Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooElbow Sprain

The elbow works as a hinge joint, which lets the elbow bend and straighten (flexion and extension), and as a pivot joint, which lets you turn your palm up and down (supination and pronation) (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).

Elbow sprains are usually caused by trauma or by repetitive stress. Common causes include a fall onto an outstretched hand, sudden twisting or forceful movements, and sports injuries (UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School, 2026). Repeated overhead throwing, such as pitching a baseball, can injure the ulnar collateral ligament on the inside of the elbow, and most of these tears happen gradually through wear over time rather than from one injury (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).

1. Protect and Rest the Elbow

For the first 2 to 3 days, protect the injury, for example with a support or sling, and stop any exercise or activities that put strain on it (NHS, 2024). If your doctor or physiotherapist recommends a brace or splint, follow their advice on how to use it (UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School, 2026). I can help you work out whether a support might help and how to get one.

2. Minimise Swelling

For the first few days after the injury, avoid anything that can increase the swelling. NHS (2024) advice is to:

• apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
• wrap a bandage around the injury to support it during the day
• keep it raised on a pillow as much as possible
• avoid heat (such as hot baths and heat packs), alcohol and massage for the first couple of days

Move the elbow only gently, and without load (no carrying heavy items or bags).

3. Gentle Movement and Exercise

When you can move the elbow without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so the joint does not become stiff (NHS, 2024).

4. Therapy

If your sprain is taking longer than usual to get better, physiotherapy may help with your recovery (NHS, 2024). Physical therapy aims to restore strength and stability to the elbow (UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School, 2026). I can help with this too, with hands-on treatment and exercises to rebuild strength and stability.

Options outside my scope

• X-rays and scans: an X-ray can rule out a broken bone, and an MRI scan can show ligament damage (UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School, 2026).
• Surgery: for severe ligament tears or an elbow that stays unstable, a surgeon may recommend repairing or rebuilding the ligament (UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School, 2026).

How I can help (see the My Approach tab)

• Gentle hands-on work for the elbow, forearm and shoulder
• A graded exercise programme to rebuild strength and stability
• Taping and a guided return to sport
• Supportive care alongside your medical team after a severe tear or surgery

I start by assessing how your elbow bends, straightens and turns, gently testing the ligaments, and checking strength, feeling and reflexes in your arm and hand.

After a severe tear or surgery, I follow the same stages at your team's pace: easing compensation in the shoulder and neck, helping with swelling and stiffness, scar work once healed, and rebuilding strength once you're cleared. I keep stretching of the front of the elbow gentle after a significant injury, as forcing it can cause extra bone to form in the muscle.