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:
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment Treatment
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.
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.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain – shooting, severe, dull, radiating, etc.
- 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 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:
- 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
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.
How to book an appointment?
If you have Ulnar Nerve Entrapment, 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 Ulnar Nerve Entrapment? 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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