Elbow Education

Stop guessing about your elbow pain. Access specialized educational resources that explain the “why” behind your symptoms and provide a clear, interdisciplinary path toward effective treatment.

Elbow Conditions

Precision Diagnostics.

Elbow pain is often a diagnostic puzzle involving tendons, ligaments, and nerves in a very compact space. We use our advanced scope to provide the precision needed for an accurate diagnosis.

  • Epicondylalgia (Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow): Moving beyond “rest and ice” to address chronic recalcitrant cases through specialized loading and mechanical insight.
  • Nerve Entrapment Syndromes: Expert triage for Cubital Tunnel (Ulnar nerve) and Radial Tunnel syndromes, ensuring neurological symptoms are identified and managed before permanent damage occurs.
  • Ligamentous Injuries (UCL/RCL): Assessment for stability and structural integrity, particularly for throwing athletes or post-traumatic injuries.
  • Distal Biceps & Triceps Pathology: Specialized screening for tendon tears and insertional issues that require timely surgical or conservative intervention.
The Role of Ultrasound in Elbow Pain: Dynamic vs. Static Imaging
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The Role of Ultrasound in Elbow Pain: Dynamic vs. Static Imaging

The Role of Ultrasound in Elbow Pain: Dynamic vs. Static Imaging At a Glance Ultrasound (US) is a powerful, non-invasive diagnostic tool that serves as the "eyes" of the clinician for superficial structures of the elbow. Unlike MRI, it allows…
Common Extensor Origin Repair: Repairing the Foundation of the Lateral Elbow
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Common Extensor Origin Repair: Repairing the Foundation of the Lateral Elbow

Common Extensor Origin Repair: Repairing the Foundation of the Lateral Elbow At a Glance Common Extensor Origin (CEO) repair is a surgical intervention reserved for chronic, recalcitrant lateral epicondylosis (Tennis Elbow) that has failed…
Elbow Arthroscopic Osteocapsular Arthroplasty: Unlocking the Stiff Elbow
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Elbow Arthroscopic Osteocapsular Arthroplasty: Unlocking the Stiff Elbow

Elbow Arthroscopic Osteocapsular Arthroplasty: Unlocking the Stiff Elbow At a Glance Elbow Arthroscopic Osteocapsular Arthroplasty (AOA) is a sophisticated, minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to restore range of motion in a "stiff"…
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): The Evidence for Upper Extremity Tendons
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PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): The Evidence for Upper Extremity Tendons

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): The Evidence for Upper Extremity Tendons At a Glance Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an autologous orthobiologic treatment that utilizes a concentrated sample of a patient's own platelets to stimulate a healing response…
Ulnar Nerve Transposition: Surgical Solutions for Cubital Tunnel
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Ulnar Nerve Transposition: Surgical Solutions for Cubital Tunnel

Ulnar Nerve Transposition: Surgical Solutions for Cubital Tunnel At a Glance Ulnar Nerve Transposition is a surgical procedure used to treat advanced Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. It involves moving the ulnar nerve from its natural position behind…
Ulnar Nerve Subluxation: Beyond Simple Compression

Ulnar Nerve Subluxation: Beyond Simple Compression

Ulnar Nerve Subluxation: Beyond Simple Compression At a Glance Ulnar nerve subluxation occurs when the ulnar nerve intermittently slips over the medial epicondyle (the "funny bone") during elbow flexion. Unlike static cubital tunnel syndrome,…
Plica Syndrome of the Elbow: The Hidden Mechanical Imposter

Plica Syndrome of the Elbow: The Hidden Mechanical Imposter

Plica Syndrome of the Elbow: The Hidden Mechanical Imposter At a Glance Plica syndrome of the elbow occurs when a redundant fold of synovial tissue—a remnant of fetal development—becomes thickened, inflamed, or fibrotic. Often mistaken…
Posterolateral Rotational Instability (PLRI) of the Elbow

Posterolateral Rotational Instability (PLRI) of the Elbow

Posterolateral Rotational Instability (PLRI) of the Elbow At a Glance Posterolateral Rotational Instability (PLRI) is the most common pattern of chronic elbow instability, characterized by a deficiency in the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)…
Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Why your “Tennis Elbow” might actually be a nerve entrapment

Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Why your “Tennis Elbow” might actually be a nerve entrapment

Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Why your "Tennis Elbow" might actually be a nerve entrapment At a Glance Radial Tunnel Syndrome (RTS) is a compressive neuropathy of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) in the proximal forearm. Often misdiagnosed…
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the Elbow: The Young Athlete’s Triage Guide

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the Elbow: The Young Athlete’s Triage Guide

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the Elbow: The Young Athlete’s Triage Guide At a Glance Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the elbow is a joint condition where bone underneath the cartilage of the capitellum (the outer part of the elbow)…
Elbow Osteoarthritis: Managing Bone Spurs and Loss of Motion

Elbow Osteoarthritis: Managing Bone Spurs and Loss of Motion

Elbow Osteoarthritis: Managing Bone Spurs and Loss of Motion At a Glance Elbow Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition characterized by the wear of articular cartilage and the development of osteophytes (bone spurs). Unlike weight-bearing…
Radial Tunnel Syndrome: The “Great Masquerader” of Lateral Elbow Pain

Radial Tunnel Syndrome: The “Great Masquerader” of Lateral Elbow Pain

Radial Tunnel Syndrome: The "Great Masquerader" of Lateral Elbow Pain At a Glance Radial Tunnel Syndrome (RTS) is a dynamic compression neuropathy of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) as it passes through the radial tunnel. Often misdiagnosed…

The Basics

Simple effective “Rules of the Elbow” for what you can do to prevent and ease elbow pain.

Smoking can slow down and interfere with the healing of bones, skin and other body tissues. As a result, recovery from an elbow injury can be slower or less complete.

Epicondylitis – Tennis and golfers elbow
Epicondylitis is the most common type of elbow pain, but can significantly affect daily life at its most severe. If you have been diagnosed with epicondylitis, try this simple exercise program (hyperlink) to help manage symptoms. Also, try to recognize what makes your symptoms worse, such as repetitive strains or poor ergonomics, and modify your activities to address undue strain on the elbow.

Nerve pain
Nerve pain from the elbow can present as tingling or numbness in the 4th and 5th fingers, which can often be painful at night time. To help reduce the pain at night, try using a brace or towel to keep the elbow straight. This can help reduce the strain on the nerve and lessen the pain at night.

Elbow pain is often triggered by specific movements or positions. If this is the case for you, try to keep track of what brings on your symptoms and adapt your routine or positioning around these factors.

Strengthening the muscles around the elbow can help to stabilize the joint, which in time can relief pain. The ESP will discuss a management plan specific to you, but prior to you appointment try to strengthen the elbow as much as possible.

But if you must… let your legs do the work. Hold the weight close to your body and avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously. Ask for help if the object is heavy or awkward.

Keep your elbows close to your body and at 90 degrees, where the bicep muscle is most able to support the elbow.

One of the biggest myths after suffering an elbow injury is to immobilize the elbow to protect it from further injury. However this often leads to stiffness, more pain and longer recovery.

If the elbow swells it can lose movement and you may not be able to straighten it all the way. After ruling out serious injury, gently bending and straightening the elbow can help remove the fluid from the joint capsule to regain movement. Starting movement early can help reduce the risk of long-term reductions in movement from the soft tissue tightening.

Gain a New Perspective on Your Pain

Stop guessing about your recovery. Let our specialized team provide the insight and education you need to move forward with confidence.