What is an elbow sprain?
Elbow ligament anatomy
The elbow is stabilised by two main ligaments, the medial collateral ligament (inner) and the lateral collateral ligament (outer), which prevent excessive sideways movement of the joint. An elbow sprain is a stretch, or even a partial or complete tear, of one of these ligaments, most often following a fall or a forced movement.
Why does this joint get injured?
An elbow sprain most often occurs when falling onto the hand with a straight arm, which transmits excessive force to the joint, or during a forced twisting movement of the elbow, as in combat or contact sports. Repetitive throwing sports can also gradually weaken the inner ligament.
Which sports contribute to elbow sprains?
Any sport with a risk of falling onto the hand or forced twisting of the elbow exposes you to this sprain:
- Judo, wrestling and combat sports
- Rugby, during tackles
- Cycling and mountain biking (falls onto the hands)
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Throwing sports (baseball, javelin) for the inner ligament
- Gymnastics
Treating an elbow sprain in rehab with a sports physio
The goal of treatment is to allow the ligament to heal under good conditions, while maintaining elbow mobility and progressively strengthening the stabilising muscles.
- 1Protection and pain reduction
- 2Recovering pain-free mobility
- 3Isometric strengthening
- 4Progressive concentric strengthening
- 5Elbow proprioceptive work
- 6Closed-chain strengthening
- 7Open-chain strengthening
- 8Strengthening under sport-specific load
- 9Progressive return to your sport
- 10Return to competition
Why the physio’s initial assessment matters
During the initial assessment, the physiotherapist aims to identify the exact mechanism of injury (fall, twisting, forced movement), the intensity of the initial pain, and any feeling of instability that would point to a more severe injury.
“Most elbow sprains heal very well without surgery, provided they’re properly rehabilitated.”
Strengthening, the cornerstone of treatment
Strengthening the elbow’s flexor, extensor and stabiliser muscles compensates for residual ligament laxity and restores a stable, functional joint. The return of mobility must be progressive and pain-free.
In brief
- Maintaining elbow mobility
- Strengthening the stabiliser muscles
- Progressive return to weight-bearing on the arm
- Gradual return: mobility, then load, then sport
Ready to take your elbow sprain seriously?
Start the HOPP programme designed by sports physios.
Should you rest or keep playing sport?
Brief immobilisation can be useful for comfort in the first few days for a severe sprain, but prolonged rest isn’t recommended. It’s better to gently mobilise the elbow as soon as the acute pain eases and start strengthening the stabilisers promptly.
Think you might have a different elbow injury?
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When should you see a specialist for an elbow sprain?
If you notice clear deformity, very intense pain, an inability to move the elbow, or a marked feeling of instability, prompt medical attention is needed to assess the severity of the sprain and rule out an associated fracture.
The HOPP care programmes to treat your elbow sprain and get back to sport
This sprain requires progressive support for ligament healing and muscle strengthening. HOPP offers you a precise exercise programme, allowing you to get back to your activities as quickly as possible.
The programme runs from 3 to 9 weeks depending on the injury and ends with a reconditioning phase allowing a return to competition in the best possible conditions. Each programme is designed by the HOPP team, made up of two sports physiotherapists who are experts in assessing and treating athletes. You’ll also find theoretical content throughout your progression, so you master every aspect of your recovery and can adjust your treatment independently. If needed, our team of physiotherapists is on hand to support you.
Essential
FROM INJURY TO
BACK TO YOUR ACTIVITIES
59€
One-time payment
“AT YOUR OWN PACE WITH
DAILY ADAPTATION”
- 100% of the treatment programme
- Daily personalisation
- Flexibility / Mobility
- Strengthening
- Proprioception
- Progress tracking
- Return-to-running programme
- Theoretical content included
Performance
TO GET BACK TO SPORT
IN THE BEST CONDITIONS
79€
One-time payment
“GET BACK TO YOUR LEVEL
WITHOUT RISK OF RELAPSE”
- 100% of the treatment programme
- Daily personalisation
- Flexibility / Mobility
- Strengthening
- Proprioception
- Progress tracking
- Return-to-running programme
- Theoretical content included
- + 4-week return-to-play plan with 6 difficulty levels
Expert
PERSONALISED VIDEO-CALL
SUPPORT, ANY TIME
149€
One-time payment
“A PHYSIO
WHENEVER YOU NEED”
- 100% of the treatment programme
- Daily personalisation
- Flexibility / Mobility, Strengthening, Proprioception
- Progress tracking
- Return-to-running programme
- Theoretical content included
- + 4-week return-to-play plan with 6 difficulty levels
- + 2 video calls with an expert sports physio / return check-up
A programme that adapts to you every day
Every day, how you feel (RPE) is factored in to automatically adjust the rest of your programme: more load if all is well, a bit less if your elbow is complaining. This daily personalisation is what makes the difference compared to a fixed, paper-based programme.
Ready to start your programme?
Join the HOPP support programme designed by sports physios.
F.A.Q
Does the HOPP programme replace a medical consultation?
No. HOPP is a support and rehab tool designed by sports physiotherapists, but it doesn’t replace a doctor’s opinion. If in doubt, or if the pain persists, see a health professional.
Is the programme suited to all sporting levels?
Yes. Every programme is personalised to your sport, your level and how you feel each day, whether you’re a recreational athlete or preparing for competition.
Does an elbow sprain always need surgery?
No, most sprains heal well with functional treatment and rehab. Only complete tears with significant instability may require surgery.
How long does it take to get back to sport?
For a simple sprain, returning to sport generally happens between three and six weeks, depending on severity and the sport practised.
Could the elbow stay stiff?
The elbow is a joint that tends to stiffen easily after an injury: that’s why it’s important to maintain gentle, regular mobilisation as soon as possible, without waiting for complete healing.
