Elbow Bursitis Exercises

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Elbow bursitis (ber-si-tis) is swelling and pain of a bursa in your elbow. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion or shock absorber between a tendon and a bone. A tendon is a cord of tough tissue that connects muscles to bones. Normally, a bursa has a small amount of fluid in it. When injured, the bursa becomes inflamed (red and sore) and may become filled with too much fluid. Ask your caregiver for more information about other ways to treat your injury.

Do's and Don'ts: Caregivers may tell you to remain pain-free as you use your arm more. If your injury does not improve, call your caregiver.

Exercises:

• Wrist Curls: Sit in a chair with your forearm resting on your thigh (or on a table). Hold a dumbbell with your palm up or palm down. Bend your wrist up and then slowly lower it down. Repeat 20 times using a 3 pound dumbbell.
  
  
• Forearm Rotation: Sit in a chair with your forearm resting on your thigh (or on a table). Grip a dumbbell firmly with your palm facing up. Slowly turn your forearm until your palm is face down. Then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat 20 times using a 2 pound dumbbell.
  
  
• Finger Extensions: Hold the fingertips of your injured arm close together with your fingers and thumb straight. Put a rubberband around the outside of your fingertips and thumb. Spread your fingers apart and then slowly bring them together without letting the rubberband fall off. Repeat 40 times.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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