Arm and elbow injuries are commonly seen in the sporting population, but also in everyday life. Injuries can occur to these structures from direct impact, an awkward fall, landing, or twist, or due to repetitive strain/overuse. Being a hinge joint, the eblow allows for straightening and bending the arm, and rotating the forearm. Like the knee, there are ligamentous structures that can be injured from an awkward twist or hyperextension injury.

At Optimise Sports Physiotherapy & Performance, our primary objective is to diagnose your injury/condition early, and commence comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation to get you out of pain, and back to full function.

Common Arm & Elbow Injuries

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Typically triggered by overuse at the wrist (primarily wrist extension), tennis elbow is an irritation of the tendon on the outer aspect of the elbow, which flares up on repetitive activities such as gripping or pulling objects.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Similar to tennis elbow, but irritation of the inner elbow  tendon, with repeat wrist flexion being the primary trigger causing pain and discomfort on lifting and pulling based activities.

UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) Injury

The UCL is a ligament on the inside of the elbow that is prone to strain or tear from repetitive throwing or overhead activities, or from an awkward twisting injury that places stress on this ligament. This can lead to pain and instability.

LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) Injury

Similar to the UCL, but this ligament is located on the outer aspect of the elbow, and not as commonly injured. It is usually injured from falling on an outstretched hand, and may also be associated with an elbow dislocation.

Biceps Tears
The biceps can tear in 2 different areas. The distal biceps tendon (closer to the elbow) and the proximal biceps tendon (closer to the shoulder) are prone to tearing due to high stress at the areas including pulling heavy weights, awkwardly gripping an object or from an awkward punch or swing in sport.

Triceps Tears
The triceps are the bulk of the muscles at the back of the arm, and can strain typically from overuse lifting in the gym (primarily elbow extension), or from an awkward throwing/overhead movement

Elbow Dislocation and Fractures
These traumatic injuries can occur from landing on an outstretched arm, an awkward high velocity throw, or direct contact into the arm which can lead to significant pain levels and time out of sport

Symptoms of Arm & Elbow Injuries

• Pain or stiffness
• Swelling
• Loss of strength
• Reduced range of motion/mobility
• Painful locking/catching
• Instability

Treatment for Arm & Elbow Injuries

Once diagnosis is confirmed, an individualised rehabilitation plan is designed for your specific injury. At Optimise Sports Physiotherapy, we offer:

• Manual therapy – including soft tissue release and joint mobilisations for pain relief and to help improve range of motion
• Exercise rehabilitation that focuses on improving your strength, mobility, and overall function
• Bracing/taping where needed depending on your sport and activity
• Advice regarding return to work/sport based on your injury timeline
• Imaging/specialist referrals where necessary depending on injury type and severity

Rehabilitation & Recovery

Rehabilitation focuses on pain management strategies, and has a a strong emphasis on progressive exercise programs that help improve your strength, mobility, stability, and control to help minimise re injury risk. Recovery times may vary from a few weeks for joint irritation or small strains/sprains to several months for more severe injuries like ligament/tendon tears, or fractures and dislocations.

Arm and Elbow Injury Treatment at Optimise Sports Physiotherapy & Performance

If you have had a recent arm/elbow injury, or have persisting pain our physiotherapists provide thorough assessment and rehabilitation plans to help you get back to full function Our goal is simple, get you back to full function, whether that be for work, sport, or any hobbies that may have been impacted by your pain or injury.

If you are looking to start your recovery journey, and finally get on top of that niggle or injury that’s been holding you back , contact us today to book your initial consultation.

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