Elbow Stiffness
Elbow stiffness is a common condition that can severely limit your arm's range of motion, making daily tasks such as lifting, gripping, or bending the arm difficult. Whether it arises from injury, surgery, or overuse, elbow stiffness can lead to discomfort and reduced functionality. At Brisbane Physiotherapy, we specialise in treating elbow stiffness through personalised rehabilitation plans designed to restore movement, strength, and flexibility.
Causes of Elbow Stiffness
Elbow stiffness can result from a variety of factors, including:
Trauma or Injury: Fractures, dislocations, or ligament damage to the elbow joint can lead to stiffness during the healing process. Even after the bone or ligament has healed, the surrounding soft tissues can become tight, restricting movement.
Surgery: Post-surgical stiffness is common after elbow procedures such as fracture repair or ligament reconstruction. Scar tissue forms as part of the body’s natural healing process, but excessive scar tissue can limit joint mobility.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the elbow can cause joint inflammation and stiffness. Over time, arthritis can damage the cartilage in the joint, resulting in restricted movement and pain.
Prolonged Immobilisation: After an injury or surgery, a period of immobilisation is often necessary to allow healing. However, prolonged immobilisation can cause the muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the elbow to stiffen, leading to a reduced range of motion.
Symptoms of Elbow Stiffness
Common symptoms of elbow stiffness include:
Limited range of motion: Difficulty fully bending or straightening the elbow is a key sign of stiffness.
Pain or discomfort: Movement of the elbow may cause pain, especially after prolonged rest or activity.
Swelling: In some cases, swelling around the elbow can occur, further limiting mobility.
Weakness: Reduced mobility can lead to weakness in the arm and hand, as muscles may weaken from lack of use.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Elbow Stiffness
At Brisbane Physiotherapy, we provide a comprehensive approach to treating elbow stiffness, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing pain, and preventing long-term complications.
Manual Therapy: Our physiotherapists use hands-on techniques, such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage, to release tight muscles and improve joint mobility.
Stretching Exercises: Targeted stretching helps elongate the muscles and ligaments around the elbow, gradually improving flexibility and range of motion.
Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the elbow, forearm, and shoulder helps stabilise the joint and support functional movement. This can also prevent future stiffness and injury.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Using heat can relax the muscles and increase blood flow, while cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and manage pain.
Home Exercise Program: To ensure continued progress, we provide customised home exercise programs that promote mobility and strength in between physiotherapy sessions.
Conclusion
Elbow stiffness can greatly impact your quality of life, but with the right treatment plan, you can restore mobility and regain function. At Brisbane Physiotherapy, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you overcome elbow stiffness through personalised treatment, improving your overall arm health and well-being. Early intervention is key, so if you’re experiencing elbow stiffness, contact us today to start your recovery journey.
