Can't straighten your elbow? 5 reasons physical therapists say it could happen without injury

Not being able to straighten your arm has a bigger impact on your everyday life than you may realize. It can be frustrating to not be able to comfortably grab something off a shelf or carry grocery bags. But while there are many injuries that can result in elbow pain and reduced mobility, it’s possible that a condition is actually the root issue.

If you can’t straighten your arm at the elbow, you might think that you have tennis elbow or a torn ligament. But it’s also possible that the reduced range of motion isn't the result of an injury. There are several conditions that can make it difficult to extend your elbow, many of which can be addressed through physical therapy. 

Read on to learn possible explanations for reduced elbow mobility without injury as well as how physical therapy at Performance Rehab can help you to restore your range of motion.

1. Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are both types of joint issues that can develop in the elbow. Osteoarthritis involves the cartilage at the end of the bone wearing down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the immune system attacks the joint lining. 

RA is the most common type of elbow arthritis. In a national study, more than 35% of study participants with RA experienced elbow arthritis symptoms.

While the symptoms can vary depending on the type, stiffness and limited range of motion are common among any elbow arthritis.

2. Nerve compression

There are three major nerves that affect the elbow: median, radial and ulnar. Compression, or entrapment, occurs when the nerve is pinched from surrounding tight tissue or a mass, like a cyst. The ulnar nerve is the most common elbow nerve to be impacted by compression.

The ulnar nerve travels down the arm, through the elbow and into your hand to help you complete motor functions. Ulnar nerve entrapment, also known as cubital tunnel syndrome, can be caused by trauma, overuse or tumors. 

3. Bursitis

Fluid-filled sacs called bursae work as cushions for bones to protect them from surrounding soft tissue. If one of these sacs becomes inflamed, it’s referred to as bursitis. The most common type to occur in the elbow is olecranon bursitis, affecting the bursa at the tip of the elbow.

Bursitis can make it difficult to extend your arm, and it can also cause swelling and reduced grip strength.

4. Inactivity

If you don’t move a joint or muscle for a while, the area could stiffen up and make it difficult (or even painful) to move. If your elbow is inactive for a long period of time, such as being in a sedentary position for hours at a time or being in a cast following an injury, it could be hard to straighten your elbow for a bit.

Inactivity can cause the tissue surrounding your elbow joint to shorten, or fluid can build up without proper circulation. If your elbow was recently injured, scar tissue could develop that impacts movement.

5. Tendinitis

Tendinitis refers to inflammation of the tendons that connect your elbow joint to your forearm muscles. Along with reduced mobility, there may also be swelling and creaking sounds during movement.

Tendinitis can be either an injury or condition, depending on the way that it developed. While it can be caused by overuse or injury, such as a strain, it’s also possible for it to develop from factors out of your control. Tendinitis can be caused by other medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be associated with aging, as tendons lose flexibility. 

Performance Rehab can provide physical therapy to help your elbow mobility

Every type of elbow issue, whether it be from an injury or condition, deserves treatment. At Performance Rehab, we can help pinpoint the likely cause of your reduced elbow mobility and figure out which treatments will be the most effective for restoring it.

We’ll create a personalized treatment plan based on the cause and severity of your symptoms, as well as your overall wellness goals. Treating an elbow will often include targeted exercises, joint mobilization and dry needling.

We’ll not only work to improve your elbow’s range of motion, but we’ll also help to boost the strength and flexibility of the affected area to reduce the risk of further issues or future injuries.

Early intervention is key to lasting recovery. Contact us today to explore your options or request an appointment and start your path toward pain-free performance.