Wrist and elbow injuries are common among athletes, active individuals, and even those of us with repetitive daily movements. Whether from overuse, trauma, or improper mechanics, these injuries can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. At Canyon Sports Therapy, we specialize in treating wrist and elbow conditions with personalized, evidence-based care to help our patients recover fully and prevent future issues.
Common Wrist and Elbow Injuries and Their Causes
Wrist Injuries
- Wrist Sprains and Strains:
These occur when the ligaments or tendons in the wrist are overstretched or torn. This is often due to falls, sudden twisting motions, or repetitive use. Athletes in sports like mountain biking or cycling, tennis, and gymnastics, are particularly prone to wrist sprains. - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS):
CTS is a repetitive stress injury caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. It frequently affects individuals who perform repetitive hand movements, such as typing, lifting, or using vibrating tools. You may have CTS if you are experiencing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. - TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) Tears:
The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex cartilage stabilizes the wrist joint. Tears often result from falls or overuse, causing pain on the ulnar side (pinky side) of the wrist, along with instability or clicking sensations.
Elbow Injuries
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis):
This is one of the most common elbow conditions, caused by repetitive stress on the forearm tendons. It often affects tennis players, golfers, and those with occupations requiring repetitive arm movements. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. - Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis):
Similar to tennis elbow, this condition affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. It results from repetitive wrist flexion and gripping motions. Pain, stiffness, and weakness are common symptoms. - Elbow Sprains and Fractures:
Traumatic injuries, such as falls or direct blows, can cause ligament sprains or bone fractures in the elbow. These injuries lead to pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
Treatment Approaches at Canyon Sports Therapy
At Canyon Sports Therapy, we take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to treating wrist and elbow injuries. Our goal is to not only alleviate pain but also restore function and prevent recurrence.
1. Thorough Evaluation
Our expert physical therapists begin with a detailed assessment, including movement analysis and strength testing. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools to identify the root cause of your pain, ensuring a personalized, accurate and effective treatment plan.
2. Personalized Rehabilitation Programs
We design customized treatment plans based on each patient’s condition, goals, and lifestyle. Common treatments include:
- Biomechanical Analysis: We assess movement patterns to correct mechanics and reduce stress on the affected joints.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce soft tissue restrictions.
- Therapeutic Exercise: Targeted strengthening and flexibility exercises to restore function and prevent re-injury.
- Neuromuscular Re-education: Techniques to improve coordination and stability in the wrist and elbow.
3. Return-to-Sport and Prevention Strategies
For athletes and active individuals, we create sport-specific rehabilitation plans to safely return them to their activities. We also provide education on proper body mechanics, equipment adjustments, and injury prevention strategies.
Why Choose Canyon Sports Therapy?
Our team at Canyon Sports Therapy specializes in treating orthopedic and sports-related injuries with personalized, one-on-one care. Whether you’re dealing with tennis elbow, wrist sprains, or chronic overuse conditions, we’re committed to helping you achieve long-term recovery and return to the activities you love.
If you’re experiencing wrist or elbow pain, don’t wait—start your successful recovery story today. Contact Canyon Sports Therapy today to schedule an evaluation and get back to pain-free movement.
