Elbow UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) sprain is a common injury that affects athletes who play sports like baseball, tennis, or golf. This elbow injury can cause pain, swelling and discomfort which can hamper an athlete’s performance. However, there are different ways you can treat this injury and in this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to relieve the symptoms of elbow UCL sprain.
1) Rest and Ice:
Resting your elbow is the first step in treating elbow UCL sprain. It’s essential to avoid activities that aggravate pain and swelling in the elbow. Applying ice packs on the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, three to four times a day can help reduce swelling and pain. After a few days of rest you can slowly return to activities that don’t cause pain.
2) Physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy is an essential part of elbow UCL sprain treatment. A physiotherapist can assess your injury and create a therapy plan that includes exercises to improve your elbow’s strength, mobility, and flexibility. Physiotherapy can help you regain the functional use of your arm and reduce your risk of re-injury.
3) Chiropractic Treatment:
Chiropractic treatments are another way to relieve symptoms of elbow UCL sprain. Chiropractic doctors can help reduce pain and swelling by performing manual therapies and adjustments that improve joint mobility and flexibility. Chiropractic doctors can also recommend exercises and stretches to aid recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury.
4) Medications:
Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen and naproxen, can help relieve pain and swelling. However, it’s essential to take these medications only as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Also, be aware of any potential side effects, and if the pain persists, consult a doctor.
5) Surgery:
If the injury doesn’t heal naturally, surgery may be required in severe cases. A surgical procedure known as Tommy John surgery, named after the pitcher who underwent the surgery in 1974, involves reconstructing the Ulnar Collateral Ligament using a tendon from another part of the body. This procedure requires a lengthy rehabilitation period and isn’t recommended unless other non-invasive treatments have failed.
Elbow UCL sprain can be a challenging injury that prevents athletes from performing at their best. However, with the right treatment plan, most people can recover from this injury and return to their sport. Treatment options include rest, ice, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, medications, and surgery. If you’re experiencing symptoms of elbow UCL sprain, consult a medical professional to create a personalized treatment plan to recover as quickly and safely as possible.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Seth Siegfried, HBK, DC, or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
