A sprain is an injury to a ligament at a joint. Arm sprains can occur in any ligament around the shoulder, elbow, forearm and wrist. Ligaments are inelastic structures that span the gap from one side of a joint to the other. Joints are made to move but also require sufficient stability to withstand the forces transmitted through them by muscles and outside sources. The ligaments throughout the arm play an important role in limiting motion, holding bones in their proper places and absorbing shock.

Sprains in the arm usually occur due to trauma such as a fall or when a sudden and unexpected force is applied to the joint. Someone with increased laxity in their ligaments, whether due to chronic sprains or a condition that promotes hypermobility, may experience repeated sprains in a given area. When a joint is moved beyond its normal range of motion it stresses and stretches the inelastic fibers of the ligament and can cause tearing. Because the primary function of ligaments is to provide passive stabilization to the area, loss of stability can range from mild to severe with a ligament sprain.

We can categorize a sprain based on its severity:

• Grade I (mild): microscopic damage has occurred to the ligament but only mild local tenderness and minimal bruising/swelling is noted without compromising joint stability. Typically takes 2-3 weeks to heal.
• Grade II (moderate): partial tear/rupture of the ligament. Obvious swelling and tenderness noted over the injured ligament but joint instability is either minimal or absent. May require up to 6 weeks to heal.
• Grade III (severe): complete rupture of the ligament with severe swelling and tenderness. This injury may be difficult to distinguish from a fracture initially. Instability of the joint is noticeable due to the severity of the rupture. Prolonged time to heal is frequent and may require surgery to repair.

• Pain, tenderness and swelling over one of the arm bones
• Redness and bruising
• Difficulty moving the affected part of the arm

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help correct your arm issues, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR A SPRAINED ARM

In the first week or so after an arm sprain, your physical therapist will guide you on how to protect the recently injured and newly healing ligament. You want to minimize any movement that causes pain or places any stretch or strain across the injured site. They may recommend bracing or taping to protect the injured area and reduce pain.

Aside from protecting the area of injury, in this very early phase, your physical therapy treatment will focus on reducing inflammation and pain and maintaining strength in unaffected areas above the injury. To achieve these goals your physical therapy treatment may consist of the application of ice or light soft tissue work to mobilize any edema. Modalities such as electrical stimulation or ultrasound may be applied to increase circulation, decrease inflammation and control pain.

As the healing tissues become stronger, inflammation subsides and pain is reduced, it is time to move on to the next phase of rehab which consists of light muscle activation and endurance work, graded active range of motion and very light stretching. Finally, in the later stages of healing your physical therapy treatment will focus on exercises and activities that prepare the injured ligament to withstand the stress and strain of everyday life and the sports and recreational activities we love to do.

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN EVALUATION FOR YOUR SPRAINED ARM

While no one wants to deal with a sprained arm, having the right care team to help you recover can make all the difference. The team of physical therapists at Evolve is here and ready to get you on the road to recovery. Call to schedule your initial evaluation today.