DEEP HEAT AND JOINT MOBILIZATIONS INCREASE RANGE OF MOTION IN TRAUMATIC ELBOW INJURIES

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, to report the cases of 9 patients who lacked full range of motion (ROM) in the elbow due to fracture or dislocation and immobilization, and second, the treatment regimen to restore ROM. Nine patients presented with decreased elbow ROM. All were postsurgical, 3 with internal fixation devices. Initial active extension for each patient was 17 °, 23°, 28 °, 25 °, 45 °, 30 °, 26 °, 30 ° and 33 ° respectively (range of 17 – 45 degrees).Treatment regimen consisted of deep heat (pulsed shortwave diathermy for the first 8 patients and ultrasound for the 9th patient). Changes in extension active range of motion (AROM) were assessed before and after each treatment. Treatment consisted of 10-20 minutes of deep heat on the anterior aspect of the elbow, followed by approximately 10 minutes of joint mobilizations. After post-treatment AROM was recorded, ice was applied to the area for 20 minutes. Once the patient achieved full AROM or did not improve on 2 consecutive visits, he or she was discharged from the study. By the 6th treatment, 7 patients achieved full AROM (One took 10 treatments). All returned to normal activity and normal use of their elbow. One month later, 8 maintained full AROM (one lost 5°). A regimen of deep heat and joint mobilizations was effective in restoring AROM to elbows lacking ROM after injury or surgery.
Key Words: rehabilitation, diathermy, ultrasound,