Elbow Injury
The elbow is a pivot joint composed of the humerus, ulna (inside of our forearm), and the radius (outside of our forearm). The radius and the ulna are held together by an interosseous membrane and an annular ligament (both of which can become sprained due to a forceful blow or excessive rotational stress). The elbow itself is held together by ligaments and supported by a joint capsule. The inside of the elbow is bolstered by the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) and the outside of the elbow is supported by the Radial Collateral Ligament (RCL). The outermost layer of the elbow is composed of the flexor tendons (associated with golfer’s elbow) and the extensor tendons (associated with tennis elbow). The inside of the elbow has a groove called the “cubital tunnel” which houses the ulnar nerve. Due to the superficial nature of this nerve, it is commonly injured.
The most common elbow injuries are listed below:
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Nerve)
- Pronator Teres Syndrome (Median Nerve)
- Radial Tunel syndrome
- Distal Biceps Tear
- Elbow Instability
- UCL Strain/Tear
- RCL Strain/Tear
- Little League Elbow
Treatments:
Individualized treatment plans will be generated upon an evaluation from one of our experienced clinicians. The evaluation, will take into account your symptoms, X-Ray/MRI results, special tests, and your personal goals. Every patient will have a treatment plan individually designed for them and their needs. If you do not have a prescription from your physician for physical therapy, you may still be able to be treated at Lighthouse.
