Beginner Elbow Sprain and Strain Rehabilitation

Pain at rest ≤2/10 on VAS scale,No valgus or varus instability on stress testing,Ulnar nerve symptoms stable without paresthesia progression,No gross joint effusion on palpation,Protected elbow flexion/extension within tolerance,Wrist and shoulder ROM maintained without elbow pain

→ Advance to: Early Mobilization

Pain ≤3/10 with active elbow flexion/extension,Elbow flexion ≥100 degrees achieved,Elbow extension deficit ≤20 degrees,No increase in ulnar nerve symptoms with elbow flexion,Grip strength ≥50% of contralateral side,Pain-free wrist flexion and extension

→ Advance to: Progressive Strengthening

Full elbow flexion/extension ROM (0-145 degrees),Pronation and supination pain-free,Isometric elbow flexion at 4/5 grade,Isometric elbow extension at 4/5 grade,No valgus stress pain at medial epicondyle,No tenderness over lateral epicondyle with resistance

→ Advance to: Advanced Strengthening

Manual muscle testing elbow flexors 4+/5,Manual muscle testing elbow extensors 4+/5,Forearm pronation and supination 4+/5,No ulnar nerve irritability with sustained elbow flexion (30 seconds),Functional reach without lateral epicondyle pain,Wrist extensor isometric hold 30 seconds pain-free

→ Advance to: Return to Activity

Full pain-free ROM in all planes,Strength 5/5 elbow flexors and extensors,No pain with resisted wrist flexion at medial epicondyle,No pain with resisted wrist extension at lateral epicondyle,Ulnar nerve Tinel's sign negative,Tolerance for repetitive functional activities

→ Advance to: Maintenance Sport/Work Specific

Return to pre-injury activity level without restrictions,No recurrence of symptoms with overhead activities,No elbow swelling with loading,Symmetric grip strength (within 10%),No limitations in lifting or carrying tasks,Patient discharged to independent maintenance program