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Physiotherapy treatment at Vitalis, Sinnamon Park
Conditions we treat

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment Treatment in Sinnamon Park

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the elbow – also known as Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – is a painful condition where pressure to the ulnar nerve causes damage and inflammation. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment Ulnar Nerve Entrapment aims to:

Minimise Inflammation Reduce Pain Optimise Recovery
About the condition

What is Ulnar Nerve Entrapment?

Within the arm, the ulnar nerve is one of three main nerves which run down from the shoulder to the wrist. This nerve is responsible for electrical signalling to and from the brain, facilitating movement and sensation. Commonly, a bump to your outer elbow bone, or ‘funny bone’, can result in a painful/tingling feeling and is usually from the ulnar nerve.

Though the ulnar nerve is naturally constricted in some areas, nerve entrapment commonly occurs at the elbow, called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, or at the wrist, named Guyon’s Canal Syndrome. Ulnar Nerve Entrapment is caused by the pinching or compression of the nerve and can cause neuropathic (nerve) pain or neuropathy (nerve damage), affecting movements, from the muscles that this nerve innervates.

Causes

What are the causes?

The cause of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment can vary. Overuse or sudden injury can affect the degree of entrapment.

Some common factors include:

  • Overstretching or sustained pressure to the ulnar nerve through repetitive movement
  • Falls – especially when the arm is used to break impact, sending sudden force through the elbow
  • Sports-related injuries – sudden impact against the elbow or repetitive movement
  • Trauma – car accidents or high-contact activity
  • Sleeping for prolonged periods with the elbow bent
  • Repeated shifting or flexion of the arm which displaces the ulnar nerve
  • Elbow injuries – fractures, dislocations, etc.
  • Co-morbid conditions – arthritis, tumours, diabetes, etc.
Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

  • Pain – shooting, severe, dull, radiating, etc.Referred pain felt down the hands, fingers, wrist, arm or shoulder
  • Referred pain felt down the hands, fingers, wrist, arm or shoulder
  • Stiffness/inability to move or straighten the elbow or arm
  • Tingling/numbness – typically felt in the palm and 4th/5th fingers
  • Reduced or no range of movement
  • Sensitivity to cold temperatures
  • Tenderness at the elbow joint
  • Elbow and hand weakness – e.g holding, lifting, flexing, gripping, etc.
Treatment

Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

If you suspect you may have Ulnar Nerve Entrapment, 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 and arm to minimise inflammation or pressure and reduce pain. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

If the pain and reduced movement is severe, driving and 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, slings or straps.

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

Treating Ulnar Nerve Entrapment in Sinnamon Park

Sinnamon Park Village, 3/58 Oldfield Road — ground floor, parking at the door. Patients come to us from across Brisbane’s western suburbs.

Sinnamon ParkJindaleeMount OmmaneySeventeen Mile RocksRiverhillsMiddle ParkWestlakeSumnerDarraOxleyCorindaJamboree Heights

Can’t get to the clinic? We also offer home visits. Not sure this is what you have? See all conditions we treat.

Get it assessed properly

The sooner this is looked at, the shorter the recovery usually is. Book online in under a minute, or call and describe what is going on.

Book online 0410 559 856

No referral needed — bring one only if you are claiming through Medicare, DVA or WorkCover.