Therapy West Physical Therapy

ULNAR NERVE DECOMPRESSION GUIDELINES

ULNAR NERVE DECOMPRESSION GUIDELINES

The information below is meant as a guideline only. The professional skills of a therapist must come into play for each individual patient.

Protocols of…

Dr. Ben Robinson

ULNAR NERVE DECOMPRESSION GUIDELINES
  • PHASE ONE

    1-2 WEEKS

    RANGE OF MOTION

    Wrist ROM

    IMMOBILIZER

    Brace locked at 0°- 90° to be worn at all times.

    Discontinue splint 10-14 days.

    EXERCISES

    Gripping, wrist ROM (passive only) and shoulder isometrics.

    (no shoulder ER).

  • PHASE TWO

    3-7 WEEKS

    RANGE OF MOTION

    Elbow ROM, emphasize full extension.

    IMMOBILIZER

    None

    EXERCISES

    Wrist extension + flexion, forearm supination + pronation, elbow extension + flexion. Initiate strengthening extensions for the same movements.

    Week 6-7: Initiate light sport activities.

  • PHASE THREE

    8-12 WEEKS

    RANGE OF MOTION

    Full and pain-free ROM

    IMMOBILIZER

    None

    EXERCISES

    Initiate eccentric exercise program, plyometric exercise drills, continue shoulder and elbow strengthening along with flexibility exercises.  Initiate interval throwing program for throwing athletes.

  • PHASE FOUR

    14-32 WEEKS

    RANGE OF MOTION

    Full and pain-free ROM

    IMMOBILIZER

    None

    EXERCISES

    Return to competitive throwing.