An elbow fracture is a painful condition which can result from trauma and injury.
At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment of elbow fractures aims to:
Elbow Fracture Treatment
What is an elbow fracture?
The elbow consists of three main bones – the upper arm bone (humerus) and forearm bones on the pinky side (ulna) and thumb side (radius). These bones are then supported and held together by ligaments and tendons. There are typically three types of elbow fractures:
- Olecranon fractures – fracture to the pointy end of the ulna which sits at the elbow joint
- Radial head fractures – fracture to the radial head (top of the radius bone) usually a result from using the arm to break a fall, pushing the radius into the elbow joint.
- Distal humeral fractures – fracture to the bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow
Fractures and other serious injuries to the elbow joint can result in damage to nearby blood vessels and other structures, causing chronic pain or permanent injury. In children, elbow fractures can affect the growth of arm bones.
What are the causes?
The cause of an elbow fracture can vary on its location and severity, and can greatly impair mobility and function.
Some common factors which can trigger a fracture include:
- Sports-related injuries – extreme force or sudden impact against the elbow joint or connecting bones
- Trauma – car accidents or high-contact activity
- Falls – trying to break impact using an outstretched arm
- Abnormal, rapid and sudden movement or pressure against the elbow joint
What are the symptoms?
- Pain after impact/injury – can be sudden/severe/aching
- Referred pain felt down the hands, fingers, arms or shoulder
- Stiffness/inability to move or straighten the elbow or arm
- Tenderness/painful to touch
- Reduced or no range of movement
- Swelling and bruising
- Instability – feels like the joint is slipping out of place
Treatment for an elbow fracture
If you have fractured your elbow, it is important to seek out immediate medical treatment. You will likely be referred for CT, X-ray or MRI scans to determine the extent of the injury.
Physical therapy is highly beneficial in rehabilitating the structures around the elbow joint after a fracture to increase range of movement and strength. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:
- Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
- Restoring range of movement
- Postural improvement
- Joint mobilisation
- Soft tissue release (massage)
- Shockwave Therapy
- Dry needling
- Taping
- A unique home exercise program
- Graded Exposure to load program
Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use supportive braces, slings or straps.
How to book an appointment?
If you think that you may be suffering from an elbow fracture, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our team at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess and diagnose the condition. They will then tailor your treatment plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.
All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.
You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.
Need Help?
Are you recovering from a fractured elbow? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment.
Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.
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