Common Hand &
Arm Injuries
These are some of the more common and general injuries we may see and are not an exhaustive list. Our dedicated and experienced staff will work with you on any issues and pain you may be experiencing and create a unique plan of care to meet and exceed your goals.
Little League Elbow
Little league elbow is characterized by a painful elbow during and following throwing, often resulting in decreased performance and function. It is most commonly observed in youth baseball pitchers. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by x-ray although MRI may be indicated at the determination of the medical team to rule out other soft tissue injuries. Little league elbow is characterized by a stress reaction occurring at the growth plate of the inner elbow. Little league elbow is generally managed by a period of time abstaining from throwing before initiating a return to throwing program once cleared by the medical team and the athlete is determined to be physically ready to throw by the physical therapist. Physical therapy care initially involves symptom management, restoring and maintaining range of motion through stretching, and strengthening of the arm, shoulder, and back to prepare the athlete for throwing once cleared by the medical team.
UCL Injury (Operative and Non-Operative)
UCL injuries most frequently occur in overhead athletes including baseball, softball, volleyball and more. Surgical repair of the ligament is often referred to as “Tommy John Surgery”. The need for surgical repair is often based on the degree of injury sustained to the ligament and the desired level of competition or activities to which the patient plans to return. Our physical therapists are well versed in both surgical and non-surgical management of UCL injuries and can work with you and the medical team to establish a successful treatment plan to get you back to performing at your best.
Biceps Tendon Injury (Operative and Non-Operative)
Biceps tendon injuries occur when the biceps tendon is strained resulting in injury. The degree of injury varies ranging from a mild strain to complete rupture. The degree of injury to the tendon may determine whether surgical repair is needed or if non-operative conservative management is a possibility. Our physical therapists are well versed in both surgical and non-surgical management of tendon related injuries and can work with you and the medical team to establish a successful treatment plan to get you back to performing at your best.
Golfers and Tennis Elbow (Epicondylitis)
Epicondylitis is a painful condition characterized by pain and intolerance for gripping related activities due to tendon irritation at either the inner or outer muscles of the elbow. Epicondylitis is managed by a combination of treatments including manual therapy, dry needling, progressive loading of the elbow, wrist, and hand musculature, and a progressive return to activities within symptom guidelines. Your physical therapist will work with you to establish a treatment plan and guidelines for return to your activity.
Fractures
Fractures in the elbow, wrist, and hand can occur for a variety of reasons some of which include falling on an outstretched hand, trauma, sports related injuries, and more. Once cleared for rehabilitation by the medical team, our physical therapists will work with you to establish a treatment plan and guided return to activity as appropriate.