Ulnar Neuropathy Physical Therapy

According to the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS), ulnar neuropathy is an inflammation of the ulnar nerve, a major nerve in your arm that runs down into your hand. In the treatment of any neuro deficiency or neuropathy disorder, patients can benefit greatly from incorporating an extensive and long-term physical therapy program under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. In order to obtain the highest benefit from physical therapy, patients will typically incorporate numerous body parts and muscle groups in a treatment plan and exercise program.

Initial Therapy

• As with most physical therapy treatment plans, maintaining the body's natural range of motion (ROM) and increasing muscle strength is the main goal. According to WomenFitness.net, the inflamed ulnar nerve in a patient can cause numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and other discomfort varying in severity and complexity. In order to increase and maintain ROM, patients will implement exercises such as shoulder shrugs, neck rolls and passive stretching with the assistance of a physical therapist. Heat and ice therapy may also be used in order to further promote blood flow to the affected areas and reduce further inflammation risk. Manual mobilization techniques may also be introduced by the therapist in order to minimize joint freezing and muscle tension.

Mid Therapy

• Depending on the severity of the patient's condition, advanced exercises that incorporate weight-bearing and resistance training may be implemented in the treatment plan weeks into therapy. Passive stretching will continue throughout the treatment process in order to maintain ROM gained from previous therapy sessions. However, patients may be asked to focus more on muscle strength at this time. According to the UMHS, exercises such as finger and grip squeezes should offer patients adequate training on fine muscle groups surrounding the ulnar nerve. Additional hand exercises may be incorporated for patients who have difficulty performing intricate finger movements, such as buttoning a shirt or using a pen. Heat and ice therapy will typically be continued throughout the duration of therapy.

Discharge and Home Therapy

• Since ulnar neuropathy is a chronic condition, many patients may experience symptoms for many years. Even at the time of therapy discharge, full ROM may not be obtained and some discomfort may still be present. However, therapists will typically prescribe a home therapy program for patients to continue away from the clinic in order to maintain all progress gained during treatment. Patients will also usually undergo continued physician observation to monitor nervous system progression.