Physiotherapy Exercise Library
Trusted Physiotherapy Exercises Designed by Professionals
Elbow Flexion Exercise
Description:
Sit or stand. Arm at side, palm facing inward. Bend the elbow smoothly bringing the hand toward the shoulder, then slowly return to straight.
Benefits:
• Improves elbow flexion range of motion. • Strengthens biceps and brachialis. • Improves functional tasks (eating, grooming). • Reduces stiffness after immobilization.
Uses in Medical Conditions:
• Post immobilization stiffness. • Mild biceps weakness. • Early post-op elbow rehab (as allowed). • Non-complicated supracondylar fracture rehab (after clearance). • Stiff elbow due to arthritis (early mobilization).
Targeted Muscles:
Biceps Brachii , Brachialis , Brachioradialis
Elbow Rotation Exercise
Description:
With elbow flexed to 90° at side, rotate forearm so palm faces up (supination) then rotate to palm down (pronation). Move controlled through full comfortable range.
Benefits:
• Restores pronation/supination ROM. • Improves wrist/elbow coordination. • Helps functional tasks (turning door knob). • Reduces forearm stiffness.
Uses in Medical Conditions:
• Distal radius/ulna fractures rehab (after clearance). • Proximal radioulnar joint stiffness. • Post-immobilization pronation/supination loss. • Biceps/peripheral nerve rehab (minor) — with guidance. • Tennis/golfer’s elbow adjunct mobility.
Targeted Muscles:
Pronator Teres , Pronator Quadratus , Supinator , Biceps Brachii , Brachioradialis , Flexor Carpi Radialis , Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus & Brevis , Anconeus
Elbow Weight Bearing Exercise
Description:
Place forearms on table/wall, bear weight through elbows. Shift weight gently side to side.
Benefits:
• Improves elbow stability. • Strengthens triceps and shoulder stabilizers. • Enhances proprioception. • Helps post-op functional tasks.
Uses in Medical Conditions:
• Post immobilization stiffness. • Mild triceps weakness. • Early post-op elbow rehab. • Elbow proprioception deficits.
Targeted Muscles:
Triceps Brachii , Brachialis , Brachioradialis , Wrist Flexors (Flexor Carpi Radialis, Flexor Carpi Ulnaris) , Wrist Extensors (Extensor Carpi Radialis, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris) , Deltoid (Anterior & Middle fibers)
Finger to Shoulder Touch
Description:
Stand or sit upright. Slowly slide your hand up along the front of your body from your thigh toward the opposite shoulder. Return to starting position. Repeat with the other hand.
Benefits:
• Improves elbow and shoulder range of motion • Enhances coordination between wrist, elbow, and shoulder • Helps in flexibility of forearm muscles • Reduces stiffness after injury or surgery • Prepares for daily functional activities
Uses in Medical Conditions:
• Post elbow fracture rehabilitation • Post-surgery recovery of upper limb • Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis • Frozen shoulder (gentle ROM) • Stroke / hemiplegia to improve arm mobility
Targeted Muscles:
Biceps Brachii , Brachialis , Brachioradialis , Anterior Deltoid , Forearm Flexor Muscles ,
Hammer Flexion Exercise
Description:
Hold a light weight/dumbbell or hammer with thumb-up (neutral grip). Elbow at side; bend elbow bringing weight toward shoulder, keep wrist neutral. Lower slowly.
Benefits:
• Strengthens brachioradialis and forearm stabilizers. • Improves grip and functional lifting. • Lowers stress on pronator/supinator compared to full supination. • Good for eccentric control of elbow flexion.
Uses in Medical Conditions:
• Lateral/medial epicondylalgia adjunct strengthening. • Brachioradialis weakness. • Post-cast weakness. • Functional lifting deficits.
Targeted Muscles:
Brachialis , Brachioradialis , Biceps Brachii (Long & Short Head) , Forearm Flexors & Extensors ,