Elbow Stability and Daily Exercises for Left Unstable Elbow Recovery

HSS Rehabilitation has prepared this material to help guide you through your recovery. If you have more specific questions, please contact your physician or hand therapist.

Keep your orthosis on throughout these activities. Avoid lifting the injured arm out to the side or crossing it over your body.

Elbow Stability

• The orthosis is meant to keep your arm in a safe position:
  • Forearm pronated (palm facing down)
  • Elbow bent to 110 degrees or as much as tolerated
• This position:
  • Protects the injured ligaments on the outside of the elbow from being stressed.
  • Allows the ligaments to be in a position of healing.
  • Promotes maximum bony congruity.

Cleaning Your Underarm on the Injured Side

• To clean your underarm on the injured side, lean your hips toward the uninjured side to create space without lifting your injured arm.

Cleaning Your Underarm on the Uninjured Side

• To clean your underarm on the uninjured side, use the hand of your uninjured arm.

Putting on a Shirt or Jacket

• Keep your orthosis on and pass your injured arm through the sleeve of the shirt first. 

Laying on Your Back 

• When laying on your back, place a pillow between your injured arm and torso to keep it in place.

Laying on Your Side

• When laying on your side, stack 2-3 pillows underneath your injured arm to keep it level.