Elbows

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It’s caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and forearm, not just from tennis, but also from activities like typing, painting, or manual labor. Small tears in the tendon can lead to pain, weakness, and difficulty gripping objects. If untreated, tennis elbow can become a long-term source of discomfort and dysfunction. Physical therapy helps by reducing inflammation, strengthening the forearm muscles, and improving movement patterns to prevent recurrence.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
• Weakened grip strength
• Pain that worsens with lifting or gripping
• Tenderness over the lateral elbow
• Difficulty shaking hands or turning doorknobs

Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow and is caused by repetitive wrist flexion or gripping activities. Despite the name, it’s common in many activities beyond golf, including weightlifting, throwing sports, and even computer use. Inflammation and microtears in the tendons can lead to persistent pain and weakness. Without proper treatment, it may become a chronic issue that limits arm use. Therapy focuses on relieving strain, rebuilding tendon strength, and correcting faulty movement patterns.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
• Stiffness in the elbow
• Weak grip strength
• Pain when making a fist or flexing the wrist
• Numbness or tingling radiating to the ring and little fingers

Ulnar nerve entrapment, often called “cubital tunnel syndrome,” happens when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed at the elbow. It’s similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, but affects the inner part of the elbow and the pinky side of the hand. Prolonged pressure or bending at the elbow can irritate the nerve and cause pain, numbness, or weakness. If not addressed, permanent nerve damage could occur. Physical therapy helps relieve nerve pressure, improve flexibility, and strengthen protective muscles.

Symptoms may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers
• Hand weakness or clumsiness
• Pain or aching on the inside of the elbow
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks
• Symptoms that worsen when bending the elbow

An elbow sprain occurs when the ligaments around the elbow are overstretched or torn, usually from a sudden twisting injury, fall, or collision. Sprains can vary from mild overstretching to complete ligament tears. Without proper rehabilitation, a sprain can lead to instability and chronic pain. Early therapy focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring range of motion, and strengthening the muscles that support the joint to prevent future injuries.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain or swelling around the elbow
• Bruising or tenderness
• Instability or looseness in the joint
• Pain with movement or weight-bearing
• Reduced elbow motion

Elbow tendinitis is a general term for inflammation of the tendons around the elbow, caused by repetitive or forceful movements. It can occur on either the outside (lateral) or inside (medial) of the elbow depending on which tendons are involved. Tendinitis can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and difficulty performing normal activities if not addressed early. Therapy focuses on reducing tendon irritation, improving flexibility, and strengthening the surrounding muscles for better joint support.

Symptoms may include:

• Aching pain around the elbow
• Tenderness at specific tendon points
• Pain that worsens with gripping or lifting
• Stiffness after periods of rest
• Weakness in the forearm

Elbow fractures can involve any of the bones that make up the joint and may result from falls, sports injuries, or direct trauma. After a fracture heals, stiffness, weakness, and limited mobility are common challenges. Early therapy focuses on safely restoring elbow motion, rebuilding strength, and improving joint function. Without proper rehab, patients may experience lasting stiffness or compensatory movement issues in the shoulder and wrist.

Post-fracture recovery challenges may include:

• Stiffness and loss of elbow range of motion

• Pain with movement
• Weakness in the arm or hand
• Swelling or residual tenderness
• Difficulty performing daily tasks

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a specific type of ulnar nerve entrapment that occurs at the elbow, causing irritation as the nerve passes through a narrow space. It’s often aggravated by activities that keep the elbow bent for prolonged periods, like sleeping with the arm tucked or resting the elbows on hard surfaces. If left untreated, it can cause permanent hand weakness and coordination problems. Physical therapy helps reduce nerve compression, protect the nerve, and correct posture to minimize symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

• Numbness and tingling in the ring and pinky fingers
• Weak grip strength
• Pain on the inside of the elbow
• Difficulty straightening the fingers
• Symptoms that worsen when the elbow is bent

An elbow dislocation occurs when the bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) are forced out of alignment with the humerus (upper arm bone). This typically results from falls onto an outstretched hand or direct trauma. Dislocations are painful and can cause damage to ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. After the elbow is realigned, therapy focuses on restoring movement, stability, and strength while protecting the healing structures.

Symptoms may include:

• Visible deformity at the elbow
• Severe pain and swelling
• Inability to bend or straighten the arm
• Numbness or weakness in the hand
• Instability after injury