Elbow Care

Elbow Injury Treatment in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

UMass Memorial Health offers expert diagnosis and treatment for every type of elbow pain and injury in children and adults. Our team includes orthopedic specialists who have specialty training in elbow conditions.

Our orthopedic specialists have deep knowledge of the latest surgical techniques to repair even severe elbow injuries. You receive the latest therapies, including ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (Tommy John surgery). This advanced procedure repairs a torn elbow ligament and helps many athletes regain their pre-injury strength and coordination.

Elbow Conditions We Treat 

Our team diagnoses and treats any type of elbow problem, including:

• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Elbow arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA), psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Elbow bursitis
• Elbow fractures
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Medial epicondylitis (golfer elbow or baseball elbow)
• Nursemaid’s elbow in children

Our Treatment for Elbow Conditions

We care for children and adults of all ages and activity levels. Our team offers surgical and nonsurgical care for elbow injuries, which may include:

Noninvasive Therapies

We may fit you for a brace or splint to support your elbow as it heals. Rest, ice or anti-inflammatory medications can also help you recover.

Rehabilitation Therapy

Our skilled physical, occupational and sports therapists help you heal and recover with therapeutic exercise, stretching and massage. Learn more about Rehabilitation Therapy.

Injections

Our orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists offer injections (shots) that control pain and inflammation and promote healing. You can get the latest injections that provide excellent results for elbow injuries, including corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Surgery

If noninvasive treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, we may recommend surgery. The type of surgery you need depends on your diagnosis and lifestyle. Our specialists perform:

• Arthroscopy: This surgery uses an arthroscope (thin instrument with a light and camera). Arthroscopic surgery is an effective way to repair fractures, tendonitis and various sports injuries. Our minimally invasive techniques result in less pain and a faster recovery.
• Traditional (open) elbow surgery: Complex or severe injuries sometimes require open surgery. Our skilled surgeons perform ligament repair and reconstruction as well as elbow replacement surgery to help get rid of pain and restore movement.
• UCL reconstruction: Commonly known as Tommy John surgery, this procedure involves replacing your damaged ligament with a donor ligament or your own tissue. Our specialists have helped many athletes return to their sport using this surgical technique, even if they had a severely torn UCL.