Upper arm

The upper arm is the part of the upper limb in humans located between the shoulder joint and the elbow. It is primarily composed of bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The main bone of the upper arm is the humerus, which connects at the upper end to the shoulder joint and at the lower end to the forearm bones at the elbow joint. The musculature of the upper arm includes the biceps, responsible for flexing the forearm and rotating the palms, as well as the triceps, which enable the extension of the forearm. The upper arm is essential for many daily activities, such as lifting, pushing, and rotating the arms.

How Can Physiotherapy Help You?

Physiotherapists often deal with various problems and conditions of the upper arm, which may include:

• Tendinitis: inflammation of the tendons, often resulting from repetitive movements. An example is biceps tendinitis, where the biceps tendon is affected.
• Bursitis: inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues. Bursitis often occurs in the shoulder joint and can affect the function of the upper arm.
• Epicondylitis: also known as tennis elbow, it is a type of tendinitis that affects the area around the elbow and can impact the muscles and tendons extending to the upper arm.
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: injuries to the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint can make it difficult or impossible to lift the arm or perform overhead movements.
• Humerus Fractures: physiotherapy plays an important role in rehabilitation after a fracture of the upper arm bone to restore strength and mobility.
• Adhesive Capsulitis: also known as frozen shoulder, it causes pain and limited mobility in the shoulder joint and upper arm.
• Nerve Injuries: injuries can affect the nerves that run through the upper arm, impacting sensation and movement in the arm.
• Muscle Injuries: Strains or tears of muscles such as the biceps or triceps may require physiotherapeutic treatment to facilitate healing and prevent further injuries.