A Hyperextension Elbow Injury occurs when the elbow bends further backward than it should, causing severe pain and risk of damage.
At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment of hyperextension injuries aims to:
Hyperextension Elbow Injury Treatment
What is a hyperextension elbow injury?
Within the elbow and the general arm structure are muscles, ligaments, nerves, tissue and bone, all which act to support and facilitate movement. If the elbow is forcefully or suddenly bent past its normal range of motion, these structures are at risk of damage. Muscle and ligament tears and sprains, nerve damage and dislocations are examples of injuries which can occur as a result of hyperextension of the elbow. Without urgent or appropriate treatment, there is an increased possibility of causing permanent or chronic damage, which may take longer to treat or manage associated symptoms.
What are the causes?
A hyperextension injury is triggered and worsened by movements which suddenly overextend the elbow joint, causing damage and pain. Some common factors which influence injury include:
- Trauma – significant fall, vehicular accident, etc.
- Forceful or sudden pressure to the arm/elbow
- Heavy lifting
- Poor muscle warmup/conditioning before activity
- Contact sports – martial arts, gymnastics, football, tennis, boxing, etc.
The injury usually affects athletes, but can still happen to anyone.
What are the symptoms?
- Dull to shooting/sudden severe pain – felt in the elbow, and around the joint
- Swelling at the injury site
- Popping sound (dislocation or joint instability)
- Reduced or no range of movement
- Bruising/tenderness/blotchy skin
- Tingling/numbness in the fingers
- Elbow deformity
- Muscle spasms
- Loss of elbow strength
Treatment for Hyperextension Elbow Injuries
If you suspect you have hyperextended your elbow, it is important to see a physiotherapist or medical professional immediately after injury. 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:
- Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
- Restoring range of movement
- Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
- Shockwave Therapy
- Dry needling
- Taping
- Sling
- A unique home exercise program
- Graded Exposure to load program
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.
How to book an appointment?
If you have a hyperextension elbow injury, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation 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 in pain caused by a hyperextension elbow injury? 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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