Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
What Is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common peripheral nerve entrapment after carpal tunnel syndrome. The ulnar nerve becomes compressed or stretched as it passes through the cubital tunnel — the groove on the inner side of the elbow (the 'funny bone' area). It is particularly common in people who rest their elbow on hard surfaces for prolonged periods, or who sleep with the elbow flexed.
Symptoms
Classic symptoms include: aching or shooting pain on the inner side of the elbow, numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, weakness in hand grip and pinch (particularly affecting fine motor tasks), difficulty with hand dexterity, and pain that worsens with sustained elbow flexion (talking on phone, sleeping with bent elbow).
Physiotherapy Treatment
Ulnar Nerve Mobilisation
Ulnar nerve mobilisation techniques — moving the nerve through the cubital tunnel and along its course in the forearm — reduce neural tension and adhesions. These are one of the most effective physiotherapy interventions for cubital tunnel syndrome.
Elbow Splinting
A padded elbow splint worn at night keeps the elbow in a position of minimal nerve stretch (30–45° of flexion), significantly reducing nocturnal symptoms. This is often the single most effective intervention for mild-moderate cubital tunnel syndrome.
Activity Modification
Identifying and modifying activities that compress or stretch the ulnar nerve: avoiding prolonged elbow resting, modifying phone-holding technique, workstation ergonomics.
Elbow Flexor Stretching
Gentle elbow extension stretching reduces the chronic shortening of the elbow flexors that increases cubital tunnel compression during full flexion.
Cubital Tunnel Treatment in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we treat most cubital tunnel cases successfully without surgery. Book your arm pain assessment today.