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)
(arm)
1)
 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)
When the cast is removed, it If there is no appreciable improvement (i.e.:
 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 elbow motion) in two weeks, seek further medical
 Hold forearm down with
stiffness of the joint for a few attention.
other hand.
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
© Physio Tools Ltd Return to activity:
return to activity within a few weeks.
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,