Regaining mobility (a long) time after elbow fracture

[Likeafurchin]

A bit niche but I broke my elbow more than ten years ago and had to have screws put in (subsequently removed) and after surgery my arm was straight. However, after being in a sling I ended up with an arm that won't straighten completely. At the time I had little kids to look after and didn't work on it as much as I should have. Is it too late? Has anyone managed to get mobility back? My dr is very negative but I thought I would ask!

Bump!

Last hopeful bump!

Have you seen a physio about it? As long as there is no bony reason why it doesn't straighten then its going to be a case of lots of really boring physio and being diligent with doing the exercises many times a day.
My crap elbow (and everything below it) has a tendency to contract up along with my shoulder and then I need to go for a telling off from my physio, massage, ultrasound therapy on the tendons, and with work it all comes back again until I am complacent - but if your arm is otherwise normal you should be able to keep it that way.

Yes, but not for years. I was told at the time that I should he able to straighten it but unfortunately I ran out of money for physio before I got to that point! Thanks for the encouraging reply - I might try again!

My dd broke her elbow and had it pinned temporarily while it healed, so it sounds like a similar injury. She did lots of monkey bars once she was allowed and that meant it regained full range of motion. I cant see why you wouldnt be able to get it back if you worked at it diligently with the right exercises. There are lots of videos on you tube that might give you some ideas and maybe the GP will refer you for a few starter sessions

Thanks!