Elbow MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) Sprain Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What are the causes?

An elbow MCL tear or sprain is triggered and worsened by poor lateral (sideways) force and loading of the elbow. Some common factors which influence injury include:

The injury usually affects athletes, but can still happen to anyone.

• Throwing sports – e.g. javelin, baseball, volleyball, water polo, tennis, etc.
• Trauma – significant fall, vehicular accident, etc.
• Forceful or sudden lateral pressure to the arm/elbow
• Repetitive lateral pressure (constant throwing, pushing, etc)
• Poor muscle warmup/conditioning before activity

Treatment for Elbow MCL Sprains

If you suspect you have sprained or torn the MCL in your elbow, it is important to see a physiotherapist or medical professional. You may also be referred for imaging tests to determine the location and extent of the condition, or to rule out a differential diagnosis.

Physical therapy is highly beneficial in restoring movement and reducing pain. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

If the pain and reduced movement is severe, strenuous activity should be avoided. 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 or straps.

• Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
• Restoring range of movement
• Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
• Shockwave Therapy
• Dry needling
• Taping
• A unique home exercise program
• Graded Exposure to load program