigong daily, to allow my elbow to move fluidly with flow. Weaving in holistic modalities was the best thing for my elbow recovery after surgery.
Integrating yoga, meditation, reiki, and other holistic practices made me feel stronger, increased my energy levels, helped me sleep at night, and improved my mood.
Don’t let your elbow recovery get you down. Keep with your therapeutic treatment plan. Lean on the support of friends and family. Talk to your care providers often and honestly. Listen to your body. Honor yourself and allow the healing to happen.
Ready to heal after elbow surgery? Check us out and come join us!
About the Author: Elizabeth Scala MSN/MBA, RN, HNB-BC, RYT (200) is a board-certified holistic nurse, registered yoga instructor, and reiki master.
Elizabeth received her dual master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. She is a certified coach and avid meditator.
Elizabeth lives in Maryland with her supportive husband and playful pit bull. She enjoys gardening, jigsaw puzzles, farming, music, and hiking.
Going through this now.
stupid fall – casts – screws in and now trying to get my arm to unfreeze and straighten!
Oh dear! So sorry for your fall. Sending you healing energy and comforting vibes. If you need something to read… you may want to check out the book, What Happens After Elbow Surgery: https://elizabethscala.com/what-happens-after-elbow-surgery-book/. Be well!
Me too!
Just started therapy.
Me too. Four and a half weeks. I was an avid pickle ball player, and wonder if I will be able to play at the same level again. I am in a hinged brace and haven’t started PT yet. I feel so many pops and pains. I am so scared that the pins are coming out. I can drive and use my hand, thank goodness. I am a very active 77 year old woman. Played tennis all my life. Very scared. My dominant arm! Right.
Hello Gillian,
So sorry to hear about your injury! I can empathize with your pain. I’m glad to hear you can still drive and use your right hand. That’s great! Hopefully, your healing and recovery is smooth and easy. Sending healing energy and positive vibes your way.
Oh, if you’re into reading, you may enjoy “What Happens After Elbow Surgery?” The book is about the journey of healing after surgery. https://elizabethscala.com/what-happens-after-elbow-surgery-book/
Be well,
Elizabeth
I’m at 3 months since surgery. Still don’t have full range and still get pain. But I am building up strength and can see and feel improvement.
Good to hear! Keep it up!! Sending healing vibes.
Glad I found this! I had a very bad bike crash 1 month ago and the surgery 3 weeks ago.
The problem is that I am a photographer and there is no camera for lefty! My job is seriously disturbed and I really hope my right arm can get back to normal – at least to take photos (with heavy camera) to make my living 🙁
Speaking of road biking… I think I have PTSD and never touch it again…
Oh no!! Sending healing vibes and positive energy. If you are worried about PTSD, I have a video on that topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsSaxtEWdNM&list=PLFgmFEtOFJX3ffBSz-PFS37E9QCgE0llw&index=36
Thanks Elizabeth. so it is more than three months now. My recovery did quite well. There is occasional pain, but my elbow can function normally overall. My doctor said it went well and he would expect me one year later to remove the plate. I got most of the confidence back although I still did not have chance to be on the road bike but no hurry.
I think this is a traumatic experience. I am glad that I found you here, and I believe we all are going to get back to normal. Be strong! We can do much better!
Thank you so much!! Glad to hear your healing journey is progressing well. Positive vibes and healing energy to you!!
Two weeks ago, I broke my left distal humerus falling straight down on my left elbow while tripping off of a canoe. I’m a 52 year old male.
I had surgery last week. My left hand is still swollen and numb. Pinky finger is even number and does not move with the rest of the fingers. I am concerned that I will never regain control of the fingers and never be able to type again. I’m also concerned that I won’t be able to drive again, since I drive with only my left hand and a spinner wheel.
This is my fourth fracture, since I have idiopathic osteopenia despite taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. Parathyroid is normal, blood calcium and D25 are normal, and alkaline phosphatase level is normal (ruling out Paget’s). I get another DXA bone density scan next week. 2.5 years ago my Z score was -2. I may need to take bisophosphonates.
Five years ago I shattered my right humerus in a bicycle accident, and it is now totally gone, and there’s no metal implant. Three rotator cuffs were damaged during surgery, and my shoulder got too infected to repair them. I had over 10 right shoulder surgeries. I cannot raise my right arm above my chest, and my right hand above my head.
My orthopedic surgeon expects my left elbow to heal in a couple of weeks and hasn’t prescribed physical therapy, but I think it will take much longer to heal, and that daily exercises are needed. I also bought a hand massager.
I only found out after surgery that my nerves were “cut” to go around the plate. I wish I had known this ahead of time, because typing is more important to me than heavy lifting (it’s necessary all day for my job).
When the nerve block wore off around 9 hours after surgery, I had 10/10 pain in both my left hand and in the elbow incision site. I was given morphine and hydrocodone, but there was only mild relief. I have had better pain relief with dilaudid. I was screaming in jolts of pain. It lasted around an hour.
A friend who had a similar experience said that he regained control of his hand after a couple of weeks. I just hope I do, because I’ve already lost the right humerus and all associated shoulder movements, and even though I’m right-handed, I have learned to use my left hand.
Wow. That’s a lot to handle. So sorry you’ve had to cope with all of this. Sending healing vibes and positive energy your way.
My cousin is scheduled for elbow surgery this Tuesday. Can anyone give me some ideas of things that will help make her life easier and/or more convenient during her recovery? She will not be completely alone, she has a 50 year old, special needs daughter who lives with her but she has limited capabilities. Any tips would be appreciated
Sure! You can check out the book, What Happens After Elbow Surgery, here: https://amzn.to/3cFZh6j.
Thank you for this encouraging article. I had elbow surgery 10 weeks ago and am currently in PT twice a week, with home exercises. It’s getting better but it’s been difficult accepting that it will be a long process. Your words give me the resolve to keep pushing forward and accepting baby steps as big milestones in recovery. I’m sure I will be rereading your article a lot to help me keep going! I am a runner so hope to able to resume ( also broke my ankle in the same fall as the elbow, but that’s another story…) Anyway, thank you, thank you for your wisdom.
Hi Tina,
So sorry to hear about your accident and injuries. My, your ankle, and your elbow altogether. That stinks! I am sending healing vibes for a speedy recovery.
Thank you so much for the feedback on the post. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it. If you’d like more reading (and more ways to know you really are not alone in your recovery process), you can check out the book I wrote about healing from elbow surgery. It really is a process… as you know. Here’s the book information: https://elizabethscala.com/what-happens-after-elbow-surgery-book/
Keep me posted on how things progress. Take good care,
Elizabeth
In addition to smashing my right elbow, I fractured my left femur in two places. I had surgeries two days apart. It has been 25 days and PT has been concentrating on teaching me how to walk again (improving but LONG way
To go. I see elbow surgeon in three days hoping I will be able to put weight on it (platform walker). I’m in rehab for almost three weeks and doing all they ask in hopes of improving enough to be released.
Had to get a total arthroplasty on my elbow about 3-4 months ago (elbow osteoarthritis) and have to say, this is so relatable! I have a lot of hobbies that involve moving the elbow that I haven’t been able to do, and the aching has only stopped. My surgeon said that it would only take a few weeks to recover but I’m glad to see that taking longer is more normal than I thought.
Hello Rie,
Thanks for sharing your feedback. I’m glad the post was relatable. Though, I am sorry to hear you are also struggling with your elbow recovery. Sending healing vibes and prayers for your feeling better soon!
Elizabeth
I am Mark Liu, my wife Chen Ling broke her elbow o March 5, 2023. After surgery she felt so painful, though she tried all the means to exercise her elbow, but the improvement has been so disappointed! Hope to join your team, to learn from other people’s true story.
Are you still having pain at all? I broke 2 bones in my elbow & displaced top part ? Had surgery Oct 12, 2024, screws fractured so had surgery again Dec 12 for a plate. After 5 months hurts bad. Will it ever improve?
Honestly, no. I am no longer having any pain. However, I cannot move my arm. It is stuck bent, at 90 degrees. I guess I’d take that over pain. So sorry that you’re going through all of this. Sending healing energy your way!
i tripped and fractured my right elbow (dominant arm). I had emergency surgery with a plate and screws. I am/was a very active 77 year old woman. I have played tennis all my life, and was playing pickle ball every day. I also have my own retail furniture business and travel a lot. My arm still hurts five weeks after surgery. Is this normal? Will i be able to play pickle ball again? Incidentally, I did not do this playing pickle ball. My elbow feels so fragile that i am scared to take the hinged brace off. is this normal? Thank you.
My mother had elbow replacement after a fall two years ago. Her recovery was brutal because she is allergic to opioids. She was diligent with PT. But she does not have full function and says she is in almost constant “toothache level pain.” Her doctor offers no options. Is this common?
Living alone, please tell people to send food not flowers!!
nhs Surgery went well , I think, no discusion before or after but did me lots of lovely morphine.
Agreed… food over flowers!
I have had multiple elbow surgeries post traumatic injury including elbow replacement, two revisions and most recently, my elbow replacement was completely removed. I am a active 70 year old, (which helped wear out the elbow replacement early). I have learned many surgeons will emphasize the positives and minimize the negatives on recovery times, which is very individual . Still, it will yet better in time, and surprisingly, functional abilities continue to improve even 1-3 years after a surgery. Things I thought I could never do again, I found ways to do or improved enough over time to be able to do a function again. So hang in there and keep at the exercises!
I fractured my dominant elbow for the 3rd time in March.. Had surgery twice since with the last one about a month ago. I am experiencing pain in the elbow and limited movement. Im in physio twice weekly. I hope it gets better but I don’t feel optimistic..
Sending healing energy your way, Fran!
I’m so glad I found your story. Currently very frustrated after dislocating/fracturing my elbow. 2 screws in my elbow later and after 12 weeks post surgery, I am only at 50 degrees of getting to a straight arm. I’m lucky I can work from home, I am finally back driving though which is giving me so much independence. I guess I just need to understand that everyone’s healing journey is different.
Thanks for your comment. You are correct! It took me a LONG time to realize that everyone’s healing journey is different. The pace can certainly be frustrating. So glad you are able to work from home… and drive! Keep on healing!!
I had a complex injury to my right elbow, arm, and hand 11 months ago. My elbow was dislocated, the radial head was shattered, and I had small fractures in the base of the humerus. This led to two separate surgeries, after the first one failed to stabilize my elbow and left it dislocated. Surgery #2 (done by a different surgeon) included inserting a radial head replacement, repairing tendons, and adding more hardware: an Internal Joint Stabilizer. At the time, my surgeon said that in the future, we would discuss whether or not the IJS would stay in place long term or if it would be removed. This has been an extremely difficult recuperation, despite 7 months of intense therapy and addition exercises at home. I still cannot use my right arm in many ways, including bending the elbow more than 90 degrees. I’m seeing my surgeon again in two weeks to get more information about what’s involved with another surgery to remove the IJS. Fortunately, I found your excellent book shortly after my injury and used it as a resource for months! If you have any comments to share about having complicated hardware like an IJS removed, please let me know. I’m doing the best I can each day to stay in a place of gratitude that things aren’t worse, and be as patient as possible during this extended recuperation. I’ll be 73 next month and hope to eventually be able to do things like brush my teeth with my dominant hand!
Hello there Nancy,
So sorry to hear about your experiences with your elbow. My goodness! What a long, difficult journey for you. I hope you can brush your teeth again with your dominant hand. Unfortunately, I still have my hardware in my arm. My arm is still stuck/locked in the 90-degree angle position. I haven’t yet had the courage to start the process of getting the hardware out. Thank you very much for your kind words about my book. I am so glad that it has been a helpful resource for you during this hard time. Sending healing energy your way!
Elizabeth
Just two weeks after elbow surgery (two years of recalcitrant “tennis elbow,” lateral epicondylitis). Cast removed, now in wrist brace. Doing. easy home exercises for a week or two before formal PT starts. Not on meds. I definitely agree on this — it’s taxing, getting there and back via public transport! And I’m a single man, 52, generally self-reliant. I have disposable cups, plates etc so no dishwashing. WFH, and can type. Lots of frozen foods. BUT this one question no one seems to know the answer to: what about chopping veggies (onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers??? Is that too much pressure on the affected bones and tendons or does that just count as mild activity. No blogs about this, or even Reddit forums. Would appreciate your input and experience. Thanks — Jay
Hey there Jay,
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Sending healing energy your way!
So, I am not a doctor or your medical professional, but I don’t see why cutting a bit of veggies would be an issue. As long as you can do it and it doesn’t hurt, I would give it a try. And, not overdo it. But again, that’s just my thoughts on this.
Elizabeth
Hi all, i had tennis elbow surgery on my left elbow 8 weeks ago. I have full mobility already but the tendon is weak and there is still pain/inflamation as the extensor on the upper internal side (facing upwards if you do a hammer curl) was 90% torn and had to be reattached.
1) my sister-in-law is a trauma surgeon and said it is normal to have pain near the area where the tendon was repaired as you have to cut through a lot of tissue to get to the tendon, did you experience this as well or does this makes sense?
2) I have been extremely careful with only lifting extremely light objects but accidently lifted one side of a chair to move the carpet underneath as an automatic reaction reaction. I am guessing this just irritated the scare tissue but did the doctor’s also tell you that a single small lift will not cause the repaired tendon to retear?
3) did you also go through these mental ups and downs where certin days you felt on track and then the next day, maybe working at a keyboard you felt a bit down?
I really appreciate your website and any advice welcome. with a 6 month recovery period, after two motnhs post op I was not expecting all roses.
Hi John,
Thanks for the kind words and positive feedback on the website and blog posts. I appreciate it.
So, everyone’s healing journey is their own. I am not a medical professional so I cannot give advice on lifting or pain regimens. However, YES! The mental ups and downs are NORMAL. I experienced this a lot and I am sure others had too. Keep focusing on the positives. Try not to overdo it. Do the best you can and keep working on healing.
Thanks for reading,
Elizabeth