Targeted hand therapy for ulnar nerve irritation at the elbow

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Gold Coast

At Evergreen Hand Therapy, we provide evidence-based assessment and treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by pressure or irritation of the ulnar nerve as it passes around the back of the elbow.

This can lead to numbness or tingling in the hand, elbow pain, hand weakness, and difficulty with everyday tasks.

Led by Dr Lauren Miller, Accredited Hand Therapist (AHTA), Evergreen Hand Therapy offers one-to-one care for people across Varsity Lakes, Robina, Burleigh, and the wider Gold Coast. With a PhD in finger fracture management and more than 20 years of upper-limb clinical experience, Dr Miller tailors hand therapy treatment to reduce nerve irritation, protect hand strength, and support safe return to work, sport, and daily life.

This condition can affect office workers, tradespeople, gym-goers, cyclists, and anyone who spends long periods with the elbow bent or leaning on hard surfaces. Early treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome can help prevent worsening symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term weakness or muscle loss in the hand.

Understanding Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a type of ulnar nerve entrapment that occurs at the elbow. The ulnar nerve runs through a narrow space called the cubital tunnel on the inner side of the elbow, and symptoms develop when the nerve is compressed, stretched, or irritated in this area.

People often describe it as a pinched nerve in the elbow or “funny bone” pain even though the broader nerve issue may also be described as ulnar nerve entrapment. Common symptoms may include:

  • Tingling or numbness in the little finger and part of the ring finger
  • Aching pain along the inner side of the elbow
  • Weak grip or loss of hand strength
  • Clumsiness with fine motor tasks such as typing, gripping, or buttoning clothing
  • Night symptoms that worsen when the elbow stays bent for long periods

Diagnosis and Assessment

A thorough assessment helps identify whether symptoms are coming from cubital tunnel syndrome or another source of nerve irritation. At Evergreen Hand Therapy, assessment may include:

  • Review of symptoms, onset, aggravating activities, and hand function
  • Examination of sensation, grip, and small hand muscle strength
  • Assessment of elbow position, nerve sensitivity, and movement patterns
  • Screening for contributing issues in the wrist, forearm, neck, or shoulder

How Evergreen Hand Therapy Can Help

Every treatment plan is customised to the way your symptoms present, how severe they are, and what you need your arm and hand to do day to day.

Our goal is to reduce nerve irritation, protect hand strength, and help you return to comfortable, functional use of your arm and hand with a plan that is practical and specific to you. Care may include:

  • Detailed assessment of ulnar nerve symptoms and contributing movement patterns
  • Customised splinting or elbow brace support to reduce night-time elbow flexion
  • Nerve gliding exercises where appropriate
  • Activity modification for work, sleep, sport, and daily tasks
  • Advice around symptom triggers, recovery expectations, and when medical review may be required

Treatment Options

Splint or Brace Support For some people, a brace or splint can be useful, especially at night when the elbow tends to stay bent for long periods. A custom or well-fitted elbow splint helps keep the joint in a more comfortable position, which may reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve while you sleep. At Evergreen Hand Therapy, splinting advice is based on your symptoms, sleep position, irritability, and daily demands. The aim is support without making the arm unnecessarily stiff or awkward to use.

Exercises and Nerve Gliding Exercises are not about pushing through pain. The right exercise program is used carefully to improve nerve mobility, reduce irritation, and restore confidence with movement. Nerve gliding exercises may be appropriate in some cases, but not every irritated nerve responds well to self-directed stretching. This is why exercise selection, timing, and dosage matter.

Activity Modification Small changes in daily habits can make a big difference. Avoiding prolonged elbow bending, reducing pressure on the inside of the elbow, and adjusting workstation or tool use can all help calm symptoms. This may include changes to phone use, desk setup, driving posture, sleep position, gym or lifting technique, and repetitive work tasks.

Surgical Management and Post-Operative Rehabilitation If symptoms are severe, if there is ongoing muscle weakness, or if muscle wasting has begun, surgical review may be recommended. Following surgery, hand therapy helps guide swelling management, scar care, nerve mobility, graded strengthening, and return to full function. Evergreen Hand Therapy can support your recovery plan in collaboration with your surgeon or GP.

Why choose Evergreen Hand Therapy

Evergreen Hand Therapy provides focused, professional care, not general physiotherapy,
for patients seeking expert targeted upper-limb rehabilitation on the Gold Coast

  • Specialist upper-limb focus
  • One-to-one care with a PhD-qualified accredited hand therapist
  • Individualised programs based on function and lifestyle
  • Onsite parking in Varsity Lakes
  • Convenient for Robina, Burleigh, Mermaid and surrounding suburbs
  • No referral required

Frequently Asked Questions

Mild cases can sometimes settle if the nerve is no longer being repeatedly irritated, but symptoms that persist, recur, or progress should be assessed. Waiting too long may increase the risk of ongoing weakness or reduced hand function.

Most people do better when they avoid sleeping with the elbow tightly bent. A splint or brace may help keep the elbow in a more relaxed position overnight and reduce night-time tingling or waking.

The best brace is one that keeps the elbow from staying too flexed while still being comfortable enough to wear consistently. The right option depends on your symptoms, sleep habits, and whether you need temporary support or a more customised splinting approach.

You should seek assessment if numbness, tingling, elbow pain, hand weakness, or clumsiness persists beyond a few days, wakes you at night, or begins affecting grip and fine motor control.


Book your appointment


If you are dealing with numbness, tingling, elbow pain, or hand weakness, early assessment can help protect long-term nerve function.


Book your consultation with Dr Miller today and begin your tailored recovery plan. No referral required

YOU CAN CALL US ON 1300 791 870
OR MESSAGE US DIRECTLY at admin@evergreenhandtherapy.com.au

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