PHYSIOHEALER.

Let’s continue from our previous Elbow Pathologies,the following are mentioned below:

3.Golfers Elbow:

Golfer’s elbow, also called Medial Epicondylitis is a painful condition that occurs due to
repeated muscle contractions in the forearm causing inflammation and micro-tears in the
tendons.

Treatment:

The treatment of golfer’s elbow includes both conservative options and surgical
procedures.The conservative methods include:

● Activity restrictions or rest

● Splints or braces

● Applying ice packs

● Medications

● Occupational therapy

● Pulsed ultrasound to increase blood flow to the injured tendons and promote healing.

Post-operative care:

After surgery your surgeon will give you instructions to follow depending on the type of repair
performed and the surgeon’s preference.

Common Post-operative instructions include:

● A sling, cast, or splint is placed after surgery to keep the elbow immobilized.

● Elevate the elbow on pillows above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.

● Flex and open your hand to help reduce swelling.

● Apply ice packs to the area to help reduce swelling.

● Keep the incision area clean and dry.

● If the arm is in a cast, cover the cast with plastic bags and tape to your skin above
the cast to keep it dry when bathing.

● Occupational Therapy is usually ordered to restore elbow function and strength.

● Medications to keep you comfortable at home.

● Eat a healthy diet and quit smoking to promote healing.

4.Throwing Injuries of the Elbow:

An athlete uses an overhand throw to achieve greater speed and distance.

Repeated throwing in sports such as baseball and basketball can place a lot of stress on the
joints of the arm, and lead to weakening and ultimately, injury to the structures in the elbow.

Treatment:

● Treatment such as rest, ice application, physical therapy,anti-inflammatory
medication and a modification of activity and throwing technique.

● Laser therapy, light therapy, bipolar interferential current, transcutaneous electrical
nerve stimulation (TENS), pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, iontophoresis and
phonophoresis.

Post-Operative Care:

Four to six weeks of rehabilitation is recommended following surgery to prevent stiffness and
improve strength and range of motion.

● Occupational Therapy is usually ordered to restore elbow function and strength.

● Medications to keep you comfortable at home.

● Eat a healthy diet and quit smoking to promote healing.

5.Bicep Tendon Rupture:

The biceps muscle is present on the front side of your upper arm and functions to help you
bend and rotate your arm.

Two Types:

1.Partial, where it does not completely tear the tendon, or complete, where the biceps
tendon completely splits in two and is torn away from the bone.

2.The Biceps tendon can tear at the shoulder joint or elbow joint.The majority of biceps
tendon ruptures occurs at the shoulder and is referred to as proximal biceps tendon rupture.

Treatment:

Nonsurgical Treatment:

Nonsurgical treatment is an option for patients whose injury is
limited to the top of the biceps tendon.

Nonsurgical treatment includes:

● Rest: A sling is used to rest the shoulder and you are advised to avoid overhead
activities and heavy lifting until healed.

● Ice: Applying ice packs for 20 minutes at a time, 3 to 4 times a day, helps reduce
swelling.

● Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines help reduce pain and
swelling.

● Physical therapy: Strengthening and flexibility exercises help restore strength and
mobility to the shoulder joint.

● Ultrasound,Infrared and Laser therapy.

Post-Operative Care:

Around this time, you can also begin certain activities that will improve your range of motion,
including:

A gentle exercise program.

Soft-tissue massages.

Stretching.

First of all we mentioned:

1.Cubital Tunnel Syndrome:
It is a condition characterized by compression of the ulnar nerve in an area of the elbow
called the cubital tunnel.

Treatment:

Conservative treatment options may include:

● Avoid frequent bending of the elbow.

● Ultrasound therapy,Laser treatment,NCS and TENS.

● Avoid pressure to the elbow by not leaning on it.

● Elbow pads may be worn to decrease pressure when working at a desk.

● Wear a brace or splint at night while sleeping to keep the elbow in a straight position.

● Avoid activities that tend to bring on the symptoms.

● NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin may
be ordered to reduce swelling.

● Referral to OT (Occupational Therapy) for instruction in strengthening and stretching
exercises.

Post-Operative Care:
Common post-operative guidelines include:

● A bulky dressing with a plaster splint is usually applied following surgery for 10-14
days.

● Elevating the arm above heart level and moving the fingers are important to prevent
swelling.

● The arm dressing is removed after 10-14 days for removal of the sutures.

● Elbow immobilization for 3 weeks after surgery is usually indicated.

● Ice packs are applied to the surgical area to reduce swelling.

● Keep the surgical incision clean and dry.

● Occupational Therapy will be ordered a few weeks after surgery for strengthening
and stretching exercises.

2.Tennis Elbow:

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by elbow pain
due to overuse or overstretching of the elbow.

Treatment:

Surgery is indicated in case of severe pain and stiffness of the elbow joint.

Various non-surgical modes of treatment include:

● Rest: Complete restriction of activities for a few weeks to lessen strain on your elbow.

Elbow straps, braces or splints may be used to support the elbow and minimize the
excessive stress on the damaged tendons and muscles.

● Medications:

Take medications as prescribed by your doctor to reduce pain and
inflammation.

● Physical or occupational therapy:

Learn appropriate hand exercises that help
strengthen your forearm muscles. Various modalities of physical therapy such as
massage, ultrasound, and muscle stimulation may also be performed to improve the
affected muscle strength.

● Laser therapy, light therapy, bipolar interferential current, transcutaneous electrical
nerve stimulation (TENS), pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, iontophoresis and
phonophoresis.

● Use proper equipment.

● Apply ice bags wrapped in a towel over the affected elbow for 15-20 minute.

● Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is a mode of therapeutic treatment for soft
tissue injuries.

● Corticosteroid injections (anti-inflammatories) relieve pain and stiffness when injected
to the affected muscle.

● Acupuncture treatment.

● Surgery is considered as the last treatment option. It is recommended if the patient
has unrelieved pain despite other treatments for more than 6 months.

Post-operative care:

You may have to wear a temporary splint immediately after surgery, to prevent arm
movements. Sutures along with the splint are removed one to two weeks after the surgery.
Your surgeon will recommend stretching and strengthening exercises to follow for a
successful recovery.