Elbow Injury Recovery: How Occupational Therapy Helps You Heal
Occupational Therapy for Elbow Injury Recovery
Elbow injuries are a common occurrence that affects people of all ages and activity levels. Whether it’s a sports-related injury, a workplace accident, or a result of overuse, elbow pain can significantly impact your daily life. Fortunately, our occupational therapy for elbow injury programs offers a proven method for regaining strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Our team of occupational therapists will help you recover from your elbow injury and get back to what you love!
Occupational Therapy for Elbow Injury Recovery
The elbow is a complex joint that allows for bending, straightening, and rotation of the arm. When injured, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. Occupational therapy for elbow injury focuses on restoring function and helping individuals return to their normal activities.
Several elbow injuries can benefit from occupational therapy.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- This overuse injury affects the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. Occupational therapy for elbow injuries, such as tennis elbow, involves pain management techniques, exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles, and modifications to activities that may aggravate the condition.
Golfers Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
- Similar to tennis elbow, golfers elbow affects the tendons on the inner part of the elbow. Occupational therapy for elbow injury, like golfer’s elbow, focuses on reducing inflammation, improving grip strength, and adjusting activities to minimize strain on the tendons.
Elbow Sprains and Strains
- These injuries can occur due to falls, sudden twists, or lifting heavy objects. Occupational therapy for elbow injuries like sprains and strains helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles around the elbow to prevent future injuries.
Elbow Fractures
- After the cast or splint is removed, the focus shifts to restoring range of motion, building strength, and regaining functional use of the arm.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- This condition involves compression of the ulnar nerve, which runs through the elbow. Occupational therapy for cubital tunnel syndrome helps manage symptoms, improve nerve gliding, and modify activities to reduce pressure on the nerve.
Elbow Injury Recovery Success
A 55-year-old carpenter experienced persistent elbow pain that worsened over several months. The pain interfered with his ability to grip tools, lift materials, and perform his job effectively. He was diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, despite not playing tennis.
At his first appointment for an occupational therapy program for his elbow injury, his therapist conducted a thorough assessment of his range of motion, grip strength, and pain patterns. The therapist observed his work techniques and identified specific movements that aggravated his condition.
His treatment plan involved a combination of pain management strategies and targeted exercises. As his pain decreased, we introduced strengthening exercises for his forearm muscles, focusing on both grip strength and wrist extension.
His therapist also educated him on proper body mechanics and tool modification techniques to minimize strain on his elbow. He was advised to take frequent breaks, avoid repetitive motions, and use ergonomic tools whenever possible.
Over several weeks of consistent occupational therapy, he noticed significant improvements in his pain levels and grip strength. He was able to return to work gradually, initially with modified duties and shorter hours. As his strength and endurance improved, he was able to resume his full work schedule without pain or limitations.
Occupational Therapy For Elbow Injuries at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab
Occupational therapy for elbow injury offers a comprehensive treatment plan to address pain, restore strength and flexibility, and improve function. Our occupational therapists can help you regain independence and return to your normal activities stronger than before.
If you’re struggling with an elbow injury, contact us today to schedule your first appointment.