Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Exercises
It is important that you start to exercise your elbow as soon as possible, unless advised otherwise. By exercising and regaining normal movements the feeling of stiffness and pain will gradually settle. The exercises will be most effective if practiced regularly. We suggest doing them 3-4 times a day. It is better to repeat the exercises a few times, rather than once a day for a longer period.
| Make a fist, straighten your fingers. Repeat 10 times |  |
| Support forearm on a table. Bend and straighten your wrist, keeping your fingers straight. Repeat 10 times. |  |
| Hold fingers and wrist straight. Bend your wrist towards your little finger and then towards your thumb. Repeat 10 times. |  |
| Sit in front of a table. Place your arm out in front of you with your palm facing down, then turn your hand over so that the palm is facing up. Repeat 20 times. |  |
| Sit or stand. With your palm facing up, bend your elbow and then straighten your elbow. Repeat 10 times. |  |
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Sitting or standing. Turn your head to one side until you feel a stretch. Hold for 10 seconds, repeat on the other side. Repeat 5 times. |
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| Sitting or standing. Lift your shoulders up towards your ears, then relax. Repeat 10 times. | |
Pendular exercisesThese exercises use gravity to help you get your arm moving. They help to relax the muscles in the shoulder in order to relieve pain and increase range of movement. |
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| Swing your arms backwards and forwards using the other arm to support it. Repeat 10 times. |  |
| Swing your arms from left to right. Repeat 10 times. |  |
| Swing your arm as if drawing a circle on the floor. Change direction. Repeat 10 times. |  |
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Sit or stand. Place your hands on the table. Slide your hands long the table as far as you can without lifting your shoulders. Repeat 10 times. |
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Laying or standing grasp wrist of affected arm with other hand. Reach overhead as far as possible assisting the affected arm. Repeat 10 times. |
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| Sit or stand. Turn your forearms outwards and inwards, keeping your elbows close to your body. Repeat 10 times |  |
| Stand. Place affected arm behind your back. Gently grasp the wrist and assist in sliding the hand up and down your back. Repeat 10 times. |  |
If you have any further concerns please contact your physiotherapist, GP or NHS 111 or visit https://
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Emergency department (ED) service.
About this information
Service:
Emergency department (ED)
Reference:
A/033
Approval date:
1 November 2024
Review date:
1 November 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.