Elbow Range of Motion

Gentle bending, straightening, and forearm turning to keep the elbow moving freely.

Elbow Range of Motion exercise illustration

What it helps

Keeps the elbow and forearm moving through their full range — preserving the bend, straighten, and rotation you use for everyday tasks.

How to do it

  1. Bend the elbow to bring your hand toward your shoulder, then slowly straighten it all the way.
  2. With the elbow tucked at your side and bent 90°, turn your palm up, then down.
  3. Move smoothly through comfortable range; don't force the ends.

Tips

  • Keep the upper arm still — the movement is at the elbow and forearm.
  • Sore is okay; sharp is a sign to ease back.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 10 each, daily.

Where this appears in recovery

Elbow Range of Motion is part of 8 recovery programs, typically in the phase 1 and phase 2 and phase 3 and phase 5 stage. Each program shows how it fits alongside the other movements:

All exercise guides · Condition guides · Recovery education

These are general exercise guides, not a personal prescription. The repetitions and frequency shown are what's commonly used — your own surgeon or therapist may advise something different, and their guidance comes first.