APPOINTMENT

Elbow

Elbow Conditions

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the inner part of the elbow. Despite its name, golfer’s elbow is not limited to golfers—it can affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, or forearm rotation. The condition typically develops over time due to overuse or strain.

If left untreated, golfer’s elbow can lead to chronic pain and weakened grip strength, making everyday tasks difficult.

Causes of Golfer’s Elbow

Repetitive wrist flexion or forearm movements
Overuse during sports like golf, tennis, or baseball
Manual labor involving tools or repetitive hand tasks
Prolonged computer use or poor ergonomics
Improper lifting or throwing techniques

Signs and Symptoms

Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
Pain that may radiate down the forearm and into the wrist
Weakness in the hand and wrist
Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning
Increased discomfort with gripping, lifting, or wrist flexion
Swelling or warmth over the inner elbow

How We Help You Recover

At Hand Rehabilitation Specialists, our skilled team—including Certified Hand Therapists—offers individualized treatment for golfer’s elbow focused on reducing pain, restoring strength, and preventing recurrence. We take a patient-centered approach that addresses both the symptoms and the root cause of the condition.

Treatment may include:
Custom bracing or elbow supports to reduce strain
Manual therapy to improve tissue mobility and reduce inflammation
Therapeutic exercises to strengthen the forearm and wrist muscles
Stretching routines to improve flexibility
Ergonomic education and activity modification
Gradual return-to-sport or work conditioning programs

 

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. It results from overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that extend the wrist and fingers, leading to small tears and inflammation near the bony bump (lateral epicondyle) of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to athletes—it often affects people who perform repetitive hand, wrist, or arm movements at work or during daily activities.

Without treatment, tennis elbow can lead to chronic pain, reduced grip strength, and difficulty with common tasks like lifting, typing, or turning a doorknob.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist extension
Overuse during sports like tennis, pickleball, or racquet sports
Repetitive movements in occupations like carpentry, painting, or plumbing
Poor ergonomics or improper form during activity
Sudden increase in activity or hand use

Signs and Symptoms

Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
Pain that may radiate down the forearm
Weak grip strength
Discomfort when lifting objects, shaking hands, or turning knobs
Stiffness in the elbow joint
Symptoms worsened with wrist or hand use

How We Help You Recover

At Hand Rehabilitation Specialists, our experienced Occupational and Physical Therapists—including Certified Hand Therapists—create personalized, evidence-based treatment plans to relieve pain and restore function. We address the underlying causes of tennis elbow and help you return to work, hobbies, and sports with confidence.

Treatment may include:
Custom bracing or forearm straps to reduce tendon strain
Manual therapy to relieve tension and promote healing
Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises
Education on activity modification and ergonomic techniques
Gradual reconditioning for work or sport
Pain management techniques and modalities

What is an Elbow Fracture?

An elbow fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the elbow joint, including the humerus (upper arm bone), radius, or ulna (forearm bones). These fractures can range from small cracks to complete breaks and may result from trauma such as falls, direct blows, or accidents. Because the elbow is a complex joint essential for arm movement, fractures can significantly impact function and require careful treatment and rehabilitation.

Causes of Elbow Fractures

Falls onto an outstretched hand or directly on the elbow
Sports injuries or collisions
Motor vehicle accidents
Direct trauma or impact to the elbow
Repetitive stress or overuse injuries (less common)

Signs and Symptoms

Severe pain and swelling around the elbow
Visible deformity or bruising
Inability or difficulty moving the elbow or arm
Tenderness and warmth over the fracture site
Numbness or tingling if nerves are affected
Difficulty bending or straightening the arm

How We Help You Recover

At Hand Rehabilitation Specialists, our team of highly trained Occupational and Physical Therapists—including Certified Hand Therapists—provides specialized care to support healing and restore function after an elbow fracture. Whether you have been treated with casting, splinting, or surgery, we create a customized rehabilitation plan to guide you through recovery.

Treatment may include:
Edema and pain management techniques
Range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness
Strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle and joint stability
Manual therapy to improve mobility and reduce scar tissue
Functional training for daily activities and work tasks
Post-surgical rehabilitation protocols when applicable

 

What is an Elbow Dislocation?

An elbow dislocation occurs when the bones that form the elbow joint—primarily the humerus, radius, and ulna—are forced out of their normal alignment. This injury can be extremely painful and often results from trauma such as a fall onto an outstretched hand or a direct blow to the elbow. Elbow dislocations can vary in severity and may be accompanied by fractures or ligament injuries.

Because the elbow joint is crucial for arm movement and stability, proper management and rehabilitation are essential to restore full function.

Causes of Elbow Dislocations

Falls onto an outstretched hand
Sports injuries, especially contact sports or high-impact activities
Motor vehicle accidents
Direct trauma to the elbow
Severe twisting or bending forces applied to the joint

Signs and Symptoms

Severe pain and swelling around the elbow
Visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the elbow joint
Inability to bend or straighten the elbow
Bruising and tenderness
Numbness or tingling if nerves are compressed or injured
Instability or feeling that the elbow may “give out”

How We Help You Recover

At Hand Rehabilitation Specialists, our team of expert Occupational and Physical Therapists—including Certified Hand Therapists—provides specialized rehabilitation for elbow dislocations. After your joint has been properly reduced and stabilized by a physician, we develop a personalized therapy plan to restore range of motion, strength, and function.

Treatment may include:
Pain and swelling management techniques
Gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness
Progressive strengthening exercises for the muscles around the elbow
Manual therapy to improve joint mobility and soft tissue flexibility
Functional training to support return to daily activities, work, and sports
Education on injury prevention and joint protection strategies

What is Radial Tunnel Syndrome?

Radial tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the radial nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the radial tunnel, a narrow space near the elbow and forearm. This can cause aching pain, tenderness, and weakness in the forearm and hand. Unlike tennis elbow, which involves inflammation of the tendons, radial tunnel syndrome is a nerve entrapment condition.

The symptoms are often aggravated by repetitive forearm and wrist movements and may be mistaken for other conditions such as lateral epicondylitis.

Causes of Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Repetitive forearm rotation or wrist extension
Prolonged gripping or lifting tasks
Direct trauma or pressure to the forearm
Overuse from sports or manual labor
Muscle tightness or anatomical variations that compress the radial nerve

Signs and Symptoms

Aching pain in the outer forearm, typically about 2 inches below the elbow
Pain that worsens with wrist or finger extension
Tenderness over the radial tunnel
Weakness in grip or wrist strength
No numbness or tingling (helps differentiate from other nerve conditions)
Symptoms may be worse with activity and improve with rest

How We Help You Recover

At Hand Rehabilitation Specialists, our skilled Occupational and Physical Therapists—including Certified Hand Therapists—are trained to evaluate and treat radial tunnel syndrome using targeted, non-invasive therapies. We create personalized treatment plans to reduce nerve irritation, relieve symptoms, and restore function.

Treatment may include:
Activity modification and ergonomic education
Manual therapy to reduce soft tissue tension and improve nerve mobility
Custom splinting or bracing to rest the affected muscles
Stretching and strengthening exercises to relieve pressure on the nerve
Nerve gliding techniques to promote healthy nerve movement
Pain management strategies and functional training

 

What is Elbow Arthritis?

Elbow arthritis is a condition in which the smooth cartilage that covers the surfaces of the elbow joint becomes worn down or damaged. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in the joint. There are several types of elbow arthritis, including osteoarthritis (degenerative wear-and-tear), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition), and post-traumatic arthritis (following an injury).

Elbow arthritis can make it difficult to perform everyday activities that involve bending, lifting, or rotating the arm.

Causes of Elbow Arthritis

Natural wear-and-tear with age (osteoarthritis)
Autoimmune inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis)
Previous injuries, such as fractures or dislocations
Repetitive use or strain over time
Joint instability or cartilage damage from sports or work-related activities

Signs and Symptoms

Pain in the elbow, especially during movement or lifting
Stiffness or loss of motion in the elbow joint
Swelling or warmth around the elbow
A feeling of locking, grinding, or catching in the joint
Weakness in the arm or difficulty with daily tasks
In advanced cases, visible joint deformity

How We Help You Manage Elbow Arthritis

At Hand Rehabilitation Specialists, our experienced Occupational and Physical Therapists—including Certified Hand Therapists—work closely with you to manage pain, improve range of motion, and maintain function in the elbow. We offer individualized, non-surgical treatment plans based on your needs and goals.

Treatment may include:
Gentle range-of-motion and stretching exercises
Strengthening of supporting muscles in the arm and shoulder
Manual therapy to reduce joint stiffness and improve flexibility
Pain management techniques including heat, cold, or modalities
Joint protection strategies and activity modification
Post-operative rehabilitation if joint surgery or replacement is performed

 

What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the cubital tunnel—a narrow passageway along the inside of the elbow. This nerve, also known as the “funny bone” nerve, controls sensation in the ring and small fingers and helps with fine motor control of the hand.

Compression of the ulnar nerve can lead to numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand and forearm. Early treatment is important to prevent long-term nerve damage and loss of hand function.

Causes of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Prolonged elbow bending (e.g., while sleeping or holding a phone)
Leaning on the elbow for extended periods
Direct pressure or trauma to the inner elbow
Elbow arthritis or bone spurs
Repetitive arm and elbow motions
Muscle tightness or anatomical variations that compress the nerve

Signs and Symptoms

Numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers
Hand weakness or difficulty with grip and finger coordination
Pain or aching on the inside of the elbow
Symptoms that worsen when the elbow is bent for long periods
A feeling of the hand “falling asleep” during certain activities
In advanced cases, muscle wasting in the hand

How We Help You Recover

At Hand Rehabilitation Specialists, our expert team of Occupational and Physical Therapists—including Certified Hand Therapists—provides comprehensive, non-surgical treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome. We focus on relieving pressure on the ulnar nerve, restoring function, and preventing further irritation.

Treatment may include:
Activity modification and education on avoiding prolonged elbow flexion
Custom elbow splinting, especially for nighttime positioning
Nerve gliding exercises to promote mobility of the ulnar nerve
Manual therapy to reduce tension in surrounding muscles
Strengthening and coordination exercises for hand and forearm
Post-surgical rehabilitation if nerve decompression surgery is performed

 

What is a Distal Biceps Rupture?

A distal biceps rupture occurs when the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the radius bone near the elbow tears either partially or completely. This tendon is essential for elbow bending and forearm rotation (such as turning a doorknob or using a screwdriver). A rupture typically results in sudden pain and weakness in the arm and is most common in middle-aged adults during lifting or forceful pulling activities.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to restore arm strength and function.

Causes of Distal Biceps Rupture

Lifting a heavy object or resisting a heavy load with a bent elbow
Sudden extension of the elbow against resistance
Overuse and degeneration of the tendon over time
Trauma or direct blow to the front of the elbow
Increased risk in males, smokers, or those with chronic tendon wear

Signs and Symptoms

Sudden, sharp pain in the front of the elbow
A “pop” or tearing sensation at the time of injury
Bruising and swelling around the elbow and forearm
Weakness when bending the elbow or rotating the forearm
Visible change in the contour of the biceps (“Popeye” muscle appearance)
Difficulty lifting or turning objects

How We Help You Recover

At Hand Rehabilitation Specialists, our expert Occupational and Physical Therapists—including Certified Hand Therapists—offer comprehensive post-injury and post-surgical rehabilitation for distal biceps ruptures. Whether managed surgically or non-surgically, we guide patients through a safe and structured recovery program focused on restoring full strength and function.

Treatment may include:
Custom bracing or protective positioning in the early phases of healing
Progressive range-of-motion exercises to restore flexibility
Gradual strengthening of the biceps and supporting muscles
Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and improve tissue mobility
Functional training for daily tasks, work, and sports
Post-surgical scar management and recovery protocols