Expert Orthopedic Care

Elbow Pain & Injury Treatment

The elbow joint enables us to flex, bend, reach, and rotate our arms — making it essential to nearly every daily activity and athletic movement. When an elbow injury or chronic condition interferes with that function, even simple tasks can become painful and frustrating.

Dr. Anthony Cappellino, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating patients with a full range of elbow conditions. Whether you need conservative care or surgical intervention, the goal is always the same — accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and a return to the life you want to live.

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Expert Diagnosis

Common Hip Conditions Dr. Cappellino Treats

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is one of the most common elbow conditions, caused by overuse and repetitive strain on the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, it affects far more than just tennis players — anyone who performs repetitive arm, wrist, or hand movements is susceptible. Both non-surgical and surgical options are available to alleviate pain and restore full elbow function.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Tears

UCL tears are common among throwing athletes, particularly baseball pitchers, and can range from mild sprains to complete ruptures. Both conservative management and surgical reconstruction — commonly known as Tommy John surgery — are available, with the approach tailored to the severity of the injury and the patient’s activity goals.

Elbow Fractures

Elbow fractures can result from falls, direct impacts, or traumatic injuries and range in severity from hairline cracks to complex multi-fragment breaks. Advanced techniques are used to repair and rehabilitate elbow fractures, with surgical fixation employed when necessary to ensure proper healing and the best possible long-term outcome.

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow causes pain and inflammation on the inside of the elbow, resulting from overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. Personalized treatment plans focus on reducing pain, restoring strength, and enhancing elbow function so patients can return to their sport or daily activities without discomfort.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated at the elbow, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. Treatment ranges from activity modification and bracing to surgical nerve decompression in more persistent cases.

Additional Elbow Conditions

Beyond these common diagnoses, treatment extends to a broad range of elbow conditions, including olecranon bursitis, distal bicep tendon tears, elbow instability, and post-traumatic joint stiffness.

Advanced Care

Comprehensive Elbow Treatment Options

Dr. Capellino offers a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to your specific injury, lifestyle, and recovery goals.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Conservative care is always considered first. Physical therapy, bracing, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and activity modification can provide meaningful relief for many elbow conditions without the need for surgery.

Tendon Repair

Advanced tendon repair techniques are used to restore function in patients with tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or distal bicep tendon tears. The approach is tailored to the severity of the damage and the patient’s individual needs and activity goals.

Arthroscopic Surgery

For conditions requiring surgical intervention, minimally invasive arthroscopy is used whenever possible. Smaller incisions mean less scarring, reduced postoperative pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Fracture Management

Elbow fractures are managed using state-of-the-art techniques, including surgical fixation when necessary, to ensure proper bone alignment and healing. A customized rehabilitation program follows to restore the full range of motion and strength.

UCL Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery)

For athletes with significant UCL tears who wish to return to throwing sports, UCL reconstruction — commonly known as Tommy John surgery — replaces the damaged ligament with a tendon graft to restore elbow stability and function. The procedure has a well-established track record of allowing athletes to return to their sport at or above their prior level of performance.

Dr. Cappellino’s Treatment Approach

Comprehensive Evaluation

A thorough physical examination, complete medical history review, and advanced imaging, including X-ray and MRI, are used to accurately diagnose your elbow condition and identify the most effective treatment path.

Conservative Treatment First

Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, bracing, and other non-surgical treatments are always considered before surgery is recommended. Many elbow conditions respond well to conservative care alone.

Surgical Planning & Options

When surgery is the right path forward, advanced pre-operative planning ensures the procedure is precisely tailored to your anatomy and goals. Minimally invasive approaches are used whenever clinically appropriate.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

A personalized post-operative rehabilitation program is provided to maximize strength, mobility, and long-term outcomes following elbow surgery.

What to Expect

Elbow Surgery Recovery Timeline

Recovery varies depending on the type of elbow procedure performed. Below is a general guide for the most common surgical treatments.

Weeks 1-3Immobilization to protect the fracture. Ice and elevation help manage swelling during this phase.

Week 3-8 Range of motion exercises begin as healing progresses. Physical therapy focuses on restoring elbow movement and preventing stiffness.

Months 2-4 Strengthening exercises are introduced. Most patients regain meaningful function during this phase.

Months 4-6 Full recovery for most elbow fractures, depending on the severity and whether surgical fixation was required.

Weeks 1-3The elbow is immobilized in a brace. Gentle range of motion exercises begin under the guidance of a physical therapist.

Week 3-6Bracing continues, and the range of motion exercises progress. Swelling and discomfort decrease steadily during this phase.

Months 2-4 Strengthening of the elbow, forearm, and shoulder begins. Most patients resume light daily activities during this period.

Months 4-9Progressive throwing program begins for athletic patients. Return to throwing is introduced gradually and monitored closely.

Months 12–18 Full return to competitive throwing sports for most patients. Tommy John surgery has one of the longest recovery timelines of any orthopedic procedure, and patience with the rehabilitation process is essential to a successful outcome.

Weeks 1–2 The arm is rested and protected. Gentle range of motion exercises begin toward the end of this phase to prevent stiffness.

Weeks 2-6 Physical therapy begins, focused on restoring range of motion and beginning gentle strengthening of the forearm and surrounding muscles.

Months 2–4Strengthening progresses, and most patients return to light daily activities. Grip strength and endurance continue to improve during this phase.

Months 4–6Most patients return to sport and physically demanding activities. Full recovery from tennis elbow surgery typically occurs within 6 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?

Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow due to overuse of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, while golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow from strain on the tendons attaching to the medial epicondyle. Despite their names, both conditions affect far more than just athletes — anyone who performs repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting motions is susceptible. Both respond well to conservative treatment in most cases, though the specific therapy approach differs based on which tendons are affected.

Can tennis elbow heal without surgery?

Yes, the majority of tennis elbow cases resolve with conservative treatment. Physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, and corticosteroid injections successfully manage most cases without the need for surgery. Surgical intervention is typically only considered when symptoms persist despite 6–12 months of consistent conservative care. Patients who commit early to an appropriate rehabilitation program tend to see the best outcomes without ever requiring surgery.

How do I know if my elbow pain is serious enough to see a doctor?

Elbow pain that persists for more than a few weeks, worsens with activity, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness in the hand, or a noticeable loss of range of motion warrants an orthopedic evaluation. These symptoms can indicate conditions such as tennis elbow, UCL damage, cubital tunnel syndrome, or early joint degeneration — all of which respond significantly better to treatment when addressed early. A comprehensive evaluation is the best way to identify the cause and determine the right course of care.

What is cubital tunnel syndrome, and how is it treated?

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated at the elbow, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the ring finger and pinky — symptoms that are often worse at night or when the elbow is bent for extended periods. Mild to moderate cases are often managed with activity modification, bracing, and physical therapy. When conservative treatment fails to provide relief, surgical nerve decompression can alleviate pressure on the nerve and restore normal sensation and hand function.

Where To Get Treatment For Elbow Pain

Elbow pain and elbow injuries are treatable. Whether you are dealing with a recent injury, a chronic condition, or exploring your options for the first time, a comprehensive evaluation is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Patients across Long Island trust Dr. Cappellino for expert elbow care. The office is conveniently located and accessible from communities throughout Nassau and Suffolk County. New patients are welcome.

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