After a Cast (Arm)
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Begin with these exercises: 2x / day after removal of a If you had an above elbow cast removed, do this exercise After a Cast cast. as well: 1) 1) (arm) Bend elbow at 90 degrees Standing or sitting and hold next to body with Shoulder straight, palm up other hand. Bend and straighten elbow Hand open slowly. Your arm is out of a cast. Hooray! A cast was placed around Turn palm up. Repeat 20 times. your arm to prevent movement of the joints and muscles to Turn palm down. allow the fractured bone and/or injured tissues to heal in a © Physio Tools Ltd Repeat 20 times each © Physio Tools Ltd good position. movement. What to expect: 2) If there is no appreciable improvement (i.e.: When the cast is removed, it Forearm supported on a is not unusual to experience table with wrist over edge decreased pain and swelling, improved wrist and some pain, swelling and Hold forearm down with elbow motion) in two weeks, seek further medical stiffness of the joint for a few other hand. attention. days and notice atrophy of Lift and lower the hand the arm muscles for a few slowly. weeks. Repeat 20 times each As per the period recommended by your doctor: movement. Do not lift heavy objects with the affected arm. There will also be dry scaly © Physio Tools Ltd skin around the arm. Do not No contact sports 3) rub it; it will gradually fall off. Swimming is encouraged but with no jumping or diving. Wash in warm soapy water Support forearm on a table Begin using affected arm for activities of daily living and apply body lotion daily. with hand open. including eating and grooming. Hold forearm down with You must move elbow and wrist actively by yourself. No Rehabilitation: other hand. one should pull or push on any of the movements of your An important part of the treatment after cast removal is early Slide hand side to side. rehabilitation. It will encourage recovery and help prevent re- joints. Parents should guide and supervise younger Repeat 20 times each children when they are doing their exercises. injury and/or chronic problems. Physiotherapy is the best way movement. to improve the strength and flexibility of your arm and help you return to activity within a few weeks. © Physio Tools Ltd Return to activity: 4) Hold small towel or spongy Follow the recommendations of your doctor. An exercise program is provided for you to begin ball in hand. You can return to activity when there is: rehabilitation. Squeeze and hold 5 Full range of motion of seconds. the wrist and elbow Open hand. Squeeze Good strength of the again. muscles around the © Physio Tools Ltd Repeat 15 times. wrist and elbow No pain or swelling noted with exercise Trauma Return to sports gradually. (514) 412-4400 extension 23310 2300 Tupper Avenue, C-831, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1P3 www.thechildren.com/trauma Trauma Program (514) 412-4400 extension 23310 2300 Tupper Avenue, C-820, .