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An elbow injury can be a painful setback, often requiring the expertise of a skilled physical therapist for effective rehabilitation. Understanding the intricacies of the elbow's anatomy is crucial in comprehending specific injuries and tailoring rehabilitation strategies. The elbow joint comprises three bones – the humerus, radius, and ulna – forming a hinge joint that facilitates bending and straightening movements. Ligaments, sturdy pieces of cartilage, connect these bones and provide essential support while allowing for motion.
Within the elbow joint, three key ligaments—the ulnar collateral ligament, radial collateral ligament, and annular ligament—contribute to stability. Common injuries, such as ulnar collateral ligament rupture, annular ligament disruption, radial collateral ligament rupture, and elbow dislocation, often result from traumatic incidents like a fall on an outstretched hand. To address these injuries, immediate steps involve consulting a healthcare provider to rule out severe damage and initiating the R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method to control inflammation. Physical therapists play a pivotal role in the rehabilitation process, employing the P.O.L.I.C.E. principle (protection, optimal loading, ice, compression, and elevation) and prescribing targeted exercises to restore range of motion and strengthen the forearm and wrist, facilitating a full recovery and a return to previous levels of function and activity. Understanding the complexity of the elbow joint and its ligaments is the first step toward effective treatment and recovery under the guidance of a physical therapist.
Read Dr. Marko's most recent contribution in Verywell Health to understand all things elbow.
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