WHAT IS MEDIAL COLLATERALl LIGAMENT SPRAIN?
Medial (ulnar) Collateral Ligament (MCL) sprain is often seen in athletes such as pitchers, quarterbacks, tennis, and volleyball. The MCL is located on the inner part of the elbow. A medial collateral sprain occurs when repetitive stress is applied to the inside of the elbow. Throwing or pitching a baseball often produces medial traction on the ulnar nerve and ligament. MCL sprains are most commonly associated with throwing motions due to overactive forearm muscles which can lead to compression of the ulnar nerve during muscle contraction.
WHEN SHOULD I SEE A NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
MCL sprain treatment could include: rest, cryotherapy (cold), modalities, stretching and strengthening of weak muscle. Some prevention techniques could include proper warm ups before throwing activities, stretching before/after, and modification of biomechanical throwing errors. If pain does not improve surgery may be needed. If you’re a pitcher or a parent of a parent, please consider having a Pro Therapy physical therapist prescribe a quality throwing plan with strengthening of the proper musculature.
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