Elbow pain and arm bars
In this video we will be discussing a common cause of elbow pain and dysfunction in grappling athletes after getting arm barred.
The elbow joint is formed by three bones: the humerus, ulna and radius.
The joint is reinforced by ligaments wrapping around the head of the radius and humerus; and between the ulna and humerus.
The bicep and brachialis flex (bends) the elbow. They are the primary muscles when resisting the arm bar by flexing the elbow.
When the elbow is brought to full extension, when the grappler is tapping, the “hook” of the ulna comes into contact with the “pit” on the back of the humerus.
The surface of the joint is soft and spongy, and very sensitive to stress. The surface of the joint is aggressively compressed, causing damage.
Repetitive injury to the joint surface can cause in early onset joint degeneration (arthritis), leading to loss of range of motion, muscular weakness and pain.
In some cases, a fragment may dislodge from the joint surface and float around within the joint. This may cause clicking, catching or locking. Over time, this fragment may become larger, causing further damage. If the athlete is experiencing significant dysfunction, surgical intervention may be required.
The ulnar collateral ligament can also be involved. Injury to the ligament can lead to joint instability, causing further damage to the joint, and possible nerve entrapment.
With most cases, physical therapy can help restore joint mobility, improve muscle strength, manage pain and facilitate a return to sport.
If you are a grappler (wrestling, judo, jiu jitsu, mma) and experiencing elbow pain, give our office a call. We can help you manage this injury without the use of surgery, injections or medicine.