Therapeutic Exercises For a Hyperextended Elbow

Elbow hyperextension occurs when your elbow is forced to bend backward in a way that involves enough force to place a strain on the connective tissues in the joint. This injury can result in pain, tenderness and the inability to fully move the joint. Treatment for this exercise generally involves resting the joint long enough to allow your connective tissues the time to begin healing, followed by exercises designed to strengthen and stretch your elbow joint.

Wrist Flexion Stretch

This exercise is designed to help stretch your elbow joint by stretching the muscles of your forearm. Sit or stand with your injured arm by your sides and your feet about shoulder width apart. Extend your injured arm until it is parallel to the ground in front of your body with your palm facing down. Use your other hand to press down on your wrist until you feel a stretch in your forearm and elbow. Hold this stretch as directed by your therapist, relax and repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.

Wrist Extension Stretch

Stand with your injured arm outstretched in front of your body with your arm parallel to the ground. Rotate your arm until your palm is facing the ceiling. Use your other hand to grasp the hand of your extended arm and bend your elbow backwards. Try to relax your injured arm as much as possible in order to get the best stretch in your forearm. Hold this stretch as directed by your therapist, relax and repeat as directed.

Static Bicep Contraction

Stand with your injured arm bent at the elbow and your forearm parallel to the ground with your palm facing up. Be sure that your elbow remains by your side throughout this exercise. Place your other hand on top of the hand of your injured arm and press down. Be sure that you use the muscles of your injured arm to resist any movement in your injured elbow. Hold this contraction for about five seconds, relax and repeat 10 times. This exercise should be performed three times a day as directed by your doctor.

Static Triceps Contraction

Begin with the elbow of your injured arm bent at a 90-degree angle and your palm facing your body. Keep your elbow tucked close to your body. Flex the fingers of your injured arm into a fist and place the palm of your other hand under your clenched hand. Press down as if you were trying to straighten your arm while resisting any elbow movement with your other hand. Hold this contraction for about five seconds, relax and repeat 10 times as directed by your doctor.