Arm & Elbow

Arm and elbow physical therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation designed to treat injuries, conditions, or post-surgical recovery that affect the elbow joint and the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves in the arm. The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the upper arm (humerus) to the forearm (radius and ulna), and it plays a critical role in the function of the arm, including lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying tasks. Physical therapy for the arm and elbow aims to relieve pain, restore mobility, improve strength, and enhance overall function.

Common Conditions Treated in Arm and Elbow Physical Therapy:

1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) – Inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow, often caused by repetitive motions or overuse, especially in sports or occupations that require gripping.
2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) – Inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow, usually from repetitive stress or overuse, similar to tennis elbow but affecting the opposite side.
3. Elbow Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac) at the elbow, often resulting from prolonged pressure, overuse, or direct trauma.
4. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – Compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, leading to pain, tingling, and numbness along the forearm and fingers (often called “funny bone” sensation).
5. Elbow Sprains and Strains – Injuries to the ligaments (sprain) or muscles/tendons (strain) around the elbow, typically caused by trauma, overuse, or sudden movements.
6. Fractures – Breaks or cracks in the bones around the elbow, including the humerus, radius, and ulna, often requiring post-surgical rehabilitation.
7. Elbow Dislocation – When the bones of the elbow joint are forced out of their normal position, requiring realignment and therapy for recovery.
8. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation – After surgeries like elbow replacement, tendon repairs, or fracture fixation, physical therapy is crucial to restore strength, range of motion, and function.
9. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint that can impact arm movement, often requiring elbow therapy for restoring full functional use of the arm.
10. Overuse Injuries – Due to repetitive motion or overloading the arm, these can lead to tendinopathies, muscle strains, or nerve compression conditions.

Goals of Arm and Elbow Physical Therapy:

• Pain Relief: Manage acute and chronic pain through modalities like heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.
• Restoring Range of Motion (ROM): Increase flexibility and mobility in the elbow joint and the surrounding muscles to regain full movement.
• Strengthening: Strengthen the muscles around the elbow and in the upper arm and forearm to improve function and prevent further injury.
• Improved Function: Restore the ability to perform daily tasks such as lifting, carrying, typing, and reaching overhead with minimal discomfort.
• Posture and Alignment: Address postural issues or improper movement patterns that can contribute to strain on the elbow and arm.