Elbow UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) sprain is a common overuse injury in athletes and people who perform repetitive overhead arm movements. This injury can range from mild to severe, and if left untreated, it may lead to chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and even disability. However, with the help of a physiotherapist or chiropractor, you can prevent the elbow UCL sprain from progressing and promote faster recovery. In this blog post, we will share some expert tips on how to do that.
Rest and Ice: The first step in preventing the elbow UCL sprain from progressing is to rest and apply ice to the affected area. Rest means avoiding any activities that might aggravate the injury, such as throwing, lifting, or gripping. Ice helps reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. You can apply ice for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day, for the first few days after the injury.
Physiotherapy Exercises: Once the acute phase of the injury has passed, the next step is to start physiotherapy exercises. These exercises can help maintain or improve the strength and flexibility of the elbow joint and surrounding muscles. A physiotherapist can design a customized exercise program based on your specific needs and goals. Some common exercises for elbow UCL sprain include wrist curls, forearm pronation and supination, and triceps and biceps curls.
Chiropractic Treatment: Chiropractic treatment can also be beneficial in managing elbow UCL sprain. A chiropractor can use manual techniques, such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation, to reduce pain, improve joint range of motion, and enhance tissue healing. Chiropractic treatment can also address any underlying joint or muscular imbalances that may have contributed to the injury.
Bracing: In some cases, wearing a brace or splint may be necessary to protect the elbow joint and prevent further injury. A physiotherapist or chiropractor can recommend the appropriate type of brace or splint based on the severity of the injury and your individual needs. The brace or splint should be worn during activities that involve the elbow joint, such as sports or manual labor.
Lifestyle Modifications: Finally, making some lifestyle modifications can help prevent elbow UCL sprain from progressing and recurring. This may include avoiding overuse of the elbow joint, maintaining proper posture, warming up and stretching before activity, using proper equipment and techniques during sports or manual labor, and taking breaks and alternating tasks if necessary.
Elbow UCL sprain can be a painful and limiting injury, but with proper care and management, you can prevent it from progressing and improve your quality of life. Working with a physiotherapist or chiropractor can help you design a personalized plan that addresses your individual needs and goals. Remember to rest and ice during the acute phase, incorporate physiotherapy exercises, consider chiropractic treatment, wear a brace or splint if necessary, and make any lifestyle modifications that can help prevent further injury. By taking these steps, you can get back to your daily activities with less pain and more confidence.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
