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Tennis Elbow, Ouch!

Last updated on January 24, 2020 By Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT

suffering from tendonitis pain
Tennis Elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a very common problem that involves pain and inflammation along the outer aspect of the elbow. It is arguably one of the most nagging problems that we see here at the clinic, and it is most likely caused by repetitive activities involving extension of the wrist and the fingers.

Unfortunately, research done on treatment of tennis elbow has been largely inconclusive in terms of reaching the best outcome. There are many factors that play a role in how this diagnosis is treated. The age of the patient, the daily activities of the patient, and how long the patient has encountered symptoms are all factors that need to be taken into account when devising a treatment plan.

Here is a list of interventions that most physical therapists will agree on in terms of dealing with tennis elbow.

1. Stop performing the activity that is the likely culprit.

This can range from playing tennis to carrying grocery bags to using hand-held devices. There is no way around this. In my opinion, decreasing the amount of insulting activity is not good enough. The causal activity needs to be stopped until the pain is entirely gone.

futuro wrist brace2. Immobilize the wrist with a brace for up to two (2) weeks.

The muscles that extend the wrist have direct attachment onto the lateral epicondyle. It is thought that repetitive pulling of these muscles on their origin site starts the cycle of inflammation and degradation. If your wrist is immobilized, it is much harder to inadvertently use these muscles. (View an example of a wrist immobilization brace on the right.)

3. Having tender points in the forearm muscles massaged and released can help.

There are some researchers that believe that the wrist and finger extensor muscles are not the only muscles that can play a role in this diagnosis. If you are going to see a physical therapist or a massage therapist, have them work on your triceps, brachialis, and supinator muscles as well.

4. Perform “eccentric” wrist exercises

Once the symptoms have subsided, there is published research that suggests performing “eccentric” wrist exercises can increase the overall tensile strength of the tendons and the overall health of the muscles. There are many resources online that show examples of these types of exercises. View one of our brief patient instruction videos below.

5. Have your office ergonomic set-up assessed.

If you have to contort your wrists in order to type or use your mouse, you are most likely chronically over-using muscles in a way that is not sustainable.

Image credit: Top © sungaBOYD/iStock

Filed Under: Orthopedic Injury Tagged With: Hand Wrist & Elbow



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About Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT

Dan is a licensed Physical Therapist in the District of Columbia, license #PT2916. He has a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Dan specializes in sports medicine & upper extremity rehabilitation. He is a Certified Hand Therapist, certified by the American Society of Hand Therapists (initial certification date 11/6/2004, certification #1041100023). Dan has extensive continuing education in manual therapy from the Michigan State University School of Osteopathic Medicine.
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Discussion

  1. Emerson says

    March 15, 2014 at 9:35 pm

    Hi, i got accident in basketball last january 9 and surgery last january 17 to fix my comminuted broken elbow using a pin and tension wire. After 2 weeks of casting my doctor removed the cast and let me do range of motion exercise and ordered me to undergo rehab last february 18. I am so focused on getting back to normal,..even in house and office i continue to do exercise and stretching,.i have 110 flexion and 30 extension (active) while 118 flexion and 14 extension (active assisted). I know that im improving lately.

    Do my elbow back to normal as prior to accident.? Thanks,..do you have patients who experienced this kind of injury and how long they took to get back things in shape.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      March 17, 2014 at 1:32 pm

      Emerson is does depend on how involved the fracture is. A fracture that requires the placement of pins and wire is a bit more serious that one that does not require any surgery. There is the possibility that you may not be able to entirely straighten out your elbow, but my guess is that if you are young the amount of range of motion that you will lose will be very, very small. Maybe a degree or two (not enough to really affect your basketball playing).

      I would guess that it is going to take a good six to eight months before you are starting to forget that you fractured it. Be patient and stick to whatever rehab the doctor or therapist advises.

      • Emerson says

        March 24, 2014 at 8:10 pm

        Thanks, appreciate your reply Dan.

        Im running 27 this year and is my age fitted on what you have said to lose very very small amount of range of motion?

        Do the available range of motion now (2 months after fixation and continuous rehab) will improve over time until almost complete? Currently, Im walking with a bent elbow and looks very stiff.

        • Dan says

          March 25, 2014 at 1:18 pm

          Emerson it will likely take at least several more months to improve. I would continue to work the range of motion at home and with the rehab professional.

          • Emerson says

            January 24, 2018 at 3:15 am

            Hi Dan,

            Found time to review our conversation four years ago. Thanks for your advice.

            Yes, it took almost a months before I got a full recovery and forget that I have fractured my left elbow. Pins and wires are still there and can’t fully straighten and bend my fractured elbow, but it doesn’t matter anymore.

            I already regained my normal works, movement, activities, sports and mental focus after three to four months of injury and surgery. Now, I am more and more stronger than before and continue to be active in all my activities.

            Thanks for your advice and more power.

            Regards,

            Emerson

  2. Alexa says

    June 19, 2014 at 12:14 pm

    Hi, I am 15 years old, 4’11”, and I can’t extend either of my elbows all the way and have the same problem with my knees.Both my knees face inward and it’s very painful to run or walk up stairs. My shoulders and back have little to no flexibility and I stretch them as often as I can. I do cheer and my shoulders and elbows make it hard to support my weight. My elbows look horrible when I do a high “V”. I noticed these things when I was ten. I’ve never had surgery or any injuries. My wrists hurt a lot when tumbling (so do my knees) and my hands haven’t grown since I was five. Are all these things connected some how or are they caused by different things? I’ve asked my doctors but they just says it genes and my wrist is just hypoextended. I’ve been struggling with these for the past five years and I would aprrecuate greatly if I could get some answers. Thank you.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      June 19, 2014 at 12:36 pm

      Alexa from what you are saying I am guessing that you have your parent’s genetics to thank for this. Some people (usually women) have uncommon ranges of motion in the knees and elbows.

      It might be a good idea to see a specialist about this to get some more solid answers. An orthopedist would be a good resource in regards to the elbows and knees. In terms of your hand growth, maybe an endocrinoloigist or a doc that specializes in genetics?

      It sounds like all of these issues are not going to doom you Alexa, they sound more inconvenient because of your high level of athletics. My advice to you is to listen to your body. If your knees and elbows are screaming at you with tumbles and lifts etc, ease off. You may be able to get more out of your joints if you do some strength training for the right muscle groups. See a physical therapist about that if you guys don’t have a good athletic trainer with your school.

  3. naveen chaudhry says

    June 25, 2014 at 9:31 am

    Hello doc
    i m naveen 39 m from new delhi.
    I cant fully stretch my left arm.thats not the problem because i have become used to of this. real problem is the pain after i get up in the morning.i assume that when i sleep on my left side the blood flow to some vein or muscle stops and there is little swelling also on my arm a litle above elbow and THAT is where it pains.as the time pass in an hour or so and i use my hand to exercise and do some work little movements like brushing teeth it reduces a little though doesnot go fully and pains whole day. if i exercise regularly it reduces and swelling is also less.this problem is more n winters.pains is so severe that even somebody just touches with fingers its unbearable.
    History:when i was about 3 yrs. i fell on my elbow as i am told(i dont remember a bit)then it was messaged tn something like a peanut sstarted to show my forearm and the pain persisted and this problem grew somewhere around 15-16 yrs of my age after an ultrasound there was an operation on my forearm for tumur like thing which had grown from a peanut to a walnut then it. was okay though my hand could straighten for some days but after about 2 yrs of operation i had a fracture in my hand above the elbow. and after the removing of plaster it is in the present position.
    i am really looking forward for some suggestions.
    regards.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      June 26, 2014 at 9:13 am

      Naveen it sounds like this is complicated. There may be some scar tissue blocking the joint from the surgery that you had? The only way to be sure is to see a physical therapist or an orthopedist. I wish that I could be of more help but I cannot see how your elbow moves and how the end-range feels.

  4. jamie says

    July 24, 2014 at 2:06 am

    Hi my name is Jamie and I had fractured my elbow as a child and I am 34 yrs old now n I still can not straighten my right arm out like I can my left arm and as I’m going to the gym n using weights I notice that it really does affect me and the pain does hurt n it limits my ability to do much lifting with that arm n I am wondering wat the cause of it could be n I do notice wen I am trying to lift the weights that I have this I think bone that just pops out right under the blood vein I am just curious wat the cause is n y I have not been able to stretch my arm out anymore after the fracture like I can do with my left so if you could help that’ll be great .

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      July 24, 2014 at 12:26 pm

      Jamie I would definitely see a doctor about this. The problem here is that your fracture occurred a very long time ago, so it will be a bit tricky to get that range of motion back.

      There are braces available that can place a gentle stretch on the elbow, but you would likely need a prescription from a doctor to get one.

  5. Zaxari says

    July 30, 2014 at 7:51 am

    So I had a situation similar to this where I fell on a large rock while running and sprained my wrist and possibly my elbow. It’s been a week and I took off the brace on my wrist now that I can let it support itself without much pain, but now my elbow wont straighten and is slightly swollen. Trying to force it to extend wont work and it just hurts. Also, I can’t bring it to my face without practically wrestling it to me since it wont bend inwards either.
    Does this sound like the same thing that is happening in this article? It’s kinda starting to freak me out.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      July 30, 2014 at 1:52 pm

      Zaxari that does sound similar. You should let the inflammation calm down a bit first before you try to forcefully extend the elbow. It also wouldn’t hurt to get an x-ray from the doc to make sure nothing else is going on.

  6. Ajay singh says

    August 5, 2014 at 8:39 am

    Sir
    my hand doesnt staight bcause i have an elbow fracture in Child now any solution to look back my hand like original position …plzz help

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 5, 2014 at 11:24 am

      Ajay you probably need to see a doctor and get an x-ray to see what exactly you are dealing with.

  7. nathan morris says

    September 30, 2014 at 1:46 am

    Hello, i suffered a fracture to my left humerus mid point. It was opened up in surgery and pinned and plated. I was the put in a splint with my arm across my chest i’d say for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
    I then had physio to try and get my range of movement back but have been left with now 15 to 20 degress fixed flexion on extension through my left elbow. Previous to this it would only go to 30 to 35 degrees with quite intense physio and it wasn’t seeming to improve.
    The physio who i had recomended that i go back to see my surgeon and discuss the matter as she fealt there was a block of some sort elbow related. Sure as an xray reveiled bone growth in the elbow joint and this could be the reason for not getting full extension. I was put under for surgery on my elbow which was opened up a quick port polish removed the growth of bone and while i was under they tried to manipulate it but only got to 15 degrees from the original 35 degress of fixed flexion i had.
    They told me that at 15 degrees they fealt the bicep muscle was so tight that any further and they reakon it would of snapped.

    In you’re opinion do you think i could ever improve on the 15 degrees?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      September 30, 2014 at 8:55 am

      Nathan if the biceps is restricting the terminal elbow extension, have the physio or a massage therapist (approved from the doctor of course) work on the biceps to make sure that any scar tissue is stretched and released. You may get some improvement.

      I would also consider getting a “static progressive” device, such as a JAS brace (check them out online). You would need a prescription from the doctor to get one fitted for you.

  8. Vanessa Moreland says

    October 11, 2014 at 10:01 pm

    I have a small radial head fracture from coming off my horse almost 4 weeks ago. I’ve regained quite a bit of motion since it initially happened and can slowly turn my wrist over now, not completely but certainly much better. Is it too soon to begin this exercise to help extend and straighten my arm?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      October 12, 2014 at 11:26 am

      The window for typical fracture healing is six weeks. Radial head fractures are often allowed to have range of motion performed on the elbow and wrist prior to the 6 weeks full healing window, but I would ask your doctor when you can start the stretches. Better to be safe than sorry.

  9. Olivia says

    December 13, 2014 at 9:58 am

    Hey! Ok so I play volleyball for my school and now that the seasons over, I play club volleyball until school starts again, so it’s year round. Anyway, I don’t remember doing anything that just pops out of my head and says “that’s what you did”, but now I can’t open my elbow fully. I try to slowly force it open and when I get to a certain spot it begins to shake while I try to open it. It doesn’t hurt at all when its bent but now it hurts a lot when I open. It’s affecting my passing and I am an attacker so I need my elbow. Do you think you know what’s going on or what I should do?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 14, 2014 at 8:09 pm

      That type of thing sometimes happens from falling directly onto the elbow, which sounds like a possibility given what you do. It is also possible that you are simply overusing one of the muscles that crosses the elbow joint, maybe the biceps. In either case, I would see your doc and see what is up. I don’t think that it will get better easily if you are playing through it.

  10. Jason says

    December 13, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    Hi
    I fractured my radius near to the elbow some years ago I have not been able to straighten it properly since the injury and at the moment I will get a lump pop out under my tricep right neat the elbow when this happens I cannot straighten my arm past 90 degrees until I push the hard lump back in any ideas what this I and how I can get my arm to fully extend

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 14, 2014 at 8:17 pm

      Jason I would definitely see an orthopedist and get a good x-ray to see what is obstructing things. It is probably scar tissue but you should be sure. The fact that it has been years since the injury will make it a bit more difficult to correct. Start with an orthopedist.

  11. viki says

    January 10, 2015 at 9:50 am

    last year i fall from a bicycle and fractured from elbow and doctor fixed some nails in my elbow after 55 days they taken out the nails.but my elbow is not straighten.please refer me some exercises to straighten my elbow.i don’t want any more operation or surgery.please give me some tips.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      January 11, 2015 at 2:09 pm

      Lie on the floor and get the elbow to straighten out as much as possible. Place a pillow under the wrist and adjust it so that you feel a little bit of a stretch. Try to relax into the stretch for a few minutes and see if you can build up the time doing that.

      You might want to ask the doc about getting a stretching brace. You would need a prescription from the doc in order to get the brace.

  12. Ella says

    February 13, 2015 at 11:26 pm

    Hello,
    Ever since my drama teacher noticed it, I have always noticed that I cannot fully extend either of my arms. There is no pain in them, and I don’t recall having an injury to them at any point. Interestingly, my Dad’s arms also do not fully straighten. Is this sometimes just an anotomy thing. It isn’t inconvenient except when I do dog pose in yoga and structurally am not as strong die to the bent arms.
    Thanks.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      February 14, 2015 at 9:03 am

      Ella this definitely sounds like the contours of the elbows bones that you inherited from your parents are responsible for this. It is not a big deal at all, although you are correct in remarking that a “down dog” position is going to be a lot more work for you because you cannot “rest on your ligaments”. (It isn’t that you are not strong enough, you just have to use your triceps and other stabilizers waaaay more than people who can lock their elbows out).

      • Sean says

        March 3, 2015 at 4:03 am

        Hello,

        I am 38 and have thrown shot put, discus and now compete in highland games throwing. I have always had arms that did not staighten too. I first noticed it when a coach was demonstrating how to throw a javelin, and remarked that I needed to straighten my arm more. Well, it doesn’t. My question to you is if over time, my arms can be fixed to go straight? As I continue to throw heavy things for highland games competition, I have noticed more and more elbow pain and discomfort. I wonder if this is related to my arms not going straight and the strain they get from various lifting and throwing.

        PS – Who could I try to see to get more personalized advice on this? Type of doctor, etc.

        Thanks,

        Sean

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          March 4, 2015 at 10:35 am

          Sean if they have never been straight, I doubt that they are going to change even with some other type of intervention. This simply may have to do with the contours of your elbow joint that you were born with.

          You would probably want to see an orthopedist, he / she could take x-rays and get a good look at what is going on.

  13. Chris says

    February 22, 2015 at 11:46 pm

    Hello. Almost 3 weeks ago I was at a soccer game and an altercation broke out. I believe the only movement my arm did was a punch motion. Immediately after there was no pain but by the 3rd day my arm couldn’t extend. When I accidentally extend my arm over what I am capable of doing intentionally a sharp pain is felt in my elbow. That same day a friend noticed a large bruise about 3.5 inches in diameter between my elbow and my tricep. I still cannot extend my elbow all the way. And about once a day I will over extend my arm causing the same pain doing simple things (putting on my shirt, taking it off, catching things). It doesn’t seem to get better. What should I do ?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      February 23, 2015 at 8:23 am

      Chris I would get an x-ray. Don’t stress the arm in the mean time. Only simple movements, no weight bearing.

  14. Ryan says

    March 5, 2015 at 1:00 am

    Hi,
    I realized I am unable to straighten my arms last year during baseball season. My arms were definantly getting hurt from throwing, along with that I did a poor job icing it. I also skateboard on the daily so I am constantly falling on my elbows. It’s seems to me that due to all the amount of trauma my elbows have recorded that a significant amount of scar tissue has built up because it seems as though my elbow has to much bulk in it and blocks my arm from completely straightening. Is there anything I can do to help, and does this technique that you describe fix elbow cases like mine?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      March 7, 2015 at 11:56 am

      Ryan

      Falling on your elbows multiple times is one sure-fire way to sustain the type of injury that we are talking about here. As stupid and simplistic as this sounds, if you stop falling on your elbows and throwing at high velocity, your elbow contracture will probably lessen over time and perhaps even go away.

      Gentle, slow stretching imparted over longer periods of time will probably help to lengthen the scar tissue. Wear elbow pads when you skate board. A neoprene compression sleeve might actually be helpful to wear for your throwing. It may also be a good idea to get an x-ray to see if you have encountered any boney changes from the repetitive traumas. Sometimes people actually develop a bit more bone on an area that is directly hit over and over again. Soccer players who get kicked in the shins repeatedly will develop extra ridges on their shin bones, it just doesn’t happen to be a problem because it is not in an area where there is a moving joint.

  15. supriya says

    March 16, 2015 at 5:59 am

    Hi , i had a fall from my two wheeler about 14 years ago and had multiple fractures with dislocation of my elbow humerous joint back in India.( now i m based in the UK ) I was at first operated and placed with 3 pins and then since there was delayed union of the bones they re-operated and place 2 plates n 7 pins and advised PT . To my luck it was all going well until few days back with not much straightend arm . I dint have any difficulty till now. But a week before i had to carry a lot of weight and wch resulted in severe pain n swelling in by left elbow wch is getting worse day by day. i had had an x-ray done but they say theres no fractures n the pins r intact . They also say that its muscle related pain n inflammation and referrd me to a pt also prescricebd some pain killers. Im taking pain killers since the pain happened and no luck . my pain is intolerable and its hard to even lift/ stretch/flex my left arm now.
    I m really worried whom to ask for help as i have 2 yr old toddler to handle :(
    Any advice wud b of great help .
    thanks .

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      March 16, 2015 at 8:15 am

      You probably need to let the elbow rest for a good week. It sounds as if you have some tendonitis. It might also help if you get a soft brace for the elbow for support. I do think that doing some PT is also a good idea.

      • supriya says

        March 16, 2015 at 12:51 pm

        Thank u , will do as u advice .

  16. Sebastian says

    March 21, 2015 at 7:05 pm

    Hello, I recently experienced a posterolateral dislocation of my left elbow from a fall. I am on a student exchange in France and I was hoping to receive some advice, as the doctors here aren’t very detailed and the language barrier can be a challenge.

    The doctors had me in a splint at 90 degrees of flexion for 3 weeks, and I have just recently been put in a motion brace from 130 degrees to 30 degrees for another 3 weeks. At this point i am able to reach 30 degrees of extension. The Doctors say that my ligaments are still in the process of growing together again, although they haven’t imaged the ligaments to verify this (only x-rays to check the joint alignment).

    My main concern is whether I should do some range of motion exercises without using the brace. I am worried that If I fail to fully extend my elbow early on, that I will be left with an elbow joint that is unable to reach full extension. Is it safe for me to practice extension exercises without using the brace or can I damage the ligaments if i use a slow stretching technique? If I do wait another 3 weeks without reaching full elbow extension, will I be able to extend it later once the ligaments are fully healed or will my joint fuse itself to the current range of motion (170-30 degrees)?
    Thanks in advance for your advice.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      March 22, 2015 at 12:00 pm

      I would stick to the doctor’s brace requirements for the three week period. The annoying thing here Sebastian is that the ligaments do need to scar up a bit to provide stabilization. If you go and try to forcefully extend your elbow all of the way now, you may disrupt that process.

      What you are doing now is a necessary evil. The result will probably be a very stiff elbow that will require some physical therapy, but at least it will be more stable, and you certainly do not want to dislocate the elbow again.

      Once the doctor feels good about the amount of healing and scarring of the ligament areas, you should be able to start with more aggressive stretching.

  17. Chelsea says

    March 28, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    Hello,

    I dislocated my elbow two weeks ago in a snowboarding accident- complete dislocation combined with a slight fracture to my humeral head and radial head. The doctor said he is not worried about the fractures and no surgery is required.

    I’ve been in a fiber glass splint at 90° of flexion ever since (2 weeks). My doctor is a very popular orthopedic surgeon and my next appointment with him will be three and a half weeks post injury. I’ve read some studies that say three weeks is the max that an elbow should remain in a sling/splint/cast without compromising range of motion later in life. Is it safe for me to begin slow range of motion exercises now to prevent this, and what is your experience with patients who have had their elbow immobilized for too long?

    Thank you!

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      March 29, 2015 at 11:42 am

      This is a tricky situation for you Chelsea. The elbow does need to heal and scar up a bit to stabilize the joint. If you just had a radial head fracture without the dislocation, I would say that active ranges of motion would be okay at this point. The dislocation does add some time to the immobilization process.

      The doc’s opinion here should trump everything else. You may have to go to PT and work on stretching the elbow once you are cleared. This happens quite a bit with patients who have to be immobilized for longer periods of time, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

  18. Chris Druce says

    April 15, 2015 at 7:11 am

    My elbow seemed to get stuck after a day at the gym where I was on my phone on my walk home. It hurt like mad for a bit, and I noticed the restricted movement a few weeks later. It’s been like this for years (7, maybe). I have had MRI scans, with doctors not being too sure what could be causing it. My elbow clicks when I extend it, and crunch it if I rotate. Have you seen this before?

    Thank you

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      April 15, 2015 at 7:53 am

      Sometimes people can get a small bruise in the joint line from getting bumped or working out intensely. The little bit of blood that leaked from the artery or vein from the bruise can become dried out and crusty in the joint space and cause some restriction. That could be possible. It is a bit strange that the MRI does not show anything. I would go and see an orthopedist who specializes in wrists and elbows. Bring your MRI results with you.

  19. ankit says

    April 22, 2015 at 3:57 am

    hi sir i have a crack in my elbow before 1 year and i contact to a physiotherapist. he plastered on my elbow but now my elbow moves more than 180 degree. please help me.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      April 22, 2015 at 7:26 pm

      Ankit I am not entirely sure what you mean by “my elbow moves more than 180 degrees”. Do you mean that your elbow now has too much movement? If that is the case I would see a doctor and find out why there is excessive motion.

      If there is too much motion you may want to get a soft brace to provide support.

  20. Dan says

    April 29, 2015 at 10:30 pm

    I had arthritis since I was 13 and I’m 22 now , but over the last year or so my arms Won’t fully straighten, and it’s very painful , while in the gym cycling ext,.. And I feel the urge to holding heavy weights to try straighten them but I think that makes its worse . What could u recommend please . Daniel

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      May 1, 2015 at 8:35 am

      Dan I would see an orthopedist prior to dealing with this. 13 is really quite young to have arthritis, we want to make sure that you have a definitive diagnosis prior to treating your arms.

  21. mienard sandigan says

    May 11, 2015 at 3:32 am

    I CANT STRAIGHTEN MY RIGHT ARM . IT STARTED WAY BACK 2010. PRIOR TO THAT, MY RIGHT MIDDLE FINGER GOT INJURED IN WHITEWATER RAFTING LAST 2009. I DON’T REMEMBER ANY INJURY ON MY ARM ESPECIALLY THE ELBOW WHICH IS VERY PAINFUL AS IN ELECTRICAL PAIN . IT WAS JUST THE MIDDLE FINGER THAT GOT INJURED. ARE THEY CONNECTED? PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME. THANKS

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      May 11, 2015 at 8:26 am

      Mienard from what you describe I do not think that the middle finger injury from rafting is directly related to the elbow, but I do think that it would be worth your time to see an orthopedist. Electric pain may signify that one of the nerves might be inflamed.

  22. Garrett says

    May 19, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    Hi I recently jacked up my elbow from a bad fall and was originally in a splint for 3 weeks with a plate over my elbow and a couple screws. The plate somehow slipped off my elbow the first time around due to my tricep muscle and then they re did the surgery using a cast this time. It has been 3 more weeks since the last surgery and my cast was removed today. My elbow barely bends and is in pain and the doctor said there isn’t much he can do, I can’t straighten it and can’t bend it very much. Any advice to help with this I am wearing a brace that allows me to bend my arm a bit for 1 more month. Is it too early to start physical therapy?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      May 21, 2015 at 12:08 pm

      Start with gentle active range of motion of the elbow if the doctor okays that. I would also bother the doctor about when you can start some physical therapy. The fracture needs to be mostly healed before you can range it more aggressively.

  23. adanna adenekan says

    May 29, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    hi. my son fell on his elbow and had a dislocation and fracture. xray shows fravture healed and elbow is released frm the cast. we go for pt but the hand has not straightened fully
    how long is it going to take to straighten
    he is sevem years old

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      May 29, 2015 at 9:22 pm

      Children are usually quite resilient. If the hand does not straighten fully, the PT can probably evaluate it and start your child with some stretching. I think that the sooner your son goes to PT, the better.

  24. Tyler says

    June 1, 2015 at 10:15 am

    18 year old college pitcher. For the past two years, elbow will not straighten. There is no pain in the elbow but have lost velocity.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      June 1, 2015 at 10:45 am

      Get an x-ray Tyler. Probably not a boney problem but I would get one just to be safe.

      My guess is that this is a repetitive stress / overuse thing that is causing inflammation in the joint. It might be worthwhile to consult with a PT as well.

  25. Anne says

    June 4, 2015 at 11:36 am

    Hi Dan,

    I’m due to see an othopedic specialist soon but I wanted to get another general opinion before I go in.

    Around the age of 15 I fell on the stairs, an accident from which I received a hair-line fracture around my elbow. Everything seemed to have healed well but I started noticing around the age of 17/18 that I had redeuced mobility in both my elbows, which I found strange as there was no injury to my left elbow as far as I can remember. It never bothered me so when I saw my GP about it (at around the age of 20/21) they deemed it not that urgent and unnecessary to proceed. Since then, my elbows are in pain every winter and I recently had a flare up of pain in my right elbow only.

    My question is: is there an explanation as to why I have reduced mobility in both my elbows and not just my right one?

    (NB: I experience the locking and cracking too, as described by another commenter)

    Thanks in advance.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      June 4, 2015 at 8:52 pm

      The elbow loss of range on both sides is not consistent with the fall that you had in your teens. Something else is going on.

      Were / are you a big time athlete? Some people will develop changes in the range of motion of the elbow because of repetitive stress. I have seen what you are describing happen to weight lifters.

      Some joints that are “overused” can be reactive to changes in weather or barometric pressure. Especially joints that have a teenie bit of arthritic changes from overuse. That could explain the cold weather thing with you.

      If the orthopedist consult gets you nowhere, I would see a rheumatologist. All in all though, you are certainly not doomed. Don’t freak out about it.

      • Anne says

        June 5, 2015 at 3:52 am

        Thanks for your reply – I’ll certainly keep the rheumatologist in mind!

        Aside from the regular gym class at school and weekly after school activity (basketball) I never did any heavy sports. In fact, I had to stop all strenuous exercise for 2 years because of my overactive thyroid that elevated my heart rate way too high.

        I feel as though my range of motion over time is becoming less very slowly. Whilst it doesn’t bother me so much right now aside from the occasional flare up of pain, I’d rather not end up like a T-rex with my hands close to my chest in 10 years time :-)

        • Anne says

          June 5, 2015 at 3:53 am

          (NB: my overactive thyroid has been treated long ago now)

  26. Gurn says

    June 29, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    Hi Dan.

    In February I had a motorcycle accident where I had sprained my elbow and I had been put in a sling for around 2 weeks. It has been 4 months now and my elbow still hasn’t healed fully. Granted I did start working earlier than what the doctor recommended but it was necessary. Every time I fully extend my elbow, I feel this pain on my elbow. Or when I fully extend the elbow and then rotate my wrist, there is some pain and seldom cracking noises. I believe its the Ulnar Collateral Ligament, and when I gently massage this ligament, there is some pain there. I was just wondering if you have some suggestions to speed up the recovery? I can put weight on the elbow, I can do pushups and even some tricep exercises but others I have difficulty with. I am also double-jointed, do not really know if that slows down the recovery time.

    Thanks in advance

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      June 30, 2015 at 4:43 pm

      Gurn I would see a PT to get an idea of what structures are involved. Certain things might need to be stretched, and certain muscles might need to be strengthened. You may need to take a step back and start with some very basic strengthening before you do the higher level stuff. Push-ups at this point might actually be straining you out a bit. Get it checked out.

  27. Laura says

    July 8, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    Hi,

    11 months ago I dislocated my elbow and broke the radial head in my right arm. To make a long story short, I’ve recovered and completed my course of PT. I have had a nice recovery considering the seriousness of my injury. I can touch my right shoulder (though it takes a bit more ‘push’ to get there), I can turn my right hand palm up, and my extension is pretty good. I wish I could have a complete/full recovery to 100% of where I was, but I also realize that is not possible with the injury I sustained.

    This was one of the exercises I have become very familiar with. One thing I did notice was when I got to a certain point in my recovery, this exercise started to irritate my ulnar nerve but didn’t seem to improve my extension. I was getting tingling and numbness in my hand after this stretch. Since I need my hands for my job, I didn’t want to keep pushing so I stopped using this stretch. I’ve now got most of my extension back, and my PT said it was probably as good as it can possibly get. I’m guessing that whatever mess I made of my elbow there is something structurally different in it that will keep it from full extension.

    I’m wondering if you counsel people to stop using this stretch when there is evidence of nerve irritation, such as in my case? Can someone cause permanent nerve damage in cases like mine where one just kind of ‘hits a wall’ with recovery?

    Thanks!

    Laura

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      July 8, 2015 at 2:10 pm

      If the fingers are going numb then I would say that something needs to be adjusted, and I would direct the patient to stop the exercise for the time being.

      It is possible that either scar tissue, or in some cases metal (if surgery was used to stabilize a fracture), could be placing stress on the ulnar nerve. If you tried to push through it you might make the ulnar nerve irritation worse. See the doc about it.

      • Laura says

        July 8, 2015 at 3:06 pm

        Hi,

        Thanks for the quick reply. I was extremely fortunate in that, after 4 surgeons reviewed my MRI, they opted to let me heal without surgery. No complaints about the decision, especially since surgery comes with its own set of risks.

        Its interesting that scar tissue can cause this. Under normal daily use I don’t have any numbness or problems with the nerve. I only experienced this when I was performing this exercise regularly, after swelling had subsided and I was nearing the end of what PT could do for me.

        Thanks for the information!

        Laura

  28. Michael says

    July 20, 2015 at 7:13 am

    Hello:

    5 months ago I fractured my humerus pretty badly and required surgery with a plate and 6 screws to repair it. I have been in physical therapy since week 9 and have improved my active bending of my elbow to 120 degrees from 85 degrees when I started. My concern is that my therapist is satisfied with the 120 degrees and said that I should be able to function in life going forward with 120 degrees of motion available to me. She also said that at 5 months out from the surgery, I have seen all the improvement in ROM I am going to see since “you cannot expect anymore improvement in ROM after 5 months have elapsed”. This is a bit disconcerting to me since my orthopedic surgeon said to me that my elbow was not injured and I should expect my elbow to regain full function. So, I would like to regain 140 degrees of flexion just as I had prior to the surgery. My question to you is A) is she correct in saying that after 5 months no more gains in ROM are possible? and B) should I switch therapists and continue to work at it on my own? I do slow gentle stretching 4 times a day currently. Thanks in advance for your response!

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      July 20, 2015 at 8:16 am

      Michael you may be able to chase some more range out of that elbow, but the further away you get from surgery harder that becomes. I am not so sure that five months is a “rigid” timeframe for all improvements though.

      I would definitely continue to work on the range on your own. A slow, easier stretch over a longer period of time tends to agree with the elbow a bit better than cramming your elbow into flexion. If you feel that your PT is not a good fit, by all means get another one. You might want to run the idea of “binding” your elbow with some ace wrap to give it a slow stretch, the PT would need to show you how to do it.

  29. Mathew Tryon says

    July 25, 2015 at 10:48 pm

    Hey there, I found your site to be quite informative, and very helpful.. I was riding my bike down hill and fell off, and fractured my arm(this is the 2nd time I broke this arm, it had 2 fractures, I was able to fully extend it just fine, but now I can get close to fully extending it, but not quite, the fractures has almost healed, but hasn’t yet, no pain when straightening it as far as I can or turning my wrists.. What are your recommendations? It has minimal displacement. What are your ideas? Is it possible to fully straighten it even with minimal displacement? Should I still ice it? I don’t lift with this arm at all, as per doctors orders.. Just trying to think of ways to straighten it fully, unsure if the fact that it’s not fully healed yet, might have an impact.. I still wear the sling sometimes, should I not wear it and just use it regularly(my concern with this is, I might make it more displaced)? But I don’t want it locked more..

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      July 27, 2015 at 1:13 pm

      Get the okay from the doctor before you get more aggressive about pushing the range of motion. It usually takes six weeks for the fracture to totally heal, so keep that in mind as you work the elbow.

      I would say that (with the doctor’s permission) it would be okay to work the elbow through active ranges, meaning that you are moving the elbow through flexion and extension WITHOUT putting any overpressure on the elbow with your good hand. You could also lie on the floor and allow the elbow to relax into extension for increasing amounts of time. (I believe we talk about that in our blog article.) Make sure that you run these ideas by your doctor and your therapist. Elbow fractures can be dealt with differently depending on exactly where the fracture is, so I cannot give you a fully accurate course of treatment over the internet!

  30. Jaylinn Boone says

    August 4, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    I had a cheer accident at the end of June and it was swelling really bad and bruised as well I went to the er that night they didn’t give me a hard cast they said to wait a week for the swelling to go demon but I got a temporary one in the mean time with a sling. I had two cast I changed out of when the swelling went down. It has been 2-3 weeks since I have not had the cast on but I still cannot straighten my arm or bend I too far. I am also double jointed in my arms and legs. My question to you is is this normal? And if not what can I do to correct This situation. I go back to cheer at the end of the month and my high V looks like a slanted d. Please help!

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 4, 2015 at 2:02 pm

      I am going to assume here that you had a fracture?? This loss of range is common when the elbow is immobilized with a cast.

      Once you have been cleared with an x-ray you should be able to start with active range of motion of the elbow. I would see a physical therapist and get some instruction on exercises to do. You could start with just practicing the bending and straightening motions without using your other hand to help. It is probably going to take some time to increase the range. I would make sure that you are cleared by the doctor to start cheering again, especially if you are going to be tumbling and lifting.

      • Jaylinn says

        August 21, 2015 at 3:33 pm

        Thank you so much ! Sorry I replied so late I do take what you said into consideration !

  31. Lina says

    August 9, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    Hi,I fell my whole body in my left elbow x-ray no fracture.my elbow is still swollen but can’t straighten my arm can’t even make my palm face upwards inside my wrist hurts a lot feels like something is twisted. every time I try I have pain inside my forearm which goes down my wrist.
    Thank you.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 9, 2015 at 8:46 pm

      Lina you may have also injured your wrist with the fall. This is probably going to take months to recover from. I would start with very gentle motions of the elbow and wrist, do not force the range aggressively for the first several weeks. I would also recommend seeing a physical therapist to get a list of exercises with a time line.

      • Lina says

        August 10, 2015 at 1:14 pm

        Thank you so much??

      • Lina says

        August 18, 2015 at 1:04 pm

        Hello Dan, it have been 3 weeks since I hurt my elbow.I still cant straighten my arm So I did another x-ray and I have radius head fracture.My Dr just prescribed rapril degrees tab and gel and do some exercises. Would like your advice for a quick rehabilitation please.
        Thank you.

        • Dan says

          August 19, 2015 at 10:05 am

          It is going to take a few more weeks for that fracture to heal, so take it easy for another 3 weeks. Usually the doc will clear you for “active range of motion” during this time, but you need to ask him if this is OK. Active range of motion just means moving the joint through its range under your own power (no assist from your other hand etc.).

          I would start with that and then maybe get some structured physical therapy with the permission of the doc.

          • Lina says

            December 26, 2015 at 4:10 am

            Hi,it have have been 5months since I hurt my arms.my radial fracture is healed in x-ray but I still can’t straighten my arms.It hurts in the back of elbow and inside my arm won’t strech. Would like to know what other injuries could be possible cause I hear sounds inside my elbow when I try to exercise my arm.Thank you

          • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

            December 26, 2015 at 1:17 pm

            Some of the ligaments and tendons may have been damaged as well. I would not worry too much about the sounds that the elbow makes as long as they are not painful. If the noises are painful, it is worth your time to have the doctor look at the elbow again. Keep working with stretching exercises that either your doc or PT showed you.

  32. Feras says

    August 11, 2015 at 3:43 am

    Hi, I have the same problem Hayley does. From Since I was born till now, my right arm won’t straighten out completely, I never injured my elbow in any way, my left arm is normal. It wasn’t a big deal but now I’m 17 and I started to workout at the gym. My left arm can easily carry 10 KG and my right(the one with the issue) can barely carry the 7.5KG dumbbell. Also, the weird thing is, the bicep muscle on my right arm is bigger than the one on my left, and when I work out, the veins on my right are more obvious to see than the veins on my left. So my right arm has a bigger bicep but is much weaker than the one on my left. My right arm bends at about 150-155 degrees. I hope you know my issue. Thanks,

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 11, 2015 at 7:53 am

      This sounds like something structural in the elbow is keeping it from straightening.That could cause weakness in certain muscles and over-use in others. I would definitely see an orthopedist and get an x-ray.

  33. Michelle Johnson says

    August 16, 2015 at 8:43 pm

    Good evening … I have a loaded question for you. I am a 45 year old female who does a lot of typing for a living. I am also very active … cheer coach, Zumba, running, etc. Since last November, I have been experiencing a myriad of issues with my left arm/shoulder/elbow. It started with numbness from my shoulder to my wrist, but just on the top of the arm. This mostly occurred while driving to work or sitting at my desk. This lasted a few months. Then, the numbness was replaced by pain. Now, it hurts to make a fist (I have pain in my upper forearm near my elbow) and I cannot straighten my arm completely. Finding a comfortable sleeping position is tough and when I roll over from my left side to my right side, I literally have to hold my left wrist with my right hand and pull my arm over. I cannot reach behind my left side with my left arm and pick up my purse (for example) due to shoulder and elbow pain and lack of strength. I do not have a full range of motion in my shoulder and when exercising, I have difficulty lifting my arm all the way up (arm straight, palm down or up). I went to an Orthopedic surgeon who did an x-ray and said my shoulder was fine and diagnosed me with thoracic outlet syndrome. Then I went to my regular doctor who said I have carpal tunnel syndrome (even though I don’t have wrist pain or numbness in fingers). He gave me shot in the rear (cortisone?) and prescribed steroids, which did seem to ease the symptoms while taking the medication. The elbow pain has gotten a lot worse since I hit my “funny bone” on the edge of the granite counter top while on vacation in June. What do you think is the problem? Could there be several things going on or a domino effect from one injury? Help! Thank you for your time.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 16, 2015 at 10:19 pm

      When a nerve gets irritated, it becomes more likely that the same nerve can become irritated in a different location. I believe that clinically it is referred to as a “double crush” injury. It sounds like that might be a possibility in your case. If I were you I would stay away from all activity with that arm for a good amount of time to let the nerve heal. I would try to avoid sleeping on that side, and it also might be a good idea to see a PT to see if any bracing of the wrist or elbow are in order.

      • Michelle Johnson says

        August 16, 2015 at 10:52 pm

        Thank you sir! I will take your advice and also follow up with my doctor.

  34. Usain says

    August 20, 2015 at 8:22 pm

    Hey. I broke my elbow when I was 5 I’m now 23 and the arm is curved and swollen up by the side. I work out a lot but luckily I can move the arm freely but I don’t like the curve. Can it be fixed and straigthened?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 20, 2015 at 8:38 pm

      Usain that would at the very minimum require a visit to an orthopedist for an x-ray. It would probably also require surgery to re-break the bone and set it at a more normal angle.

      Most orthopedists would probably just tell you to live with it given that you have good range of motion and function. It can’t hurt to ask though.

  35. Gurjit Singh says

    August 25, 2015 at 7:27 am

    Hi doc !
    When I was 12 I had injury in my left elbow and after surgery doctor advised me to do some exercise . I didn’t care about this at that time but now I am 24 and since surgery I am not able to straighten my left arm. I checked it up with a physio therpist and he advised me to start excercises . I just want to know that is it possible to straighten back my left arm?

    Thanks

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 25, 2015 at 10:40 am

      12 years after the fact will likely make it very difficult to straighten out that arm Gurjit. Of course it does not hurt to try, just make sure that you are under the direction of a physio or a doctor.

  36. nabia ghana says

    August 28, 2015 at 4:10 am

    Dco I felt from a ladder 2 months ago and dislocated my elbow..but at my place we do tert it the local and now I can’t bend it over my elbow what can do pls

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 28, 2015 at 8:39 am

      Nabia I would see a doctor to make sure that there is not a fracture. (Even if there was a fracture, it should be healed by now, but I would find out because it may affect how you treat the elbow)

      Once you have permission from the doctor, I would start moving the elbow through flexion and extension, gently at first and only using the hurt arm to move it. Do not put extra pressure from your other hand. I would do 10 repetitions of that every few hours during the day. Eventually you could increase the stretching intensity and frequency, but I would talk to a doc or a PT about the specifics.

  37. Jawan King says

    August 28, 2015 at 11:36 pm

    Look I’m 24 years old I dislocated my elbow 2 to 3 weeks ago can’t fully extended my arm yet I got a football game September 5, I need to what to do to speed this process up please help!

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:42 am

      It needs to heal Jawan, I would not be too aggressive with this. You need to ask your doc about the timeline here, pushing it too hard may just inflame it more and make it more difficult to straighten.

  38. Gabriel says

    September 4, 2015 at 10:03 pm

    Hi I recently feel on my elbow two days ago and at first my elbow somewhat swelled then went down and now I can’t fully extend my elbow all the way straight. Do you have any advice?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      September 7, 2015 at 10:06 am

      Gabriel if it is not moving through range I would visit the doctor and get an x-ray. It may just be bruising, but better to be safe and find out exactly what is going on.

  39. Dustin Sipes says

    September 17, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    Hi. Last fall I fractured my elbow while I was pitching. The fracture wouldn’t heal so I had surgery to get part of my olecranon removed. My arm no longer straightens out and as a college pitcher it is destroying my velocity. Before the injury I would top out at 88 but now I can barely hit 80. I’ve done therapy but nothing seems to work. Any suggestions on what I should do?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      September 18, 2015 at 3:17 pm

      Dustin that is a tough one. When your anatomy changes like that, there is often a change in overall performance. I do think that full elbow extension would get you a bit more “pop” to your speed.

      I would try to get that elbow straightened out entirely. You might try getting a “static progressive” brace for the elbow to chase the extension. There is a company out there called “JAS” that you can rent the brace from. You would need a doctor’s prescription for insurance to pay for it. It may be worth trying.

  40. Tamara Taylor says

    September 20, 2015 at 3:20 pm

    Hi there,

    Yesterday I was running and fell – catching myself with my right hand. I was able to move my arm directly following my fall, but was in pain. My elbow started to swell and now I cannot completely straighten or bend my right arm. I can put pressure on my arm by touching it without any pain. I can also move my wrists (as I sit here with my elbow resting on my desk and typing with ease feeling no pain), although I do have pain on top of my forearm and wrist due to catching myself I’m sure. I have elevated my arm and kept ice on it. My range or motion has improved slightly today, but I still cannot straighten or bend completely. Do you think this is a fracture or break? Or more likely that I tore or sprained it? I should say I have sprained my arm and hyperextended i recently. This prevented me from straightening completely too. Thank you so much for your time as I truly appreciate it.

    Kindest Regards,

    Tamara

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      September 20, 2015 at 5:46 pm

      Tamara I would have a doc check it out. There is a possibility that you fractured it, only an x-ray will confirm or deny it.

  41. vincent moore says

    October 3, 2015 at 7:13 am

    I had a high energy impact to my left arm, when i fell while practicing for a motocross race. i had fallen and had no problems, as i was picking up my bike another rider impacted my left arm. After the impact ended with my arm pinned between his front tire and my front tire. I received first aid and iced and put my arm in to a makeshift sling until i was able to get to a ER in after about a hour. X-rays showed no break. I was given a sling to were for a few days. I very quickly developed a bruise that went from inside of my arm just below the wrist , up to the top third of my bicep . it traveled up along the inside of my arm, with some smaller bruising on the outside of the arm, from my upper forearm to half way up my bicep on the outside on my arm. advice? I have another race in a couple weeks and thanks to the VA i am unable to see my primary care or a specialist until Dec.
    thank you for your help

    SPC Moore U.S.Army (retired)

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      October 4, 2015 at 2:37 pm

      I would let the arm heal. If you are not feeling up to racing then I would skip it. Doing a little bit of active range of motion of the elbow is not a bad idea given that there is no break. I would not force the elbow with your other hand, stick to just moving it under its own power. Gentle shoulder blade pinching would probably also be okay. In a week or so you might also be able to try “pendulum” exercises, which involves gentle swinging of the arm while leaning forward. There are plenty of videos on the internet.

      If the swelling and bruising gets worse or if you are having extremely sharp pain, don’t wait until your scheduled appointment to see a doc.

  42. Zhen Li says

    October 24, 2015 at 9:18 pm

    Hello Doctor,

    I had a forearm surgery about a week ago for my ulna and radius fracture. Is it normal if i can not fully straighten or extend my arm? Should I start stretching it?

    Thank you

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      October 25, 2015 at 10:14 pm

      Get the doctor’s permission, as it does depend on what portion of the bones you fractured. It may be necessary to immobilize the elbow in order to allow proper healing prior to stretching.

  43. Shawna says

    November 5, 2015 at 2:30 am

    I was in a car accident 5 weeks ago. I haven’t been able to straighten my elbow since the accident. X Ray showed no fracture, Mri said suspect fracture, ct scan, said previous fracture. The orthopedic doc, said it I had a hairline fracture on the radius head, but that it’s healed now, too late to cast. I only have 20% mobility in my arm, he recommends aggressive tortures style thearpy. Warned me it would be extremely painful. Does any of this sound right??? I’m worried here. He said if I didn’t do the thearpy my arm would stay stuck forever…

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      November 5, 2015 at 10:59 am

      I would get some therapy Shawna. I don’t really think that it needs to be “torturous”. Start gentle and work up. There are also braces that a doctor can prescribe that will help to stretch the elbow. Start with the PT and see how it goes.

  44. Ian says

    November 9, 2015 at 7:56 pm

    Hi I was wondering if you could give me some advice or an explanation as to why I can’t keep my elbow straight an pull my hand back. for example if I was to put my arm out an hand up to gesture stop. I can straighten my elbow but when I try to pull my hand back my finger tips only rise above my hand by 2 inches or so. If I use force like when I do press ups or hold my hand against a wall an straighten my arm it works. But when I try to do it without pushing my hand back it just won’t do it.. it might seem like a minor issue but I train in martial arts an we do a lot of forms that requires my arms to do that motion. Im finding it really frustrating

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      November 10, 2015 at 9:22 pm

      It sounds like you can do the wrist extension motion passively, but not actively? One possibility is that your wrist flexors are very dominant and tight while your wrist extensors are weaker by comparison.

      I would try stretching the wrist flexors, and strengthening the wrist extensors. You might want to see a PT and get one visit for guidance if what I said doesn’t make sense.

  45. Catherine says

    November 12, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    Thank you

    • Catherine says

      November 18, 2015 at 8:11 am

      Hello Dr B, yesterday I had the cast removal, post- op. I was placed in a Donjoy Brace X-Act ROM for right elbow and a wrist grip. The elbow brace is set at 30 defer. The wrist hurts, this brace already has pressure points that hurt. I’m told to start therapy. Shouldn’t it be occupational therapy or just physical therapy? This doctor wants me to wear this brace for one month. Remember I’m to do a lot of computer typing. I’m a transcription tionist. Please advise on y points to you and thank you.

      • Catherine says

        November 18, 2015 at 9:29 am

        Call from a PA, told me to come in to adjust the brace and the therapy will be conducted with brace in place. It is a wearing of 24/7 except for bathing. Any reply is much appreciated. Thank you

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          November 18, 2015 at 11:34 am

          OT and PT would be essentially the same thing. I think that either is fine. It is going to be several weeks of annoyance on your part because the doc needs that surgery protected to allow healing. Get the brace adjusted as needed and stick to his protocol.

          • Catherine says

            November 18, 2015 at 5:30 pm

            Got the brace adjustment, feels better and thank you for your reply.

  46. Jessica says

    November 20, 2015 at 12:45 am

    I just want to say thank you for this information!

    2 weeks ago I was mauled by a dog on my right arm. I received 27 stitches as well as several internal stitches. I just got my stitches out and and am hoping to start these stretches soon as I cannot fully straighten my arm at all. I can only straighten about 3/4 of the way straight before it gets pain/uncomfortable. The ER checked it and there were no fractures from the attack. All they told me for it was that it will heal and not using it will keep it from straightening out, but they did not tell me how to rehab it.

    I really pray that these help. Any additional advice for it?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      November 20, 2015 at 7:58 am

      Jessica

      The issue with you is not likely to be the elbow joint itself, but rather scar tissue from the suture lines. The best thing that you can do is to work on actively moving your elbow into flexion and extension. As long as the scar lines are closed, I would start with gently moving the arm every hour or so. As your tolerance improves you can start to move it more often and with more of a stretch.

      If you do not feel confident doing that, I would maybe see a physical therapist once to get some specific guidance. You would probably want to see a “CHT”, or certified hand therapist. There aren’t many of them around, so look online and see what is in your area.

  47. jarred says

    November 29, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    Hey doctor. So on Halloween in 2014 I broke my arm and fractured my elbow into 3 pieces. It’s been over a year with no ability to fully extend my arm. As a varsity high school wide receiver I need the range. Any tips on what I can do to get the motion back

    • jarred says

      November 29, 2015 at 12:49 pm

      I also had to get two plates and 14 screws to keep the elbow together. They were never taken out

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      November 29, 2015 at 6:14 pm

      The fact that this happened a year ago makes it more difficult to work on that on your own. I would schedule an appointment with a physical therapist. I had a bad fall in high school and had to get some PT to get the elbow range of motion back.

  48. Frank says

    December 3, 2015 at 3:03 pm

    Hello,
    I haven’t been able to to fully extend both of my arms for a few years but did not think anything of it. About a year ago I notice that this was not normal but again thought nothing of it. About a month ago I started working out twice a day and noticed that the fact that I can not straiten my arms is a big deal when weight training and how arms look. Unfortunately I do not remember exactly when or a possible why this started. There is no pain, it’s more that my arms just won’t extend like they should. when I do try to stretch them past the normal bend my elbow makes a strange sound, not a poping or crunching sound, more of a stretching or pulling sound, if that makes sense. That sound has only happened once. Any suggestions?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 6, 2015 at 8:33 pm

      See a doc about it. It is a bit strange that this has happened in both arms. If it is from a trauma like falling on the elbow, it usually effects one arm only.

  49. Lora says

    December 9, 2015 at 4:32 pm

    Hi!
    My daughter fell and hit her elbow on the mat at gymnastics and now she cannot straighten it as there is a specific area that hurts. No swelling or bruising, but she points out one specific spot that hurts (the same spot that hit the mat when she fell).
    I don’t feel that it is serious (i have put her arm in a sling and icing it), when should I take her to the doc? What should I look for as to how serious her injury is?

    Thank you!

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 10, 2015 at 9:42 am

      If the elbow won’t straighten there may have been a deep bruise that involves the joint. That can cause a loss of range of motion like that. It is also possible that your daughter has a tiny fracture that is not serious, but if she were to smack it again it might be a more substantial issue. If this is the case, she would need to lay off the gymnastics for at least 4 weeks to let it heal.

      It is probably a good idea to get it checked out for that reason.

  50. destiny says

    December 27, 2015 at 4:18 am

    Mywh pinky finger and ring finger are numb tense and have bad pain all the way up to my shoulder even the right side of my arm feels tense please help me

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 27, 2015 at 10:50 am

      I would see a doc and get an assessment. This may be coming from a nerve pinched up in the neck.

  51. Jordan says

    February 11, 2016 at 4:05 pm

    Hi, I’m 23 years old and for as long as I can remember I haven’t been able to fully extend either of my arms at the elbow; they get to about 170 degrees. I don’t think it was due to injury, especially since both arms are equally disabled. It’s not that they hurt or feel strained, but as if the bone overgrew and my range of motion is simply limited and the arms won’t straighten any further. I spoke to my family doctor about this when I was a teenager, and he told me the only way to fix the problem would be to break the arms, and that there was a good chance the problem would recur. Now I’m working on my bachelor’s degree so I can go to med school, and my professors haven’t had much insight. It hasn’t been a very dramatic problem, but I started going to the gym 4 days a week last month and have noticed the extreme limitations this causes, especially since muscles get the best workout when performed with good form. Have you ever heard of this kind of problem, and do you recommend trying these stretches? Thanks, Jordan

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      February 11, 2016 at 10:39 pm

      I have seen what you have described a few times over the years. I would say that it is not common. My guess is that a very small percentage of the population are just born with non-ideal contouring of either the ulna bone or the humerus. If you look at the boney anatomy, the ulna looks like a “hook” that needs to fit into a groove in the humerus. If it is off a little bit on either joint surface it is feasible to have a loss of extension. I would just do your exercises within the confines of your range of motion. There are a few exercises that you should perhaps steer clear of. Preacher biceps curls for example are probably not a good idea. In terms of stretches, if it is the boney contours that are a problem, then all of the stretching in the world won’t do a thing.

      If this was a soft tissue thing, then you might notice a very slow and gradual (and probably painful) change with stretching. My money is on the boney contours being off.

  52. Tina says

    March 8, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    Hi good morning. I had a fracture on my radial neck and i just got my cast off yesterday after 3weeks and 2days. My doctor did a closed reduction procedure on my radial neck because it was displaced based on my xray. Today i cannot stretch my elbow and i cannot do pronation on my arms. Will it last for a long time? My doctor just told me to try to stretch my elbow slowly everyday. Im kind of worried, i still wanted to get back to work next week and i need my pronation to be able to work again.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      March 9, 2016 at 1:16 pm

      It will likely take some time for that range to come back. I agree with the doc, stretch the arm every day, but not too aggressively. I don’t think that the pronation will be back by next week. Keep at it, and maybe it would be a good idea to see a physical therapist too.

      • Tina says

        March 10, 2016 at 12:53 am

        Thank you so much for your kind reply. Im doing some stretching everyday for my elbow to be able to stretch and bend again. I think ill just have to be patient about it. I was able to do a bit of pronation but still painful, i don’t want to force things. Thank you for your Advice. I just want to ask another question, i have blisters on my arms and elbow after the cast, is it okay? Will it heal on its own? And also what massage can i do to my arms? ThNk you so much!

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          March 12, 2016 at 12:10 pm

          The doc should definitely know about the blisters. If there is no infection, they will probably heal, but keep an eye on it.

          In terms of massage, working on the muscles the cross over the elbow joint are a good idea. Biceps, triceps, brachioradialis, and forearm muscles are all a good idea. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to see a PT to get some massage ideas.

  53. Jay says

    April 12, 2016 at 1:18 pm

    Hi doc.15 years ago, my elbow was dislocated and until now I never undergo any treatment to straighten my left arm…is there any possible solution for it?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      April 13, 2016 at 10:56 am

      Hmmmmmmmm, that was a very long time ago. The more time that passes in general the more difficult it may be to recover rang of motion. It may be possible, but I would see a doctor and get an opinion.

  54. Marlo says

    May 23, 2016 at 8:40 pm

    Hello, I believe my injury was a com… Some C word that means in multiple places of the oceleron at the joint and Ulna. I had 2 pins put in and some wire to hold it all together… I am 14 weeks post op and showing up to PT at -5 extention. I am frustrated that when I leave at -3 I don’t come back in at -3… When will it stop stiffening up? Will I ever get hyperextentiom back? Also, I am really struggling with my rotation. Bringing my left arm towards my body is still not happening. I am a 29 YO Female and have been reading this thread and appreciate any input you have on my case.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      May 23, 2016 at 9:37 pm

      Comminuted fracture probably. The elbow will probably be stiff for a while. It is great that you only are lagging 5 degrees at this point. I am not sure that you will get full hyperextension back because of the metal. The rotation really has to do with your shoulder, I am wondering if your shoulder was a bit traumatized as well?

      • Marlo says

        May 23, 2016 at 10:25 pm

        Thank you for this info. I don’t think my shoulder was injured in my initial fall (which caused my break) but it was never really looked at. I have complained about my shoulder since surgery because I was overcompensating with it…I think I may have used the wrong language by saying rotation? my concern is actually my pronation and its counter. Is this a shoulder issue? I also forgot to mention that I get a lot of clicking in the elbow joint. I struggle with strengthening excercises bc of this… I feel like my arm locks up mid click and causes pain. Is this normal? Thanks again.

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          May 23, 2016 at 10:48 pm

          The pronation makes more sense. That is more of an elbow issue, and it may be effected by the metal placement. The clicking is a common occurrence, but if it is painful I eouldlet the doc know about it.

  55. Kira says

    June 18, 2016 at 12:34 am

    Hi,
    I really love watching volleyball and I want to play but my left arm is not straight. In 2014, I had surgery becausee I dislocated my elbow. After that, I had ocupational therapy and it helped a little but my arm is still not completely straight. I still have the little screw in my arm they put in during surgery and I dont know if that’s the issue or what. But I want to know soon because i really want to learn how to play volleyball.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      June 18, 2016 at 1:12 pm

      I think that you should probably have it assessed by an orthopedist. It is possible that the metal is blocking the range. An x-ray may shed some light on that.

      If the metal is not an issue, you may want to discuss getting a “static progressive” elbow brace to help straighten it out. The doc would need to write a prescription for the brace.

      • Kira says

        June 18, 2016 at 1:25 pm

        Okay thank you doc, I will try the advice.

  56. Roxanne Thomas says

    June 26, 2016 at 10:24 pm

    Saludos Doctor!
    I live in a small town in Mexico and don’t have nearby access to specialists, so I really am happy to have come across your article.
    8 weeks ago I tripped and fell on my hyper-extended arm. I went to the emergency room and the Doctor on call sent my x-ray to the traumatologist via whatsapp (ie. poor quality image). It was a hairline fracture and I received a plaster half splint from my upper arm to above my wrist which I was to keep it immobile for 5 days. My wrist was not immobilized with the splint and my arm wiggled a little in it, but I tried my best to keep it as stable as possible with a sling. When I took the splint off I was worried it may have needed more time or a more stable splint, as it was still very painful to extend and bend my arm and rotate my wrist but was told it would just take time.
    At the moment I have a range of 35 to 170 degrees, but it still hurts to lift and flex, and I don’t have full rotation of my wrist. The nearest PT is a 12 hour drive away and the traumatologist won’t be in town for a few weeks. Do you think I should make an appointment with one or the other or will I heal with time doing the exercise suggested in your article?
    Thank you in advance for your time. It’s very kind of you to help put so many minds at ease.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      June 27, 2016 at 9:58 am

      Elbows are a bit tricky in terms of inflammation. It is definitely going to take some time for that to calm down. As long as the fracture has healed, you can work on active range of motion for the elbow and the wrist. In terms of the rotation of the wrist, I would practice turning the wrist while your elbow is kept at your side. It should also be fine to practice bending and extending the elbow, I just wouldn’t put “overpressure” on the motions quite yet. I would definitely see the traumatologist when he is in town, if he gives you permission you could then start with placing additional stretch pressure to the movements with the other hand.

      • Roxanne Thomas says

        June 27, 2016 at 1:01 pm

        I will follow your advice and make an appointment. Thank you so much for replying, you are a very caring human being. All the best to you.

  57. Amanda says

    July 4, 2016 at 11:37 pm

    My 8 year old son is one week out from plating of his radius & ulna after his 4th break in less than 2 years. He had lots of swelling after surgery & the ortho removed his splint & wrapping 48 hours after surgery. He is unable to straighten his arm much beyond 90 degrees without me assisting. Is this normal? What can I do to help?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      July 5, 2016 at 9:50 pm

      The bones probably still need to heal for a few weeks before you can begin aggressive range of motion. The doc needs to clear him for rehab with an x-ray first. I wouldn’t mess with it early on. You could definitely see a PT and get some preliminary work done. I would ask the doc if PT is appropriate a this time.

  58. Kris says

    July 11, 2016 at 4:30 pm

    Dan, great info, thank you for your contributions here! I am female, early 50’s, a life long athlete, excluding the last 18 months or so. No arm injuries ever. During a week or so of unusual activity (lots of repetitive motion, involving creating a very large painting on scaffolding, working at very odd angles, etc), I awoke with pain in my non-dominant elbow. I am unable to fully extend or bend it, pull hard, or put weight on it (big pain with the effort). It is sore to the touch, mostly just above the elbow on the outside. Some minor swelling, no bruising. Could have been some trauma the day before, who knows. Whole body trauma over those days… Not getting better at all, day 3. Thoughts on what I’ve done, and how to treat, greatly appreciated.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      July 12, 2016 at 7:04 pm

      Hmmmmmm, that sounds like it might be “tennis elbow”, or lateral epicondylitis. I would get a sturdy wrist immobilization splint. You probably need to keep your wrist from moving for a good week or two. Ice tends to help with the pain. Don’t lift anything with the hand. Seeing the doc to have the diagnosis confirmed is a good idea.

      • Kris says

        July 18, 2016 at 4:17 pm

        Interesting. Immobilizing the wrist wouldn’t have occurred to me. It’s still a problem, about 10 days now! I can get it closer to straight now, and it will bend farther also, but pushing and pulling are problematic for me. I will try the wrist splint, ice, and will probably break down and see the doc. Thanks for the advice!

  59. Jared says

    July 30, 2016 at 11:38 am

    Hi Dan. Last night I slipped and landed on my hand with my arm outstretched straight out so that it felt like I “jammed” my elbow. I’ve been resting and putting ice on the area. I can’t fully extend or fully close my arm and there’s a little pain when I try to twist my hand while in certain positions. But the in-between motions and most hand twisting seem fine though. The swelling seems very minor. Should I be keeping my arm at 90 degrees as if in a “sling”? And should I try to do slow stretches now, or is it too soon after the injury? I’m just trying to make sure the elbow doesn’t heal in a way that prevents me from fully extending or closing my arm. Also, would you recommend taking tylenol or IV pro-fen to reduce the minor swelling? Thanks.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      I am not allowed by my professional license to give you any pharmaceutical advice. Ask the doc about that.

      It sounds like you might need an x-ray. There is a possibility that you fractured the radial head. In the scope of fractures, it is not a huge deal, but you should have it imaged first. If there is no fracture it would be okay to do some active range of motion. SLInging it for a few days would probably be okay as well, but like I said, get it x-rayed to be sure.

  60. Mohammed AlRefaii says

    August 16, 2016 at 8:52 am

    Hello,
    I have a problem with my two arms, where i cannot straighten them as they are bent , i am 34 yrs now, and i was a bodybuilder for sometimes.

    I was facing the same problem with my legs i was having Genu Varum or (Bow Legs) but i had surgeries for my legs to fix them and they are straight now.

    I am pretty sure there is a problem in my bones so my legs and my arms are bent and not straight, but i would love if someone knows the right scientific name for the arm bent as for the legs there are Genu Varum or Genu Valgum if they are not straight.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 16, 2016 at 10:01 am

      That might have to do with having a less than ideal “carrying angle”? The elbows can also have either a varus or valgus angle to them.

  61. steve says

    August 28, 2016 at 8:58 am

    Hi Dan,

    About 12 weeks ago I broke my radial head after landing on my outstretched arm when I fell ice skating. I took my arm out the sling after a few weeks but didn’t see much improvement so went to my docs to get a physio appointment as I could get nowhere near touching my shoulder and also couldn’t straighten my arm. Last two weeks I have been using a rubber band thing to do exercises and can almost touch my shoulder but still pretty much the same going the other way trying to straighten it out as it only gets to about 45 degrees. Did I not start exercises soon enough and it’s all stiffened up? What can you suggest to try and help me further?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 28, 2016 at 1:19 pm

      I would suggest a “static-progressive” brace to slowly stretch out the elbow. Your doc should be able to write you a script for one. You could also see if your physio could make you a stretch brace out of plastic, sometimes that works quite well.

  62. Jim says

    September 5, 2016 at 9:11 am

    Both elbows won’t straighten. One I believe it’s from throwing curve balls and a variety of different pitches when I was very young. The other I think happened when I was hit by a pipe. I guess I sustained a traumatic injury. It’s been many years that I’ve been living with this problem butt it never seemed to affect my day-to-day activities. But now at 52 years old it’s starting to affect me and I would like to find out how to remedy this problem.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      September 5, 2016 at 10:18 am

      That is a tough one to deal with given that it has been so long since the traumas occurred. I would see an orthopedist first and maybe get an x-ray to see if there is anything structurally going on with the joints. If the end range feels like a rock, it will be less likely that you can improve it. If the ned range feel more “bouncy”, you might get some improvement.

  63. Sandy krause says

    September 17, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    I sustained a left humurus midshaft fracture on May, 14, 2016. I was taken by EMS to CC that same day. They recommened surgery and told me to return monday. I didnt want to wait til monday. So i went to Houston May 15th I ended up In the ER because I was developing symptoms of compartment syndrome. I had no pulse in my left arm. Monday may 16th memorial Hermen in Houston said no surgery., they would put me in a tension cast. I knew the extent of my injury and needed surgery. I saw dr
    Stafford following that and had surgery may 23rd ORIF. . I was then immobilized for 9 days before having surgery. I was then immobilized another 9 days after surgery. Due to the amount of time I was immobilized I have lost a lot / majority function of my left arm; from my shoulder , Elbow , wrist & fingers. The surgeon reported that my radial nerve was trapped inside the fractuRE that would have meant had memorial Hermann put me in a tension case my radial nerve would have been sliced off and I would have lost motor function.after 3 months of PT I didn’t get more than 90 degrees of elbow flexion passively. I underwent MUA for the elbow on sept 8th. He pushed mY elbow to 130 flexion while under anestisia. Surgeon EXPECTS 130* OF elbow flexion. He wants agreesive ROM TO elbow. Anything after 100 degrees I feel like I’m dying with pain. PT doesn’t want to push it past pain. I’m so confused what do. I have LOTS OF bruising around elbow and along triceps. While MUA surgeon discovered my tricep was stuck to the surgical plate. He removed scar tissue as well.
    Looking forward to speak to you & would greatly appreciate it.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      September 18, 2016 at 9:30 am

      Wow. That is quite a story. There is a lot going on here. I am going to assume that your radial nerve is working okay even though it started to get caught up in the scar tissue? If the radial nerve is working, you should be able to contract your triceps, your wrist and finger extensors, and you should be able to actively turn your palm upwards. The acceptable amount of elbow flexion to perform functional activities (eating etc.) is 130 degrees.

      What about getting some sort of flexion brace that you can wear at home? You should ask the doc if an OT or a PT can make you a flexion brace. It should be worn at least two (2) hours a day. The thing that I have found is that the elbow tends to get more inflamed when it is “cranked” aggressively. The brace will be a softer stretch over a longer period of time.

      • Sandy krause says

        September 20, 2016 at 3:19 pm

        Yes all nerves are in tact. I’m an OT going through all us. I Dont agree with cranking but doc is so admin bout cranking it. I’m already going 4 months into this injury. I’m just scared I’ll never regain my AROM. MY biceps turn off after 100* they Dont flex the elbow. I’m always in so much pain PASSIVELY flexing past 110* I do the breathing techniques we do muscle facilitation techniques .. Forgot to mention on top of all this I have a frozen shoulder as well. Do u think I can regain my AROM as long as I keep PROM TO 130*?

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          September 21, 2016 at 12:45 pm

          I think that it is possible, but it is going to take a long time. I would give serious consideration to the total end range time (TERT) theory of stretching into flexion and extension. I think that lighter stretch imposed over longer periods of time is better for the elbow because elbows inflame so easily.

          • Sandy krause says

            September 26, 2016 at 1:33 am

            What are your thoughts of a JAS elbow splint? So you Dont think aggressive ROM is the way to go? I can’t take the pain :( but I Dont want to get stuck where I’m at either

            (Dan’s response) I like the JAS company. I use them occasionally for elbows and wrists.

  64. Jeff says

    September 27, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    So maybe I missed something in all the discussion and comments.
    But here’s my issue….My arms will not fully extend. they stop at certain point and will not straighten out. There is no pain, no tennis elbow, nothing like that. The only time its a problem is when i have had a long day using my arms or trying to do pushups. When I’m down attempting the exercise, I can hold hold the position for a short period of time before my elbows start to give out. Ive tried stretches and everything else to possible get them to straighten…but have been unsuccessful. Ive been to a few doctors that tell me its just tennis elbow and it will go away….but its not that. I have no problem lifting heavy items or doing a lot of push ups…but i usually have to stop when my elbows start to hurt. I have been dealing with this issue for more then ten years. I have never injured my elbows. I’m so desperate for an answer, whether its an actual answer as to what I’m dealing with…or if there is a brace out there that will make supporting weight on my elbows easier. thank you…

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      September 27, 2016 at 10:02 pm

      Has a doctor ever looked an an x-ray to see if there is any structural anomaly? I am wondering if there is a slight anomaly in how the olecranon portion of your ulna articulates with your humerus? It is not unheard of to see a slight change in the contour of the surfaces that might not ordinarily be an issue, but when there is repetitive action (push ups) sometimes the bones can make too much contact and cause irritation.

      • Jeff says

        September 27, 2016 at 11:54 pm

        Never made it to an x ray, the doctors just keep telling me its tennis elbow and to keep stretching. Is there anything I can do based on what you mentioned to make things easier until i can get to the doctor again? Im looking for support to take the stress off my elbow to do more things like the push ups… thank you

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          September 28, 2016 at 8:42 am

          If it is tennis elbow, the normal protocol is to immobilize the wrists for 1-2 weeks with braces (not the elbows, the wrists). I would talk to a hand therapist about this and have it evaluated. I don’t think that stretching at this point is really going to make the problem go away.

  65. Jack Farley says

    October 5, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    Thankyou so much for posting this, yesterday I did something to my arm while working out and then this morning I wasn’t able to straighten my arm, I tried this for about five minutes and I got my arm almost entirely straight!

  66. Liberty says

    October 9, 2016 at 11:54 pm

    Hi Dan, I’ve read this page. So much helpful advice. I fell on concrete and broke my humerus under the ball 3 1/2 weeks ago. I’m 65, Australian, and in a sling. It is a straight fracture right across, no “shrapnel”. My elbow feels terribly constricted in a sling but since it happened I have gently taken my hand out of the sling a couple of times a day, supported by my left hand, and am now able to bring my hand to my lap while I’m sitting. I am wondering if Week 4 is ok to start gently getting the arm further down past my lap. The arm will not move from the side of my body, so it’s vertical not horizontal movement. I cannot do your lying down exercise because of the pain going from sitting to lying down, so I am sitting up in a chair day and night to help gravity heal the fracture as advised. I’m wondering if my arm will eventually come good at the elbow. I go into physio in 3 weeks after the hospital checks for correct healing via xray end October. I still have painkillers, say, twice a day. Thanks so much for your help.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      October 10, 2016 at 8:40 am

      I would make sure that the doc is satisfied that the fracture line has adequately stabilized prior to going into further ranges. By 4-5 weeks at your age there should be at least a cartilage support in the fracture line, which is probably good enough, but talk to the doc about it. My concern is that straightening the elbow will place some pressure on the humerus by drawing the head of the humerus forward.

      Based on what you have said I see no reason to doubt that you will get full mobility at the elbow. It just may take some time. Once the doc gives the okay, get on working the elbow through extension ranges actively.

      • Liberty says

        October 10, 2016 at 12:02 pm

        Thanks very much for your reply. I went to the doc last week for a halfway follow-up and mentioned what I was doing with the elbow. At my one-week-in appointment at the hospital fracture clinic there were two differing opinions on exercises around week 3-4 so that was confusing. I just don’t want to end up with a locked elbow but your explanation and warning is very helpful. Thanks again ☺

  67. vinay kumar says

    October 19, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    hello doctor , i had complete dislocation about 2nd half months back and till now i cant be able to straighten my arm it is going till 20 degrees and it is very stiff from 20 degrees and rotate my hand please help me

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      October 19, 2016 at 2:19 pm

      I would see a doctor or a therapist about this. You can also try the lying down exercise that is described in the blog. Build up your stretch time: a longer stretch at a lower perceived level of stretch is better than a short stretch that is painful. I would do lots of active range of motion throughout the day as well.

      • vinay kumar says

        October 20, 2016 at 2:18 am

        thank you doctor and i am not able to rotate my hand……………..

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          October 20, 2016 at 9:11 am

          For the hand rotation, keeping your elbows at your side and trying to turn your palm upwards is a good idea. I will also tell some patients to assist with the other hand gently on the thumb side.

  68. cameron says

    November 6, 2016 at 5:14 pm

    Hello, while playing baseball I had attempted to make a play to first and my arm just snapped. I had a distal spiral fracture to my Humerus, it was a big ugly fracture close to my elbow. No surgery was required but now about 4 months down the road I still have trouble straightening my arm. Whenever I’ve tried stretching, all I feel is just an unusual soreness and the pain doesn’t last long. Also, my elbow pops or cracks more often now. The pain is usually above my elbow on the outer portion, What can i do to help fix this?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      November 8, 2016 at 9:19 am

      I would look in to getting a static progressive brace. Ask the doc or the PT about it. A gradual, longer lasting stretch is probably the way to go here.

  69. Roger says

    November 17, 2016 at 12:47 am

    Hello doctor, so my case goes back to 8 years ago. I was handling a small bucket of water as a kid, I was playing around with it, water felt on the floor and I felt on my elbow. Since then I have not been able to stretch it to full extend. My family has been a little uncareful with it, we have not visited a doctor since because although I wasnt able to stretch it, it does not hurt so I was able to continue my life without a problem. However, as I become older I became to pay more attention to it and I want to fix it. Do you think your method should work or I should I still see a doctor? Again, it does not hurt but there is something stopping me from completely streching the elbow. Thanks.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      November 17, 2016 at 7:48 am

      If it has been that long I would probably get an x-ray. It is possible that if you had a slight fracture, an actual small boney block to the extension might exist. Otherwise I don’t see the problem trying to stretch it on the floor like in the blog.

      • Roger says

        November 17, 2016 at 11:32 am

        I see. Thank you so much. Have a great day.

  70. Bavish says

    November 22, 2016 at 9:51 am

    Hi i dislocated my elbow about 3 weeks ago yesterday my plaster came off from my right elbow my muscles are very tight i can’t make it straight it hurts what do you think about it.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      November 22, 2016 at 4:22 pm

      Start with basic active ranges of motion for the elbow, bend and straighten. Don’t push it too hard. This is likely going to take several months for the range to gradually return.

  71. Pamela says

    December 7, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    I had a radial head fracture 3 months ago . I was in half a cast for 2 weeks then taken off. Despite regular physio my arm wont straighten beyond 30 degrees. Constantly sore restricted movement and clicking
    I’m being referred back to fracture clinic what will be the next step?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 7, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      I would maybe lay off the aggressive stretching (if that is what you are doing with the physio) and try some more gentle stretching imparted over longer periods of time. See if you can try the floor exercise in the blog and build up your tolerance to it. Many elbows don’t like to be “cranked”, it sometimes makes them worse. As always, clear this advice with your doc please!

  72. Paula A says

    December 19, 2016 at 12:00 am

    HI Doc,

    I am almost 6weeks post open rotator cuff tear & bicep tendon repair. My surgeon removed me from sling at 3weels post op because my elbow wouldnt straighten my arm out. My physio tells me he don’t know if it’s locked. What does that mean. I was not advised to take sling off before follow up. My doc went out of town for Thanksgiving week. I am getting very scared that something has possibly went wrong. I have very low tolerance for pain but havery been working hard with my PT and. my home exercises.

    Advance thanks
    Paula

    • Paula A says

      December 19, 2016 at 12:01 am

      I meant “Post op” no :post open”.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 19, 2016 at 2:28 pm

      The elbow can sometimes become stiff in the bent position if it is left in that position for a long period of time. This happens quite a bit when slings are used. I would expect for the elbow to slowly straighten out when you are no longer wearing the sling. The PT should also be able to help speed that process along. I really do like the lying on the floor exercise described in the elbow blog. Ask your PT if you can do that at home.

  73. Michelle says

    January 10, 2017 at 10:35 am

    I dislocated my elbow about 2 years ago and I went to my doctor and all they gave was excercises to do and till this day I can’t straighten my arm.I have been doing gymnastics and nothing hurts, What should I do?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      January 11, 2017 at 12:21 pm

      At this point you could look in to getting a “static progressive” brace for the elbow. It would require a fitting and a prescription from your orthopedist. It would likely take some time, but you might get back more extension. If it does not hurt and you can do everything that you want to do, it is of course much easier just to let it be.

  74. Beth says

    January 14, 2017 at 9:39 am

    Hello. 5 weeks ago I had a bicycle crash on a crowded street in Vietnam. My elbow took the direct hit. Thankfully, X-rays showed no break. The bruising was severe, though. Definitely a bone bruise. After 3 weeks the swelling and bruising subsided. Now, at 5 weeks, it’s still painful and my range of motion is at about 80% but with no strength. I’m in Vietnam and don’t think I can get an MRI to see the actual bone bruise details. In your experience, does this direct impact injury heal 100%? I’m a healthy eater (extra calcium, bromelian, vitamin c) but don’t really know what exercises to do. Any advice? Thank you.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      January 14, 2017 at 11:20 am

      Bone bruises take much longer to totally heal than a fracture would. You are probably going to have stiffness and pain with this for at least a few more months. I would say that doing simple elbow flexion and extension within tolerance is a good place to start. Nothing weighted for a good month or so. If there is a PT around, it wouldn’t hurt to get a consult.

      • Beth says

        January 16, 2017 at 3:49 am

        Great! Thanks. I’ll do that.

  75. Zack says

    January 22, 2017 at 4:27 pm

    Hi dr
    First of all . I would like to thank you for your help!
    My story began exactly in 2/12/2016
    I fell and slightly dislocated my elbow but was back to place by itself and it was very painful. So i went to see a local doc. After a x ray the doc told me every thing is ok. Then i hade a splint for 4 week ( i didn’t know i should remove it as soon as possible) . after removing the splint in 2/1/2017. i did an x ray and everything was ok. But i couldn’t bend or straighten my elbow. Then i had to travel to the nearest city in order to see a specialist. He told me i need physically therapy. I attended the physically therapy as the doc told me . But the pain was tremendous. My ROM was improved a bit but i don’t think i can attended a second session because of the pain . Because all the p t is doing is forcing my elbow to bend after a while of massage and heating . So i need your help doc. Can i still get my full mouvment back . Should I keep going to physically therapy even with the pain. What should I do. And thank you

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      January 22, 2017 at 7:53 pm

      Am I correct in saying that you had the elbow splint on for one year? That is a very long time to wear a splint, and this may have contributed significantly to the stiffness that you are experiencing. I would continue with the physical therapy, but perhaps you should ask the PT to be a bit less aggressive. I would also work on performing home stretches that are longer-lasting, but less painful and aggressive.

      • Zack says

        January 23, 2017 at 4:12 am

        No not one year
        One months

        • Zack says

          January 23, 2017 at 4:15 am

          2 December 2016
          Till
          2 January 2017

          • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

            January 23, 2017 at 9:42 am

            Oh that is very different. I would start with active ranges of motion (elbow flexion, extension) as this is still early on. This is likely going to takes many months to rectify, and you are going to have to be very patient about this. I would let the PT know if the ranges are too painful.

  76. Ray says

    January 27, 2017 at 10:53 am

    Hello Doctor,

    I have been extremely worried about my elbow lately and I wanted to ask for advice. I hurt my left elbow over a year ago working out at the gym. I never rested the elbow and kept working out and after a week or two I went and saw a doctor. It wasn’t clicking at that moment but I couldn’t fully extend my arm out. Furthermore, it was a little painful performing certain exercises and extending my arm over my head would hurt quite a lot. He took an X-ray and said that I just needed about a month or two of rest.

    Being the stubborn gym goer that I am, and not wanting to see all my hard work go away, I took a few days off and eased myself back into the gym. It still hurt but not as badly as it did when I first got it injured. Nowadays, i work out very heavily and I am at the gym 6 days a week. My elbow still hurts on occasion and I still can’t extend my arm out. Thankfully, it doesn’t hurt when I extend it over my head as it used to. But it has been clicking every once in a while. It hasn’t really affected my workouts and my grip strength is still strong. I can basically do almost anything except fully extending the elbow out which makes certain exercises a little harder to perform.

    This does make my daily life a little harder as well as doing simple things like carrying grocery bags a little harder as my right arm fully extends but the left one doesn’t and there is always pressure and pain on the elbow when I can’t extend my arm out.

    I have read a lot about elbow pain online and some people have said that it might take up to two years for injuries like tennis elbow to go away but I have a feeling this won’t. I know it’s incredibly hard to diagnose anyone on a forum but I am just looking for some advice. If you could help that would be wonderful. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and respond to my message. I really appreciate it. I hope you have a fantastic day.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      January 27, 2017 at 11:35 am

      I am not 100% sure exactly what your diagnosis is for this elbow in question. It might be a tennis elbow / epicondylitis, or it might be tendonitis in another muscle. I would see a doc about this and get a definitive diagnosis. Most tennis elbows will resolve within one year.

      If it is tennis elbow, I will always start my patients with two (2) weeks of immobilization. This means wearing a sturdy wrist brace that totally prevents any wrist movements. This will be followed by manual work to the muscles and a very slow, eccentric training program for the wrist flexors and extensors. Given the chronic nature of your problem, you should probably check in with a PT as well to get some direct guidance.

  77. Lah says

    February 9, 2017 at 5:51 pm

    I fractured my elbow on22nd of janurary swelling gone but cannot bend atal its extremly painnful if i try no idea what to do

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      February 9, 2017 at 9:00 pm

      The bone usually needs six weeks to heal. After that, it is usually okay to start with frequent active range of motion (bending and straightening the elbow). You may want to see a PT to get some stretching and exercise ideas.

  78. Ryan says

    February 12, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    Hi, I have only started working out lately, I was working on my biceps 3 days ago and I cannot straighten either of my arms. When I go to straighten them they are in agony. Any suggestions?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      February 12, 2017 at 7:10 pm

      You probably significantly over-worked the biceps. I would give it a week or two to calm down. It should get better, however if it does not improve, I would see an orthopedist about it.

  79. Nabil says

    February 15, 2017 at 7:26 am

    Good morning doc!
    Last night I’ve been looking all around the internet for some help! And thanks God i found your blog.
    My name is nabil im from sudan im 28 y old
    About 45 day ago i fell while working and dislocation my left elbow . After going to the hospital in capital i hade a splint. After exactly one month i removed it. And find out that i can’t move my elbow at all.
    I was so shocked
    I can’t afford to lose my arms mobility. my arms are the only way i provide for my family cause im a mason.
    I’ve been told i need to get physical therapy. But i can’t afford it and i need to travel to get some.
    Im so lost i can’t even sleep at night.
    Im getting depressed . Ive been trying some exercise I’ve found one the internet.
    It hepled a little. Cause those exercise aren’t detailed.
    Plsssss doc help me im begging you.
    Plsss i only need a series of exercises you think would help me get my motion back.
    And be able to provide for my family again.
    I’ll attach my email in case.
    Nabil.fadili.001 at gmail.com

    pls doc help me im begging you!
    Im so depressed i don’t know what to do.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      February 15, 2017 at 11:17 am

      If you are cleared from the doctor to do some stretching, I would start by applying some heat to the elbow area to warm it up for 5-10 minutes. After that I would work on trying to flex and extend the elbow through whatever range is available. Gently assisting the motion with your other hand might be useful as well, but I wouldn’t do it too aggressively. Mild pain is probably fine.

      I would also recommend that you see a physical therapist once to have it looked at, and to get some “hands on” guidance in terms of what you should be doing at home with the exercises. I am sorry that this happened to you Nabil. Please realize that it is very difficult for me to give you good advice because I don’t know exactly what your arm feels like and the exact mechanism of your injury. If you see a PT, he or she might also want to know if the elbow has been x-rayed.

      • Nabil says

        February 15, 2017 at 12:48 pm

        Would a certain JAS EZ splint be helpful? A person told me he’s welling to send me one.
        And as i told you i cant afford physical therapy. I can’t afford even the trip to get to a physical therapy centre
        Thank you

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          February 15, 2017 at 3:24 pm

          Yes I think that it would, but I think that it might need to be adjusted to fit your elbow. You may have to tinker with it. It would also have to be the type of splint that works on flexion and extension. They make different kinds of splints.

  80. SOS says

    February 16, 2017 at 4:25 pm

    Hi
    i dislocated my albow about two months ago exactly ( 70 days ago)
    I hade a cast for exactly one month
    After removing the cast my elbow was so stiff i couldn’t even move it at all.
    So i went to physical therapy.
    I hade 6 sessions. And now my rom is about 100° flexion 30° extension
    But boy physical therapy was so painful i can’t tolerate it any more.
    I stopped it . I tried to make the physical therapists go gently but he told me it the only way is to work through pain .
    But i can’t take it any more. Im Fed up with it.
    Im depressed i don’t know what to do!
    I dont wanna lose my elbow rom
    I can’t go through that pain any more.
    I cant change the physiotherapist cause he’s the only in my town!
    .
    Im doing some stretching exercise i found in the internet twise a day will those exercise help?
    I think i should get a static progressive elbow brace. But will it help get me back my full rom
    What should i do doc pls ! Im lost.
    (The range i gained 100° 30° is still painful and it takes me time to move through it cause i only can move my hand like super slow )

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      February 17, 2017 at 7:56 am

      I would go to your doc and ask for a prescription for the static progressive brace. You should be able to tolerate that. Once you have a prescription for the brace, bring it to your PT and he or she should be able to take the necessary measurements to send to the brace company. Once the company has all of your information they will contact you directly to set up a time to fit the brace and teach you how and when to use it. The company that I like the best is called “JAS”.

      • SOS says

        February 17, 2017 at 8:07 am

        Will that brace help me get my full rom back?

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          February 17, 2017 at 10:47 am

          It should certainly help.

  81. Hi doc says

    February 18, 2017 at 6:39 am

    Hi
    i dislocated my albow about 3 months ago
    And i had a splint for about 4 weeks.
    After removing the splint my elbow was so stiff i could barely move it.
    I went to physical therapy for 6 sessions. Now my rom is about 95. 30
    The problem is that the physiotherapist is really pushing my elbow hard that it so painful!
    I wanted to ask you
    is that the right approach in the elbow therapy ( working through pain ) to get the best result .
    Or should it be gentle stretching at the end of rom
    Thank you.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      February 18, 2017 at 12:36 pm

      There are some conflicting opinions in regards to this. I personally try to chase the ranges of motion without “cranking” on the elbow. Mild to perhaps moderate pressure is a good idea. There is going to be a bit of pain with this, but if it causes more swelling and more inflammation it is probably too much.

  82. Nagaraj says

    March 2, 2017 at 8:17 pm

    Hi Doctor,

    My hand was bone was broken near wrist and cured it when I was in age of 8. Now my age is 26, I can’t straighten my hand (palm) towards sky. Can I regain it if I do special exercises or any other.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      March 5, 2017 at 6:04 pm

      I would get an x-ray to see how the bones look. My guess is that it would be very difficult to straighten that hand with exercises alone, but a doctor or therapist should be able to tell you that after examining you.

  83. Sushil Sharma says

    March 22, 2017 at 4:10 am

    Hello

    My right elbow cannot be Straighten up fully since my childhood as I was born through forceps. Initially my hand moment was 0 and gradually with exercises I can open up my hand but not fully.I can perform activities with my right hand and its functioning properly but the only thing is the hand movements are not correct. I just wanted to know if the rest 20% of the hand can be Straighten up with the exercises.I also have the X- Ray for the same. I would request you to please guide for the same.

    Regards
    Sushil

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      March 22, 2017 at 11:18 am

      This sounds complicated due to the length of time that this has been an issue with you. I would see an orthopedic specialist in regards to the hand motion. It may be possible to get more motion, but I think that you would need a brace for the hand that would need to be specifically fit to your dimensions.

      • Sushil Sharma says

        March 27, 2017 at 9:54 am

        Thank You Sir for the quick response. Further to your reply , would like to share that few days back I have consulted a Physiotherapists. I am going there daily and she does some exercises but at the same time she also said she can correct my hand motions but cannot rectify the issue to its full extent. My hand can be opened up little more but cannot be straight due to long tenure.Sir, with regards to this could please tell if the exercises actually helps or its better to get it operated.Apart from this if I get the same operated ,will I ever be able to lift weight in the gym. If possible can I share my X-Ray with you for the better understanding.

        Regards
        Sushil

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          March 27, 2017 at 12:15 pm

          I cannot give you an accurate opinion because I am not with you to evaluate it “in person”, but my guess is that a surgery might be in order to get full motion???? A hands-on opinion by an orthopedic surgeon should shed light on to the situation.

          • Sushil Sharma says

            March 28, 2017 at 9:30 am

            Okay Sir ! Thank you for suggestion.

  84. Cathrine says

    April 4, 2017 at 8:24 pm

    Hi, I hit my elbow on a door frame a couple of days ago, I think I bruised the inside, but im not sure I cant bend my arm all the way it got worse to today, when I first hit it it wasnt bad I could bend it almost all the way, but now I cant even put it straight the pain hurts and its swollen. Should I stay off of it because it busied and would it damage my elbow??

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      April 5, 2017 at 9:16 am

      I would definitely give it some time to rest. A light amount of active range of motion is okay, but I wouldn’t press it too hard for at least this week. If it bruised up, it is worth your time to see a doc about it to make sure that there is not a small fracture.

      • Cathrine says

        April 5, 2017 at 3:40 pm

        Okay, thank you very much!

  85. Michelle says

    April 9, 2017 at 11:57 am

    PS: Does the arm have to be palm up? I don’t have that rotation back yet. Thanks.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      April 9, 2017 at 12:06 pm

      If your hand does not want to turn upwards, doing the movements “as is” is better than not doing them.

  86. Vinay says

    April 30, 2017 at 9:09 pm

    Hello doctor
    I got dislocated by elbow about 9 months back and now i can’t straighten my elbow..I still need 25 degrees more extension..And i can’t fully rotate my hand. Please help me
    How to straighten my elbow

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      May 1, 2017 at 11:03 am

      I would see a physical therapist or doctor and ask about perhaps getting a brace to work on stretching. If that is not available to you, I would work on stretching every day for longer periods of time.

      • Vinay says

        May 1, 2017 at 12:46 pm

        Doctor ..Is it possible at this time to straighten my elbow

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          May 1, 2017 at 1:51 pm

          I cannot tell you based solely on what you are writing. I would think that it is possible, but it would need to be assessed.

  87. Steve says

    May 11, 2017 at 10:23 pm

    Any advice in the event one elbow doesn’t bend as far. I have no issues straightening either elbow, but as of late, the left elbow doesn’t bend as far. I can barely touch my left shoulder with a finger from my left hand, but can easily do so on the right side. I’m also experiencing tennis elbow in the left arm as well. I’ve been resting it because I don’t want to get a cortisone shot. I want to understand the root problem. My PT was been unable to give me a good answer.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      May 13, 2017 at 11:43 am

      The elbow flexing problem might have to do with the irritation of the wrist flexors at the elbow (the golfer’s elbow). I will typically have my patients here in physical therapy immobilize the wrist for 10-14 days with one of those sturdy wrist braces. The brace needs to prevent the wrist from flexing and extending. That should keep the wrist flexors from irritating the elbow and allow healing. Run the brace thing by your PT, it might be worth a try.

      • kathryn Messick says

        June 1, 2017 at 5:29 pm

        Hi my name is Kathryn I’ve been off work since October 16th of last year I’ve been through therapy and then I went in for surgery this year of February third I had my surgery done for months ago I am not able to straighten my elbow out it has a curve to it I went yesterday to see my doctor and he injected steroid and something else in my elbow and my neck I get pain shooting from my elbow to under my arm and in my shoulder and I get woke up at night in the middle of the night with pain and tightness in my arm that tightens up can you tell me what’s causing all that I had a nerve surgery done on my elbow I heard it at work lifting up kitty litter

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          June 2, 2017 at 10:03 am

          That sounds like it might be a pinched nerve in the neck???? When a nerve is irritated by the way (like in your elbow) it can make it more likely that the same nerve becomes irritated up the chain (like closer to your neck). There is a test called an EMG that could be used to determine exactly where the nerve is irritated.

      • Crystal says

        August 4, 2017 at 6:23 pm

        Hello, I broke my elbow, had surgery on July 6. I’ve been in PT now for about 3 weeks my extension is pretty good but my flexion is hard but doesn’t seem because of my elbow it’s more of a bicep issue, it gets super tight and doesn’t allow my arm to go further. Any tips?

        • Crystal says

          August 4, 2017 at 6:24 pm

          It was a lateral epicondyle fracture

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          August 6, 2017 at 11:48 am

          It is still very early in the process Crystal. I would guess that this is going to take a few more months to improve. Stay focused on doing your ranges of motion every day. The body has to re-learn how to fire those muscles. The good news here is that the biceps does not attach to the lateral epicondyle, so the biceps contractility should come around.

      • Leogen Paman says

        August 11, 2017 at 7:12 am

        Hello. I got elbow dislocation last June 18, 2017 and undergo casting for 3 weeks. After a month I of PT sessions I still can’t flex my elbow. What would be my best approach?what exercise do I need to perform to improve my flexion?Is there a chance I can fully flex my elbows back?please help..hank you!

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          August 11, 2017 at 8:15 am

          A slower stretch imposed over a longer period of time tends to work best. Could you perhaps flex your elbow and apply a gentle wrap around the arm to hold it in the gently flexed position for a few minutes at a time?

  88. Pankaj says

    May 16, 2017 at 11:53 am

    Sir,
    3 weeks ago
    I got injured my elbow ulnar collateral ligament. After 2 weeks of plaster i m trying to recover my elbow

  89. Jen says

    May 23, 2017 at 9:19 pm

    Hi Doctor!

    I’ve had RA since 96– I am in my mid twenties. Since 2012, I have been unable to fully bend or extend my elbow. The tendons CLEARLY inflamed. After extensive MRIs, X-rays, etc, we’ve shown NO joint damage or any other visual reason for the contracture. I was in PT for a few months a couple years ago, but they dismissed me citing no improvement with mobility. Would I be a candidate to return to PT– aka, will these slow, gentle stretches help– after years of immobility?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      May 24, 2017 at 6:03 am

      RA is tricky in that it can flare if strain is placed on the involved joints. Light stretching like the type mentioned in the blog might be beneficial, but I think that this would be something that your rheumatologist would have to sign off on first.

  90. Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

    June 5, 2017 at 7:29 am

    You could try the stretch mentioned in the article if the elbow will not straighten. There are also ways to stretch the hand and wrist , such as the “prayer stretch” (located in our exercise library). Yo may also want to see a doctor about this.

  91. Tammy says

    June 8, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    My son broke and dislocated his arm/elbow when he was 5. He had surgery to replace everything. They used three pins and removed them after three weeks. After all this, he was fine. No PT just enjoyed being a kid and doing all normal kid things. Now at 12, we have noticed that he can not fully extend his arm. We try pushing it, but he says it is sore. Do you have any recommendations on what, if anything, we should do? Thank You

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      June 9, 2017 at 2:05 pm

      An x-ray will show if there is a boney block, or if it is merely soft tissue restrictions. If it is soft tissue it is much more treatable with gentle stretching or bracing. Be careful about pushing aggressively into extension, this can inflame the joint and actually make the restriction worse.

  92. James says

    June 14, 2017 at 5:35 pm

    Hello,

    I noticed a couple of months ago when i was training at the gym that i was unable to full extend my arm, even putting hard pressure on it i have no way of getting it to 180 degrees. Recently its became a problem because i walk around looking like a t-rex due to it constantly being bent. I have not broken or fractured it at any point of my life either.

    Thank you

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      June 15, 2017 at 7:57 am

      I have seen that happen to people who over-do the biceps curls or pull ups. I would back off the exercises at the gym and let the muscles heal up a bit. If it doesn’t improve I would see the orthopedist.

  93. Srilakshmi says

    June 28, 2017 at 3:38 am

    Hello Doctor,

    I had ulnar fracture 4 months and fixed by a surgery . Plate and some screws.. i was advised to do physio after 6 weeks. i continued the physio therapy for a month. There was improvement in ROM, however, i would have a lot of pain in my arm for the whole day. I also developed numbness in my palm and when consulted the orthopedic, he put me on some tabs and asked me to stop physio for a while. however, it has been a month and a half now that i have not been doing physio. my elbow does not extend fully. i try extensions myself and try to lift small weights.. i really do not want to continue physio therapy because of the pain it causes. will i be able to get complete ROM if i continue the exercises with not much force like in physio by myself?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      June 28, 2017 at 9:39 am

      Possibly? You can try the stretch mentioned in the blog article consistently, or you could ask the doc to get a “static progressive” brace that you could do on your own.

  94. Maureen says

    July 10, 2017 at 12:18 am

    And she just turn 3

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      July 10, 2017 at 1:24 pm

      Sometimes the pin will actually block some of the motion after everything is healed. I would get an x-ray to see what the bones and the pin look like. If the pin does need to be removed it is not nearly as big a deal as having it put in.

      • Maureen says

        July 10, 2017 at 4:13 pm

        No but the pin was removed back in January she just has been having check up every 3 months and the xrays looked fine .. last week she had her last check up and the doctor is just worried why her arm wont straighten all the way so he wants to send her to a specialist…

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          July 10, 2017 at 6:25 pm

          There could be some scar tissue in the way as well. A PT or other specialist might be able to shed some light on the situation.

          • Maureen says

            July 10, 2017 at 9:16 pm

            Ok thank you yea i was just confused on why the doctor said she may need an open surgery with screws and another cast I am just praying she doesnt have to go through another surgery and that there are other options..

  95. doug says

    July 23, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Hi Doc , both elbows painful, my Doc says I have Golf Elbow in one, .tennis elbow in the other plus Tendinitis as well as Arthritis in both. I wake many times nightly three fingers are numb, trying to straighten my arm is very painful mostly the right side the arm used the most. Know seeing a Pain Management Clinic (past 3 years) monthly writes a Prescription for Morphine 5 x daily (45mg daily) pain still there. Also have neck and shoulder pain (arthritis) as well as back and knees I am 60 ,. Did have a snowmobile accident in 1986. ,been in pain last 6 or so years. Had an EMG 2 yrs ago negative. Never broke any bones ever. Please let me know what I can do. Will the JAS help? Thank you so much, .Doug L

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      July 24, 2017 at 8:27 am

      It does not sound like the JAS would be useful here. Wrist immobilization braces might help to calm the pain down. (You can get sturdy wrist immobilizers on Amazon.com). I will typically prescribe those braces to be worn 24-7 for two weeks.

      There is some research coming out that suggests PRP injections can be helpul for the elboes. I would ask the doc about that. I would probably also have a PT take a look at everything that is going on.

  96. Bilal says

    August 10, 2017 at 2:02 am

    Hi doctor
    I had an accident in May this year and had surgery.They put plates and screw in it .now its almost 2 months since then but I am not able to straight my arm fully.I am doing stretching exercises but still not able to do so.Kindly advise me what I do to work my elbow properly.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 10, 2017 at 7:50 am

      It is probably going to take a while to get that back. If you talk to your doctor you might be able to get a “static progressive” brace that works on gradually stretching out the elbow. You would need a prescription for one.

  97. Yanina says

    August 24, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    About 2 months ago I had a type 1 radial head non dislocated fracture. I can currently move my arm but it won’t straighten completely and I can’t supinate completely either, I’m really worried that I’ll never be able to be a to supinate or straighten my arm. Is there anything I can do to help with my ROM?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 24, 2017 at 12:26 pm

      Try the exercise in the blog for extension. For the supination, keep the elbows at your sides and work on turning your palms up. If your x-ray is clear and the doc is okay with it, you could even work on assisting the supination (palm up motion) with the other hand.

  98. Gopal Gaurav Singh says

    September 12, 2017 at 12:05 pm

    At the age of 5-6 years my left hand elbow joint is fractured and now i’m 15 years old and my hand is fully recoverd but it is growing unstraight.i can lift heavy weights and my hand is not paining.but at the joint of the elbow it is like one side of bone is grown and one side of bone is not grown.that’s why my hand is unstraight.
    I go to orthopedist they said sugery.
    Is there any exercise or any other method…
    To recover my hand…

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      September 12, 2017 at 12:52 pm

      I would guess that surgery would probably be the best option at this point. You might want to see a physical therapist to have it assessed and see if the same opinion is given.

  99. Rebecca Robertson says

    September 17, 2017 at 6:48 pm

    Over a month ago I dislocated my elbow, broke my humerus and radius at the joint. The Dr had me finally remove my splint and start attempting to move it. I also need surgery still to remove the bone fragments out of my joint causing my joint to have a gap twice the size it should be. My fingers don’t work and are still swollen, my wrist, and upper arm doesn’t rotate and my elbow will not move out off the L it was postioned for in the splint. I’m so concerned why and how to move my arm and why if I still have to have surgery. I’m tired of being so uncomfortable. Thanks!#

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      September 18, 2017 at 8:12 am

      The best way to start with this is to force that arm to initiate functional movements. Hold small objects, use utensils for eating, practice stacking plastic cups, and for goodness sake see a hand therapist for some guidance in this matter. You will get there, but I do think that you need some skilled care to get the ball rolling.

  100. Douglas Rice says

    October 8, 2017 at 3:25 pm

    10 years ago , rt elbow hit ice and probably fracture ( untreated / unfortunately …)
    Present day – the rt arm is at least 30 – 40 degrees off of being straight. Because the injury is so old how would you treat ? As well what about Low Light Laser ?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      October 8, 2017 at 8:15 pm

      Not sure if a low light laser would do anything. I think that your best best would be an x-ray followed by possibly getting a “static progressive” brace. The x-ray would be to determine if there is a boney block to the range of motion. If there is no boney block, the static progressive brace could be used to chase back the range of motion slowly. “JAS” makes such braces.

  101. Ashley says

    October 24, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    Hello, I had an injury to my elbow, back when I was a child. Was going to get surgery around the age of six to correct my elbow, however the dr stated that it would be pointless due to the fact that I was not done growing. I am 27 now. My elbow has healed in the wrong place. more like I dislocated my elbow and it was not put back in place. so now my left arm will not straighten, and normally how people can stand with their arms relaxed and at their sides, my left arm does not and my hand(palm) faces the back of me (instead of palm facing inside by thigh/hip). My left arm is shorter than the other and I am now experiencing more pain in my wrist, elbow and shoulder. What are the chances of me getting this corrected at this age? or can you recommend anything?

    • Ashley says

      October 24, 2017 at 2:18 pm

      and is there a diagnosis for this?

      • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

        October 25, 2017 at 9:38 am

        I think at this point the intervention would require you seeing a highly specialized orthopedist. I would do some research and find an ortho who does corrective procedures for elbows. One place that comes to mind is the “Curtis Hand Center” at Hopkins in Baltimore.

        You would at first need a set of x-rays to see what the contouring of the elbow joint surfaces looks like.

  102. Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

    October 27, 2017 at 10:04 am

    I would think that it will improve from where it is today, but realize that these things can take many months and you should be consistent in regards to moving it. At some point it might be a good idea to talk to the doc about perhaps getting a “static progressive” brace. This type of brace will help the elbow by stretching in a small amount over longer periods of time.

  103. Karim says

    November 8, 2017 at 10:17 am

    HI Doc!
    I am a basketball player. I broke my elbow while playing. Its been exactly 4 months ago. I go to therapy four times a week. I gained much in flexion but still not in extension. during therapy, I can reach almost full extension but once i finish i go home then went back to its stage when it aproxmately lacks 10 degrees for the extension. I changd the doctor the this one has suggested a Manipulation Under Anesthesia. I am afraid that it will have some risks??? what do you think sir?
    Thank you for your time

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      November 8, 2017 at 10:40 am

      Have you tried a static-progressive brace such as a “JAS” brace? I would recommend that as an intervention before trying the surgical manipulation.

      • Karim says

        November 8, 2017 at 11:07 am

        NO, I haven’t.
        please doc, I haave a direct question: If I can full extend my elbow 97% during therapy. does it mean that, with practice, it is the limit I can reach after a certain time to working it out!!??

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          November 8, 2017 at 11:18 am

          I would have to see what that elbow “end feel” is like. I would say though that it is probable that the elbow will eventually settle at that range. The one thing to note here is that this usually takes quite a bit of time, sometimes up to a year for the range to come back fully.

          • Karim says

            November 8, 2017 at 12:42 pm

            I can send you some photo if you would like to see the extent to which it arrives during the therapy. If possible of course doctor
            My best tou you sir!
            Thanks again

  104. Venkat says

    November 19, 2017 at 10:30 am

    I meet an bike accident a week before in that i got injury in ma left elbow ..I consulted a orthopedic doctor he confirmed there is no crack or fracture in ma elbow but I got a ligament tear he told me to rest ma hand for few days to get cured. but I can’t bend my elbow upwards fully when I tried to bend i feel muscle contracton around ma elbow and forearm but Im able to stretch ma hand fully

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      November 19, 2017 at 1:45 pm

      I would start with a bit of active range of motion. It will typically take months for the range to improve after injuries like these. Ask your doctor of find a physical therapist who can help guide you with some exercises.

      • Venkat says

        November 19, 2017 at 6:52 pm

        Do i need to put a sling ?? Ma doctor dint say anything about having a sling sinCe ma accident

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          November 20, 2017 at 7:57 am

          If the doctor didn’t say so you are probably fine without the sling.

  105. Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

    November 22, 2017 at 12:45 pm

    I highly doubt that he fractured anything, but I would have him see an orthopedist about it. This sounds like a repetitive overuse problem.

    • Valerie says

      January 2, 2018 at 7:40 pm

      Hi I have had elbow surgery in November. I was in a car crash in2016. My elbow was partially dislocated they discovered during op and removed a piece of bone and fluid. However after op I have no further movement and my shoulder is now in agony. Going back to see orthopaedic surgeon on the 24th but just curious to see what your thoughts are?

      Many thanks

      • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

        January 2, 2018 at 10:10 pm

        I would see the doc earlier than the 24th. I cannot diagnose anything over the internet, but it does sound like the shoulder needs to be checked out.

        • Valerie says

          January 3, 2018 at 7:06 pm

          Thank you for your help. I’ll call tomorrow and see if I can see him sooner.

    • michelle callaghan says

      January 4, 2018 at 10:42 am

      Hi doc,my 10 year old broke a bone in her elbow two half year ago she did not need surgery just a cast for six weeks ,no physio was required all was well,a couple of months ago she showed me that the elbow she broke she can’t touch her shoulder, her hand will just will not reach the other hand perfect,my doctor sent letter to hospital and they want to see my daughter in couple of weeks,do you think she just needs Philip or have you heard of this before
      Thanks

      • michelle callaghan says

        January 4, 2018 at 10:46 am

        Sorry meant to type physio

      • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

        January 4, 2018 at 3:26 pm

        This type of thing happens all of the time. I would say that an x-ray is a good idea to make sure that the elbow has healed well. If all looks good the doc may want you to take her to physio for a visit or two.

        • michelle callaghan says

          January 10, 2018 at 8:41 am

          Thank you I feel a bit better ,was thinking all sorts that they would have to reset bone,thank you

    • Ethan Banks says

      January 28, 2018 at 8:32 pm

      I had nursemaid eldow at young age and my arm won’t fully extend know what should I do

      • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

        January 29, 2018 at 8:00 am

        I would see an orthopedist and get an x-ray for starters.

  106. Emanuel Shield says

    November 24, 2017 at 4:57 pm

    Hi Doc. I am 52 years old. At age 7 I fell and hit my elbow on the edge of a small bench in front of my mother’s dressing mirror. No bones were broken. I spent six weeks in the hospital with my hand supported by a short sling. When I was discharged my hand remained as it had been in the sling. It is still like that today. Help me please. It has impacted my social and physical life immeasurably

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      November 25, 2017 at 9:55 am

      This would have to be looked at by an orthopedist who specializes in elbows and hands. I would think that at a minimum x-rays would need to be taken along with an assessment of how the joints feel. For something that happened that long ago, the probability of regaining full motion through stretching alone is not very good.

  107. Derek says

    November 27, 2017 at 5:51 pm

    I’m in week 6 of a distal bicep tendon repair. When I tore my other bicep tendon this time my arm was completely straight but I feel like there is a lot of fluid on my elbow from the weeks of not moving it as much. There isn’t as much stretch on my tendon but my elbow will not go past 30 degrees from straight. Would you recommend a similar stretch? Even though this is not an elbow damage there definitely is inflammation there. Any help thanks

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      November 28, 2017 at 1:52 pm

      Are you saying that the elbow will not bend? If that is the case, I would see a PT about this. The intervention would depend on how the elbow and the surrounding tissue feels.

      If the elbow will not straighten, the lying on the floor stretch is a good way of working on it without being too aggressive. It is a bit early as well, so clear this with the doc or the PT prior to doing it.

  108. Shobana says

    December 4, 2017 at 8:36 am

    My 10yr old daughter fell on her left elbow and got dislocated and a minor fracture about 3 months ago..She was on sling and cast for a month. We are seeing a PT twice a week for a month now.I see a little improvement in her extension and flex.But We are worried if she ever stretch her arms fully.Can you enlighten me pls?
    Note:Initially before PT session, her extension was 40 now it’s in 25.When can she get her full range of motion?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 4, 2017 at 8:54 am

      If this is improving then I would be optimistic in regards to her getting her ranges back. The elbow in particular can take quite a bit of time to normalize (sometimes six months or more). In the mean time I would encourage her to use the arm functionally and perform her home exercises regularly.

  109. peter says

    December 9, 2017 at 4:05 am

    Hello,

    Almost 1 month ago i dislocated my right elbow and fractured it in three places. The CAT scans revealed that the fractures were very small and the doctors determined that surgery will not be required. However, there is a small piece of chipped bone in my elbow joint which my orthopedist is not too worried about. I’ve been in a splint for three weeks and now moving my arm around. I’m not able bend my arm inwards as the joint feels very stiff and extremely painful. If I learn into my arm, I am able to move my arm closer to my face, but this only last for 10 minutes or so and the elbow joint tightens up again. Flexing outward has similar results. Should I be in so much pain even after 4 weeks since the injury? What can I do to improve range of motion. I feel like I’m aggravating the elbow tissues with stretching.

    thanks much

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 9, 2017 at 10:22 pm

      Light stretching, and persistence. Elbows do tend to respond to a lighter stretch imposed over longer periods of time in my opinion.

      This is going to take many months to improve. Fracture ache by the way, and it has been my personal experience that fractures can ache for many months.

  110. John says

    December 14, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    Hey Dan, thank you for the straightforward advice and information about this issue!

    I was rock climbing about 3 months ago and fell and had an incomplete radial head fracture. I didn’t need to have a cast and was told I would be good to go in about 6 weeks. At first I had fairly noticeable contracture, but that began to go away as I stretched and continued about my daily life. But I’ve noticed I’ve reached kind of a plateau where I can ALMOST extend my arm all the way, but can’t reach “lock out” position so to speak. I get moderate discomfort when I try and still have a bit of localized soreness after climbing sessions. Is this something to worry about or will it go away with time? Unfortunately my current financial situation prevents me from seeing a doctor about this.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 15, 2017 at 11:36 am

      It will probably soften over time, but I would give it a nudge with some of that slow, gravity assisted stretching like the one in the blog. I once had an elbow situation similar to yours, and it took the better part of a year to straighten out.

  111. Erika Lally says

    December 20, 2017 at 11:41 pm

    I dislocated my elbow 2 weeks ago. I’m still not able to fully extend my elbow out; and when i try to do ROM it is very painful. My arm sometimes goes numb and tingles. When i got it put back in place, they said my xrays looked fine; other than the dislocation. Is there something i can do for the pain & to start getting movement of my elbow back?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 21, 2017 at 7:35 am

      I would see a PT and get some guidance with this. Gentle active ranges of motion are usually a good place to start. I would avoid forcing the arm into painful end-ranges.

  112. alex says

    December 26, 2017 at 1:50 pm

    I am 18, and i met with a accident two days ago. I dislocated my elbow and it also seems to be crack somewhere there too. The doc said nothing serious just minor and attached a sling and a cast to it and asked to keep it for 3 weeks. But now it kinda hurts to move.
    Are initial days with cast on and stuff this painful even when moved? When can i see any improvement and decrease in pain as i move? Will i ever be able to stretch back my arm fully as before? how much time do you think i might require to gain full recovery?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 26, 2017 at 9:38 pm

      Fractures ache, sometimes quite a bit. I think that what you are describing is typical. This will probably take at least 4-6 weeks for the fracture to heal. The range of motion may take longer. You will probably get full motion back based on what you described, but it will likely take many months.

  113. Craig Regnier says

    December 29, 2017 at 11:09 am

    I am 58 and my arm just started a few days to not let me straighten it out all of the way. Tried stretching it to help it straighten but woke up today and can barely move it past 45 degrees and in a lot of pain. I have had no injuries that I can recall.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 30, 2017 at 10:48 am

      When something comes on as abruptly as this, it is usually due to a trauma. Are you sure you didn’t smack the elbow? If you have any type of arthritis that is inflammatory in nature that could also be the case. Either way I would have your doc look at it.

  114. Charisse says

    January 3, 2018 at 10:54 pm

    Hi,

    I got my olecranon fracture last oct.17,2017 but I just got my surgery last Nov.27,2017. I got my splint off last Dec.26, I thought everything will be just fine but unluckily I cannot have my arm in full extension and I just can bend it at about 90′. I ask my doctor if I can have my therapy but he insisted that I don’t need one. I’m trying my very best to have my exercise at home but still not happy and not contented with the outcome. Thinking that I’am a right handed person who just broke her right arm is a total disappointment.

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      January 4, 2018 at 7:54 am

      I would ask the doctor again to prescribe a few visits of therapy if you are not making weekly progress on your own. It will likely take a few months for the range to return, so do not be upset if the range does not return immediately. A good sign is some notable progress from week to week.

  115. Matthew says

    January 16, 2018 at 5:12 pm

    Hi Dan

    3 weeks ago I injured myself in a basketball injury and landed on my right elbow. I attained a hairline fracture in my radius, closest to the elbow joint.
    Today I took of my cast and noticed I had slightly decreased range of motion,
    Just asking If physio is necessary for recovery and also how long do you think it will take for me to return to exercise and sports?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      January 16, 2018 at 6:42 pm

      6 weeks from the fracture until it is healed (in most cases). In terms of the loss of range of motion, that is to be expected. It will probably take many weeks, or sometimes months for that to return. If you are young (under 30), my guess is that you will probably not need any physio. I would just start with active ranges of motion with the approval of the doc.

  116. Corey says

    January 29, 2018 at 12:18 pm

    My arms have never been able to fully extend past the elbow. I’ve never had any elbow or arm injuries so is this normal?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      January 29, 2018 at 2:56 pm

      Not really normal in the general population, but this may be normal for you. Some people just have a slight difference in the shape of the joint surfaces that causes a loss of range of motion. An x-ray might confirm this.

      • Corey says

        January 30, 2018 at 8:51 am

        Okay thank you!

      • Joshua says

        April 28, 2018 at 2:28 pm

        So I’m 21 and I had my arm dislocated when i was born after complications .. I have never been able to straighten this arm fully .. it doesn’t cause me any pain when i try and straighten it, it just feels like it fully maxes out when i do .. I have never asked about this before .. do you ever think I will be able to straighten it again?? I can use this arm just as good as my left .. I even write with it .. Also thus muscle tightens when i bend my arm without tense ? Really strange .. thabkyou

        • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

          April 28, 2018 at 5:32 pm

          If it happened that long ago, i would guess that it will not extend any further. You would have to get an x-ray and consult an orthopedist to be certain about this.

  117. Natalie Rivera says

    February 10, 2018 at 3:10 am

    Hi

    I had trauma to my elbow about 7 weeks ago. A metal flue racking fell on my arm/elbow. I am having a lot of pain in my arm and cannot fully extend my elbow. The doctor diagnose me with tennis elbow. How long does it take to heal from injury to elbow?

    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      February 10, 2018 at 11:32 pm

      It depends. If you don’t let it rest and heal, it can take quite a while. I would maybe ask the doc about getting a wrist immobilizer? The wrist motion tends to irritate the epicondyle. I would immobilize the wrist for 7-10 days.

      • Natalie Rivera says

        February 11, 2018 at 12:46 am

        Make sense, thanks!

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