Elbow Ligaments & Injuries
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What are the Ligaments of the Elbow?
Ligaments are fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones to form and holds a joint together. In the elbow, the medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), the quadrate ligament, and the annular ligament all work together to stabilize and keep the elbow functioning. Each of these elbow ligaments attach to two of the three bones in different ways to keep the joint stable.
Elbow Ligaments
The MCL is located on the inside of the elbow and connects the ulna to the humerus. On the opposite side is the LCL which is located on the outside of the elbow and connects the radius to the humerus. Located in between the radius and the ulna is the quadrate ligament which attaches these bones together. Lastly is the annular ligament, which is more of a ring-like structure that holds the head of the radius to the ulna. When healthy, these ligaments function in conjunction to keep the elbow stable. The MCL ligament is often associated with a Tommy John injury in baseball.
Sprains to Elbow Ligaments
Pain is never fun and when it occurs in the elbow, it can be difficult to find it “humerus” or amusing. Elbow pain is common to experience from “over doing it” at work or with a hobby. Three different bones of the arm come together and are held together with ligaments and elbow tendons to form the elbow joint. Any injuries to these ligaments can occur when the arm is put in unexpected awkward positions. Most often the ligaments are injured in sports like baseball or softball. Another common cause are falls on an outstretched arm to break the fall.
In this article, it will review the elbow ligaments and their functions, how elbow ligament injuries occur, and how physical therapy can rehabilitate and prevent these injuries.
What can cause an Elbow Strain to Occur?
With any movement, there is a possibility of an injury to the ligament described in the prior paragraph. Typically, injuries can occur with trauma. There is a forcible involuntary bending, straightening, or twisting of the elbow. Injuries to the elbow ligaments can also occur through repetitive motions and can develop because of overuse. Some examples of repetitive motions that may lead to an overuse injury involve throwing or swinging.
Signs or symptoms of a ligament sprain can include swelling, bruising, redness, inflammation, elbow pain at rest, or limited elbow bending or straightening. Depending on the severity of sprain, it typically takes 4-6 weeks for these injuries to heal. With physical therapy, treatment can assist with the healing process and safely return a patient back to normal activity.
Can Physical Therapy help Injuries to Elbow Ligaments?
As previously mentioned, physical therapy can be beneficial for the healing process of an elbow ligament strain. Improving range of motion, relieving pain, and preventing further injury are some of the benefits of physical therapy treatment.
To treat an elbow ligament sprain, there’s a variety of methods physical therapists use to address the impairment. Modalities such as icing and electrical stimulation can be used to manage pain and swelling. Manual therapy such as soft tissue mobilization and passive range of motion can be used to target muscle stiffness. Therapeutic exercise is prescribed to restore function and improve strength. Under the guidance and supervision of a physical therapist, modifying activity is another intervention used to gradually return patients back to work, school, or a sport.
It is also important to look at the athlete’s biomechanics or the form they have when they throw. This can certainly prevent another injury or re-injury. JOI Rehab has several skilled clinicians who can help with this return to sport.
Physical Therapy for the Elbow
Summary of Elbow Ligaments and Injuries
Covered in this article were the ligaments of the elbow and their functions. Also, how these ligaments can be injured, and the benefits of physical therapy and its impact on a sprain. These ligaments are important because they hold the elbow together and allow it to function. Experiencing an elbow ligament injury can be common and fortunately it is easily accessible to treat with physical therapy.
Written By: Aren Biala PTA
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