FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY OF THE ELBOW FOLLOWING A GRADE II STRAIN OF THE LONG HEAD OF THE TRICEPS BRACHII: A CLINICAL CASE REPORT

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the functional recovery of the elbow following a grade II strain of the long head of the triceps brachii, with the goal of understanding rehabilitation processes and the most effective physiotherapeutic interventions for the patient's functional return. Triceps brachii injuries can occur in various anatomical regions including the muscle belly, myotendinous junction, tendon, or insertion site and may vary in depth, affecting superficial components (long and lateral heads), the deep component (medial head), or both. This research is presented as a case study, conducted at Clínica L3 in partnership with the Physiotherapy Teaching Clinic of the Universidade Nova Iguaçu (Campus V, Itaperuna, RJ), involving a 46-year-old patient. The results observed throughout the treatment demonstrated satisfactory progress. The combination of myofascial release, analgesic modalities, and therapeutic exercises incorporating isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions contributed to improved neuromuscular control and the functional recovery of the affected limb. It is concluded that the physiotherapeutic protocol applied for the treatment of a grade II strain of the long head of the triceps brachii yielded satisfactory outcomes in terms of pain reduction, improved functionality, and a progressive gain in muscle strength.