14 Exercise Steps to Treat Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a painful and debilitating condition that, if left untreated, can lead to muscle weakness in severe cases and may require surgical intervention. With that being said, not all cases of cubital tunnel syndrome will require surgery. There are many preventative measures and exercises that can be followed in order to treat the symptoms and reduce the pain associated with them.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that develops over a prolonged period of time and is typically caused by repetitive strain to the elbow joint. If left untreated, surgical intervention may be required to prevent complete muscle wastage and sensation loss in the pinky and ring finger.

There can be no promises that a certain exercise will treat cubital tunnel syndrome, but given enough focus and dedication, they can certainly help to make the condition less debilitating and painful.

Progress may be slow, but numbness and tingling sensations will gradually improve if you follow these 8 cubital tunnel exercises.

1. Nerve Gliding

One of the most commonly taught exercises to cubital tunnel syndrome sufferers is a technique called nerve gliding. This simple, yet effective exercise can help to relieve both ends of the ulnar nerve without causing any further strain. It’s also one of the most simple and easiest to do:

In a seated or standing position, hold your arm out to your side with palms facing down, then bend the elbow and point the wrist down, making a snake with your arm. Hold this position for a second, then extend your arm out completely and open up your palms to face away from you, like you are saying STOP!

Repeat the process 30 – 50 times whenever you feel any pain, remembering “snake, stop, snake, stop”. If the pain still exists, continue the exercise until the sensations and numbness have reduced enough for you to feel comfortable, or move on to the next exercise.