Joe A Shaw PA-C - 5/23/2009

Question
Hello sir,
I am an 18 year old male from India. It has been 4 months exactly since i fractured my left elbow(intercondylar fracture). I underwent a surgery with plates and cancellous screw fixations. I now have a pretty good ROM. Flexion 10 degrees remaining and extension 20 degrees. I visited my surgeon last week and he told that healing process is complete and i can do all activities. So i have planned to start weight training again. However i am confused as to how i must start. Can i perform all exercises? How can i progress with weights? How many reps should i do with a weight and when can i move to next weight? Should i regain full rom and then start with gym or can i start right away? Please help me sir!

Thank you

Answer
Adithya,
This would best be answered by a Physical therapist who can be with you in person. You will be very lucky if you can regain complete ROM, so I would not wait on that. I would start with 50% of weight that you were at prior to injury and progress from there. Do 8-12 reps in good form before moving up in wt. You should take 2 sec in positive motion or flexion and take 4 sec going down or negative motion for each rep. ie dont swing or let wt go up or drop back fast.