Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooCubital Tunnel Syndrome
Elbow, Wrist & Hand
What It Is
Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve in the arm becomes irritated or compressed (squeezed) at the elbow (AAOS, n.d.). The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves in your arm. It travels from your neck down into your hand, and it can be squeezed in several places along the way, such as beneath the collarbone or at the wrist (AAOS, n.d.). Most of the symptoms are felt in the hand: typically numbness and tingling in your little finger and ring finger, which often come and go. There can also be an aching pain on the inside of the elbow. Later-stage or more severe compression can cause a weak grip and difficulty with finger coordination (AAOS, n.d.).
The most common place for the ulnar nerve to be squeezed is behind the inside of the elbow, next to where your "funny bone" is – this is cubital tunnel syndrome (AAOS, n.d.). A pinched nerve in the neck can cause similar symptoms (AAOS, n.d.), so if you also suffer with neck pain, simply let me know so I can check your neck.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Anatomy
Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.
Treatment
Self-Care & Treatment
How to Treat Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Tips
Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor or nurse practitioner
Treatment
My Approach
The ulnar nerve can be irritated anywhere along its path, so my aim is to find what's irritating it, take pressure off it, and change the habits that keep it going.
If your symptoms are mild (tingling or numbness in the little and ring fingers that comes and goes, with no weakness), I can treat you directly. If you have weakness in your grip, clumsy fingers, thinning of the hand muscles, symptoms that are getting worse, or milder symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks, please see your doctor first. Once they've checked you, I provide supportive care alongside their plan.
I start by assessing your neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist, with a nerve screen (sensation, reflexes and strength) and grip testing, and I ask about your work, sport and sleeping positions.
Mild Symptoms
- Massage, trigger point and myofascial work along the nerve's path: the forearm, upper arm, chest, neck and shoulder, without pressing on the nerve at the funny bone
- Gentle mobilisation of the neck and upper back if they're stiff, with no quick thrusts
- Nerve gliding exercises, coached in the session first, then as a home programme
- Changes to elbow positions at your desk, on the phone, when driving and at night
- Stretching, then strengthening for the forearm, grip and shoulder, including adjusting grip and elbow position in the gym
After Medical Care or Surgery
What to Expect
Typical Course
What I Focus On
Please read
When to See a Doctor First
When to See Your Doctor
If the nerve is badly squeezed, or has been squeezed for a long time, the muscles in the hand can waste away, and this cannot be reversed. See your doctor if your symptoms are severe, or if they are milder but have lasted more than 6 weeks (AAOS, n.d.).
Sources
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) (n.d.) Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome). Available at: https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases--conditions/ulnar-nerve-entrapment-at-the-elbow (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) (n.d.) Cubital tunnel syndrome. Available at: https://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/conditions/22/cubital_tunnel_syndrome (Accessed: 7 October 2026).