2-Week Rehabilitation Program Post Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

This program is structured to reduce pain, improve flexibility, restore range of motion (ROM), and gradually build strength in the affected elbow. It progresses from gentle care to functional strengthening over two weeks.

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General Guidelines

1. Protect the elbow: Avoid activities that strain the forearm, such as gripping, lifting, or repetitive motions.

2. Pain management: Use ice or heat as appropriate for comfort.

3. Gradual progression: Only perform exercises that are pain-free and progress intensity as tolerated.

4. Monitor symptoms: Stop exercises if pain worsens or swelling increases, and consult your provider.

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Week 1: Pain Management and Gentle Mobility

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Goals:

• Minimize pain and inflammation

• Maintain range of motion

• Prevent stiffness

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Day 1–3: Rest and Recovery

• Activity:

  • Rest the elbow to allow the PRP treatment to take effect.

  • Avoid activities that involve gripping, lifting, or repetitive forearm motions.

• Pain Management:

  • Apply ice packs (15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily) if swelling is present.

  • Use a compression wrap or brace if recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Passive Range of Motion (PROM):

  • Elbow Flexion and Extension: Gently bend and straighten the elbow without resistance. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Forearm Supination/Pronation: Slowly rotate the forearm palm up and palm down. (10 reps, 2 sets)

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Day 4–7: Gentle Mobility and Isometric Exercises

• Mobility Exercises:

  • Wrist Flexion and Extension Stretch: Hold the affected hand with the opposite hand and gently pull the wrist into flexion and extension. Hold for 15 seconds. (3 reps each direction)

  • Forearm Supination/Pronation with Stick: Use a light stick (e.g., a dowel or broomstick) to assist in rotating the forearm. (10 reps, 2 sets)

• Isometric Strengthening:

  • Isometric Wrist Flexion: Place your palm against a wall or resistance (e.g., your other hand) and push gently without movement. (Hold for 5–10 seconds, 5 reps)

  • Isometric Wrist Extension: Push the back of your hand against resistance without moving. (Hold for 5–10 seconds, 5 reps)

• Postural Training:

  • Practice maintaining good posture to reduce strain on the elbow and forearm muscles.

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Week 2: Progressive Strengthening and Functional Mobility

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Goals:

• Improve forearm and wrist strength

• Enhance elbow stability

• Prepare for functional movements

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Day 8–10: Light Strengthening and Active Mobility

• Active Range of Motion (AROM):

  • Elbow Flexion and Extension with Light Resistance: Use a 0.5–1 kg weight or resistance band for gentle elbow movements. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Wrist Flexion/Extension with Light Resistance: Perform wrist curls and reverse wrist curls using a light dumbbell. (10 reps, 2 sets)

• Strengthening:

  • Theraband Flexion and Extension: Attach a resistance band to a stable surface and perform wrist flexion/extension against the band. (10 reps, 3 sets)

  • Grip Strengthening: Use a soft stress ball or therapeutic putty to gently squeeze. (10 squeezes, 2 sets)

• Dynamic Stability:

  • Forearm Rotation with Stick: Use a light stick or hammer to perform controlled forearm rotations. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Radial/Ulnar Deviation: Hold a light weight and gently tilt the wrist side-to-side. (10 reps, 2 sets)

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Day 11–14: Functional Strength and Endurance

• Strength and Stability:

  • Eccentric Wrist Flexion: Hold a light dumbbell, lower it slowly (eccentric phase), and use the unaffected hand to lift it back up. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Eccentric Wrist Extension: Perform the same motion for wrist extension. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Theraband Supination/Pronation: Attach a resistance band and perform controlled forearm rotations. (10 reps, 2 sets)

• Functional Mobility:

  • Light Gripping Tasks: Practice gripping objects such as a light handle or small bottle. (5–10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Forearm Plank on Knees: Begin with a modified plank to engage forearm and shoulder muscles. (Hold for 10–15 seconds, 2–3 reps)

• Endurance Training:

  • Light Aerobic Exercise: Incorporate light activity like walking or stationary biking for 15–20 minutes daily.

 

Additional Recommendations

• Pain Management: Transition to heat therapy if stiffness becomes a bigger concern.

• Hydrotherapy: Perform exercises in warm water to reduce joint stress and improve flexibility.

• Ergonomic Adjustments: Avoid repetitive forearm and wrist motions during work or daily activities.