Evaluation
Your treatment will begin with a thorough evaluation. You’ll be asked questions about your overall health, lifestyle and activities. Your therapist will assess the current condition of your shoulder or elbow function including your pain level, range of motion and strength.

Setting Goals
Using all this information, you and your therapist will establish treatment goals and you’ll be given a Road to Recovery customized treatment plan. For instance, your goals may include increasing the range of motion in your joint or to reduce pain. Your therapist and orthopaedic surgeon will stay in communication and coordinate your program and progress.

Therapy
During appointments, you’ll receive rehabilitation therapy. Early in your treatment, the focus will be on relieving your pain and stabilizing the joint.  Then you’ll work to strengthen the surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons with a goal to restoring range of motion, flexibility and function.

Expect to receive an exercise program to perform between sessions either at home or at one of our fully equipped Wellness and Fitness Centers. The fitness centers offer a variety of equipment and classes that are gentle on your shoulder or elbow. As your function and strength improves, you will receive new, more challenging exercises to ensure that your progress continues.

Education
A part of your physical therapy is educational — you’ll learn how to avoid future injuries.  In the case of arthritis, you’ll be taught strategies for living with reduced mobility and exercises to keep your supporting muscles strong.