Experienced Elbow Doctor & Specialist in Davao City
Are you struggling with chronic elbow pain, burning tendon soreness, or tingling numbness radiating down into your hand? Dr. Paolo Tabar, MD, FPOA is a board-certified elbow doctor in Davao City specializing in advanced non-surgical therapies, ulnar nerve decompression, tendon repair, and minimally invasive elbow arthroscopy across Mindanao.
Davao Elbow Specialist
Dr. Paolo Tabar, MD, FPOA
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Advanced Treatment for Elbow Pain, Nerve Entrapment, and Tendon Injuries
Restoring Arm Strength, Flexibility, and Function
The elbow joint serves as a pivotal biological bridge connecting the upper arm and forearm, permitting complex bending, extension, and rotational movements necessary for everyday work, sports, and manual labor. Because the elbow relies on closely packed tendons, ligaments, and major peripheral nerves—such as the ulnar nerve—repetitive movement, sudden heavy lifting, or direct impact can cause severe disability.
As an experienced elbow doctor in Davao City, Dr. Paolo Tabar evaluates and treats a wide spectrum of acute and chronic elbow disorders. From localized lateral tendon inflammation (tennis elbow) and inner elbow pain (golfer's elbow) to painful ulnar nerve entrapment (cubital tunnel syndrome) and traumatic tendon tears, our Davao clinic provides evidence-based non-surgical care, biologic injections, and delicate surgical reconstructive options.
Precision Diagnostics and Comprehensive Elbow Solutions in Davao
Effective recovery requires an accurate anatomical diagnosis. Dr. Paolo Tabar performs clinical biomechanical testing, grip strength evaluation, and nerve provocation tests (such as Tinel's sign and elbow flexion test) alongside high-resolution digital X-rays, nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCV), and MRI scans to pinpoint exact structural tears or nerve compressions.
Conditions Treated by Our Elbow Specialist
Dr. Paolo Tabar offers expert clinical management for common and complex elbow disorders in Davao City.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) & Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Repetitive forearm rotation and wrist stress cause microscopic tears and chronic degeneration in the forearm tendons attaching to the elbow joint. Tennis elbow creates severe burning pain on the outer elbow point (extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon), while Golfer's elbow causes burning pain along the inner elbow bump (flexor tendon origin).
Common Symptoms: Sharp pain during handshakes, opening door knobs, typing, carrying heavy grocery bags, or twisting screwdriver tools.
Treatment Options: Counterforce forearm bracing, eccentric physical therapy, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) regenerative injections, and minimally invasive tendon debridement (lateral epicondyle release).
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Nerve Entrapment)
The ulnar nerve passes through the narrow cubital tunnel behind the inner elbow (commonly referred to as the "funny bone"). Prolonged elbow bending during sleep, resting elbows on hard desks, or anatomical nerve snapping can compress or stretch the nerve, causing progressive nerve dysfunction and hand muscle weakness.
Key Symptoms: Numbness, tingling ("pins and needles"), and loss of sensation in the ring finger and pinky finger, hand clumsiness, and dropping small items.
Treatment Options: Night extension bracing, nerve gliding exercises, and surgical ulnar nerve decompression or anterior transposition to relocate the nerve out of harm's way.
Elbow Fractures, Dislocations, and Ligament Tears
Falls onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH injuries), vehicular collisions, or throwing sports injuries can cause olecranon fractures, radial head fractures, joint dislocations, or medial collateral ligament (UCL) sprains. Timely orthopedic evaluation is critical to prevent permanent elbow joint stiffness and loss of arm motion.
Key Symptoms: Immediate intense elbow swelling, visible bone misalignment, inability to bend or straighten arm, and severe joint instability.
Treatment Options: Joint reduction under anesthesia, rigid splinting, anatomical plate & screw fixation (ORIF), and UCL ligament reconstruction (Tommy John procedure).
Distal Biceps & Triceps Tendon Ruptures
An unexpected heavy load placed on a flexed arm (such as lifting heavy machinery or weightlifting) can snap the distal biceps tendon from its insertion point on the radius bone. Similarly, severe eccentric loading on an extended arm can rupture the triceps tendon off the olecranon bone.
Key Symptoms: An audible "pop" in the front or back of the elbow, acute bruising, gap feeling in the forearm crease, and loss of forearm rotation power (supination).
Treatment Options: Early surgical reattachment using specialized suture anchors or cortical buttons onto the radial tuberosity to restore full arm strength.
Advanced Treatment Options for Elbow Conditions
Dr. Paolo Tabar tailors treatment plans based on condition severity, patient age, occupational demands, and personal goals.
Non-Surgical Interventions & Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Most chronic elbow tendon issues respond remarkably well to conservative management. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy utilizes concentrated growth factors isolated from your own blood to stimulate cellular repair in poorly vascularized tendon tissues.
- ✓ Ultrasound-Guided PRP Tendon Injections
- ✓ Custom Counterforce Forearm Bracing
- ✓ Specialized Eccentric Forearm Physical Therapy
- ✓ Targeted Corticosteroid Anti-Inflammatory Injections
Minimally Invasive Elbow Arthroscopy
Elbow arthroscopy allows Dr. Tabar to view, diagnose, and treat joint conditions inside the elbow through keyhole incisions using a high-definition fiberoptic camera. This minimizes surgical tissue disruption, preserves muscle tissue, and shortens post-op rehabilitation.
- ✓ Arthroscopic Removal of Loose Bodies & Bone Spurs
- ✓ Synovectomy for Inflammatory Joint Disease
- ✓ Release of Stiff Joint Capsules (Arthrolysis)
- ✓ Minimally Invasive Tennis Elbow Release
Open Elbow Reconstruction & Nerve Decompression
For structural bone fractures, severe ulnar nerve entrapments, or torn distal biceps tendons, open surgical reconstruction restores precise anatomical alignment and decompresses impinged peripheral nerve pathways.
- ✓ In-Situ Ulnar Nerve Decompression
- ✓ Subcutaneous / Submuscular Anterior Transposition
- ✓ Distal Biceps & Triceps Surgical Reattachment
- ✓ Complex Fracture ORIF & Radial Head Replacement
When Should You See an Elbow Doctor in Davao?
Delaying orthopedic evaluation for chronic elbow pain or nerve symptoms can lead to irreversible nerve injury or permanent loss of arm mobility.
Persistent Outer or Inner Elbow Soreness
Tendon soreness lasting longer than 2 weeks that fails to improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain medications.
Finger Numbness & Tingling
Loss of sensation or constant "pins and needles" in your ring finger and pinky finger, especially while sleeping or bending your elbow.
Grip Weakness & Hand Clumsiness
Frequent dropping of coffee cups, tools, or difficulty turning keys and opening jars due to weakening hand muscles.
Inability to Fully Extend or Bend Arm
Joint mechanical locking, popping, catching, or severe motion restriction following a fall, sports collision, or acute injury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elbow Pain and Surgery
Clear, physician-backed answers regarding tennis elbow, ulnar nerve entrapment, diagnostic testing, and clinic consultations in Davao City.
When should I see an elbow doctor in Davao for elbow pain?
You should consult an elbow specialist if you experience persistent outer or inner elbow pain lasting over 2 weeks, numbness or tingling in your ring and pinky fingers, difficulty gripping objects, pain extending down your forearm, or an inability to fully extend or bend your elbow after a fall or sports injury.
What is the difference between Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects the outer tendon of the elbow caused by repetitive wrist extension, while Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the inner tendon caused by repetitive wrist flexion. Both cause localized tendon inflammation and grip weakness.
How is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (ulnar nerve entrapment) treated?
Mild cubital tunnel syndrome can be treated non-surgically with night bracing, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medications. If severe numbness or hand muscle wasting occurs, Dr. Paolo Tabar performs ulnar nerve decompression or anterior transposition to release nerve pressure.
Can tennis elbow heal without surgery?
Yes, over 90% of tennis elbow cases resolve without surgery through targeted physical therapy, forearm bracing, activity modifications, corticosteroid injections, or advanced Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
How do I book an elbow consultation with Dr. Paolo Tabar in Davao City?
You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Paolo Tabar by completing the appointment form on this page or by calling our Davao clinic directly at +63 994 851 0978.
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