Rehabilitation of the elbow following sports injury.
Evaluation of the athlete with an elbow injury involves a complete upper extremity approach and a corresponding treatment approach that addresses the identified deficiencies to restore normal function. A significant focus should be placed on the proximal aspect of the upper extremity in addition to the obvious distal injury. A detailed review of the available treatment modalities fails to identify any clear definitive choice to address pain levels; however, a combination of modalities and appropriate exercise can be used in the early rehabilitation phases. The use of a total arm strengthening program along with evaluation of the athlete's sport mechanics is required to successfully return the patient back to their preinjury level of function. A supervised interval sport return program is also a necessary component of the complete rehabilitation program for the athlete with an elbow injury.
Ellenbecker
Todd S
TS
Physiotherapy Associates Scottsdale Sports Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, USA. ellenbeckerpt@cox.net
Pieczynski
Tad E
TE
Davies
George J
GJ
D000293:Adolescent; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000092464:Elbow Injuries