Static progressive elbow bracing has shown to significantly improve range of motion (ROM) for patients recovering from elbow trauma or surgery — often within just three months.
A 2025 cohort study from Erasmus MC followed 29 patients and found meaningful improvements in motion and function, with over half of patients satisfied and no brace-related complications reported.

Key Findings

  • Meaningful ROM improvements at 3 months
    • Flexion: improved from 109° → 121° (p=0.001)
    • Extension deficit: decreased from 27° → 18° (p=0.002)
    • Total motion arc: increased from 83° → 102° (p<0.001)
  • Function scores improved
    • Oxford Elbow Score (OES): 56 → 65 (p=0.01)
    • Quick-DASH: 35 → 27 (p=0.03)
      (Average change was below the minimal clinically important difference, but several patients achieved meaningful improvement.)
  • Safety and satisfaction
    • 56% of patients were satisfied with results
    • No brace-related complications occurred
  • Age effect on outcome
    • Older patients were less likely to improve extension.
    • Each additional decade increased odds of poorer extension recovery by 2.15×.

Why It Matters

Elbow stiffness can make everyday tasks like eating, dressing, or driving extremely difficult.
Static progressive bracing offers a non-surgical way to restore motion by applying controlled, adjustable stretch over time.

In this study, patients followed a protocol of:

  • Daytime: strap-and-loop brace for flexion (3×30-minute sessions per day)
  • Nighttime: turnbuckle brace for extension (around 8 hours)

A three-month checkpoint is recommended:
If the motion arc improves by at least 10°, continue bracing.
If not, discuss surgical options such as arthrolysis with your clinician.

Conclusion

For patients with post-traumatic or post-surgical elbow stiffness, static progressive bracing is a safe and effective conservative treatment.
Most gains occur within the first three months — making early follow-up and individualized adjustments crucial for success.

If you’re struggling with elbow stiffness, talk with your orthotist or therapist about whether a static progressive brace might help restore your motion and function.

Reference

Siemensma MF, van Es EM, van der Windt AE, Colaris JW, Eygendaal D.
Static-progressive bracing is associated with improved range of motion in patients with post-traumatic and post-operative elbow stiffness at three months.
Shoulder & Elbow, 2025. (Cohort study of 29 patients; primary outcome: elbow ROM; secondary: OES, Quick-DASH, pain, satisfaction.)