PHYSIO
Home > Blog > Physiotherapy & Hand Therapy > Conditions > Elbow Pain > Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Tear / Strain Physiotherapy
Elbow lateral collateral ligament (LCL) strain or tears are those that damage the soft tissue in our elbow's lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC).
The LCLC consists of four ligaments, of which, only two are typically referred to as the lateral collateral.
The four LCLC ligaments are:
Usually, only the RCL and LUCL are called the lateral collateral ligaments of the elbow. An LCL strain may affect either one or both of these fibrous bands simultaneously.
LCL injuries generally occur due to repetitive stress that damages the inner tissues of the elbow joint. It is commonly seen in athletes and people who frequently play overhead sports, like basketball, baseball, volleyball, etc.
The condition is typically characterized by:
The alternative names for LCL strains include:
In the following article, we take an in-depth look at what LCL is and how it can become strained. We also discuss the symptoms of LCL tear and the treatment options available to people suffering from this type of elbow injury.
Let’s start with the basic question:
Not to be confused with the knee lateral collateral ligament injury, the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow is a fan-shaped band of fibrous tissues located on the joint’s medial side. It originates at the medial epicondyle of the humerus and extends all the way to the proximal side of the ulna.
In other words, the LCL connects the inner side of your upper arm with the inside of your forearm.
Its main function is to ensure joint stability, particularly during rotational movement of the arm. The LCL ligament also braces your elbow against extreme pressure from external sources. It protects the joints from valgus stress and maintains a lateral-sided balance between the three main bones in your arm.
Daily activities rarely strain the LCL band.
However, prolonged use of the joint for certain motions, such as pushing and throwing can subject the ligament to laterally directed forces that can eventually cause it to rupture.
The LCL is also prone to damage due to direct trauma and forceful movement of the elbow into the varus position.
Elbow LCL injuries are often classified into three types:
Generally, people with grade 1 and 2 LCL strains are able to return to normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks. Treatment usually involves conventional techniques like bracing or taping, followed by physiotherapy.
However, individuals with grade 3 LCL rupture require a relatively long time period for complete rehabilitation. Nonetheless, with proper aftercare and compliance with physical therapy, it’s possible to play high-end sport within 12 – 16 months.
LCL injuries are most often caused by the overuse of the elbow joint.
Games and practices that involve repeated throwing motions or frequent stretching and contracting of the arm can overwork the ligaments, thereby causing them to tear.
Another leading cause of LCL injuries observed in the emergency department is falling on an outstretched hand.
LCL tears can also occur if you have fractured your elbow or have previously suffered a joint dislocation.
If left untreated, a minor LCL strain can gradually lead to severe complications.
This primarily includes the formation of bone spurs and scar tissue, which can further progress into neuropathy or nerve dysfunction.
People with a strained or torn elbow LCL band typically report a combination of the following symptoms:
Amateur or adolescent athletes in contact sports can easily suffer LCL injuries due to improper arm positions.
Sometimes, the symptoms of elbow LCL injury can mimic the symptoms of other elbow and hand conditions. These include:
If you have pain along the medial side of your elbow that doesn’t go away, it’s essential to see a doctor without delay. A physician will carefully examine the joint and may also do a medical scan (x-ray, MRI, etc.,) to confirm if it’s a lateral collateral ligament injury.
Depending on the severity of the tear, they will determine a treatment plan. This can include a combination of the following:
People with a torn or strained elbow LCL band generally do not require surgery.
However, in some cases, it may become necessary to follow an operative procedure if the tissues rupture in conjunction with a joint fracture or bone displacement. Elbow hand therapy or elbow physiotherapy will be crucial for postoperative pain management and proper joint recovery.
Physical therapy is an important protocol for healing a strained or torn lateral collateral ligament in the elbow joint.
Our expert therapists work closely with patients to prescribe the right exercises for their particular condition. The main aim is to ensure efficient recovery and help the individual regain healthy joint and muscle function.
For this, we use a range of gentle mobility and flexibility moves. When done properly under the supervision of trained physiotherapists, this can gradually help you complete the full arc of motion without any discomfort. Treatment at a physical therapy center can also include alternative methods, such as:
Our master-level therapists and physical trainers can also educate you about proper throwing mechanics and help improve your arm coordination and balance techniques during sports so you can avoid re-injury when you return to your favorite games.
NOVENA
|
TAMPINES
|
Phoenix Rehab Group works with specialist physiotherapists and rehab therapists who are highly trained, qualified, experienced and passionate to provide high level of expert care to our patients.
HAND THERAPY & CUSTOMIZED SPLINTING
Patients who sustained injuries to their elbows, forearms, hands, wrists (sprains and fractures) and fingers, usually will benefit / require Hand Therapy to
Commonly treated hand pain injuries includes
REFORMER CLINICAL PILATES & WELLNESS PILATES
Clinical Pilates is a form of physical exercise that focuses on posture, core stability, balance, control, strength, flexibility and breathing.
It is a system of safe and effective exercises, which meet specific individual needs, to treat a wide range of injuries and conditions.
You may do Pilates as matwork or with the reformer or both, and every session will be customized 100% to your fitness, injury and tolerance.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)
DEEP TISSUE RELEASE & SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY
Sports and deep tissue release massage helps to increase nutrient-rich blood flow to tired, tight and tense muscles to accelerate recovery and shorten downtime / recovery period required.
It also prevents muscles from scar tissue micro-tears (and potential ruptures), and increases muscle performance. Having regular deep tissue and sports massage will keep your muscles healthy and fit with body/movement-confidence.
Read the benefits of regular deep tissue release therapy here.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
All our allied health therapists and TCM physicians are fully insured and registered with Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Board (TCMB).
See our entire team here with introductions and their specializations.
At the first session, our specialist physiotherapists will carry out a thorough assessment, helping them to select the most appropriate treatment to help you recover as well as provide treatment in the same session.
Follow up sessions are inline to provide expert treatment for your pain as well as prescribing specific exercises to reduce your risk of re-injury and giving you a long term solution.
We appreciate you as our valued clients and want you to know that the # 1 way we grow as a clinic / brand is through word of mouth referrals from valued patients like yourself.
We prefer not to rely on advertising - instead, we prefer and appreciate the goodwill and positive reinforcement from patients. When you have the chance, please tell your family, friends and physicians about the positive results and experience you have had in our physio clinics.
NOVENA
|
TAMPINES
|
Jan 18, 23 03:01 AM
Dec 11, 22 03:43 AM
Jun 29, 22 08:32 AM
Feb 03, 22 04:05 AM
Feb 03, 22 12:16 AM
Jan 11, 22 02:01 AM
Jan 07, 22 12:28 AM
Dec 15, 21 01:47 AM
Dec 14, 21 11:23 PM
Dec 07, 21 01:31 AM