Elbow Specialist in Frisco, TX

Elbow pain can make even simple tasks difficult—from lifting groceries to throwing a baseball. Nathan Boes, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine, providing comprehensive elbow care for patients in Frisco and the North Dallas area. He prioritizes conservative care first and uses surgery when it clearly restores strength, motion, and long-term function.

Caring for patients from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Little Elm, The Colony, and across North Dallas/DFW.

Common Elbow-Related Conditions & Injuries

Distal Biceps Ruptures
Sudden front-elbow pain/pop with weakness in lifting/rotation; often from an acute load.

Elbow Loose Body
Fragments of cartilage/bone causing catching, locking, or loss of motion.

Elbow UCL Tears (Tommy John)
Inner-elbow ligament injury causing pain and loss of velocity/control in throwers.

Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow Tendonitis
Overuse of extensor (lateral) or flexor/pronator (medial) tendons with gripping or lifting pain.

Elbow-Related Treatments & Procedures

Non-Surgical Care

Bracing & Activity Modification — unloads the injured structure while maintaining safe motion.
Physical Therapy — progressive tendon loading, mobility, and kinetic-chain work.
Injections (when appropriate) — targeted options to reduce inflammatory pain and facilitate rehab.

Arthroscopy & Soft-Tissue Procedures

Elbow Arthroscopy with Loose Body Removal — minimally invasive removal of fragments; addresses impinging synovitis or plica if present.
Open Debridement — for recalcitrant tennis/golfer’s elbow when structured rehab and injections fail.

Ligament & Tendon Reconstruction/Repair

UCL Reconstruction (“Tommy John surgery”) — graft-based stabilization to restore valgus stability in overhead/throwing athletes.
Distal Biceps Repair — reattachment of the tendon to restore supination and flexion strength; usually time-sensitive for best outcomes.

Personalized Treatment Plans for Every Patient

Evaluation & Diagnosis

Focused history and hands-on exam (valgus stress/UCL tests, resisted wrist/forearm testing)
X-rays for alignment/loose bodies; MRI or ultrasound when ligament/tendon details are needed
Clear explanation of findings with a step-wise plan aligned to your work or sport demands

Non-Surgical Care Comes First

Activity modification and graded therapy for tendon loading and mobility
Throwing mechanics & pitch count/load guidance for athletes
Anti-inflammatory strategies and bracing to protect tissues during healing
Selective injections to support rehabilitation when appropriate

Surgical Expertise (When Needed)

When pain, mechanical symptoms, or instability persist, Dr. Boes offers evidence-based surgical solutions: UCL reconstruction (Tommy John), distal biceps repair, elbow arthroscopy for loose bodies/synovitis, and open debridement for recalcitrant tendonitis—paired with a detailed rehabilitation protocol.

Sports Medicine Insight for Every Patient

Fellowship-trained at Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, Dr. Boes helped care for MLB, NCAA, and professional teams and also treated athletes during a tenure in Auckland, New Zealand. That high-performance background guides safe, efficient return-to-throw and return-to-work planning for patients in Frisco and North Dallas.

When to See an Elbow Specialist

Pain with gripping/throwing that limits performance or daily tasks
Catching/locking or restricted motion suggesting a loose body
Sudden pop with front-elbow pain and weakness (possible distal biceps rupture)
Persistent symptoms despite 2–6 weeks of rest and basic care
Recurrent medial elbow pain or loss of control/velocity in throwers

Next step: Request an evaluation with Nathan Boes, MD in Frisco, TX.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Why Choose Dr. Boes for Elbow Care

Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon (ABOS)
Fellowship-Trained in Sports Medicine with advanced elbow arthroscopy & reconstruction experience
Expertise in UCL reconstruction (Tommy John), distal biceps repair, arthroscopy for loose bodies, and open debridement for tendonitis
Leader & educator: AAOS • AANA • AOSSM • ASES; AOSSM Council of Delegates (TX)
Honors: AOA Medical Honor Society; ASES Mark Frankle Fellow for Healthcare Advocacy
Step-wise philosophy: conservative first; surgery when it meaningfully improves function/performance
Local access to imaging, therapy, and follow-up in Frisco with coordinated care across North Dallas

Elbow Injuries & Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a UCL tear and who gets “Tommy John” surgery?

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) stabilizes the inner elbow during throwing. Tears cause pain, loss of velocity, and decreased control in overhead athletes. UCL reconstruction (“Tommy John”) is considered when symptoms persist despite rehab or when instability limits play.

How long is recovery after UCL reconstruction?

Return-to-throw is protocol-based. Light toss begins only after healing and strength benchmarks; a graduated throwing program typically spans 6–12+ months depending on sport and level.

Do all tennis or golfer’s elbow cases need surgery?

No. Most improve with targeted therapy, activity modification, bracing, and selective injections. Open debridement is reserved for persistent pain after comprehensive non-operative care.

What are elbow loose bodies and how are they treated?

Small fragments of cartilage/bone can cause catching, locking, or stiffness. Elbow arthroscopy removes the loose body and addresses inflamed synovium or plica if present.

Is a distal biceps rupture urgent?

Timely evaluation is important. Early distal biceps repair generally offers the best chance to restore supination and flexion strength. Chronic cases can still be addressed but may require different techniques.

What imaging do I need for elbow pain?

X-rays assess alignment and loose bodies; MRI/ultrasound evaluate UCL, biceps, and tendons. Imaging is ordered based on exam findings and symptoms.

I’m not an athlete—can you still help?

Absolutely. Dr. Boes treats workers, parents, and active adults throughout Frisco and North Dallas, tailoring care to everyday demands as well as sports performance.

When can I drive or return to desk work after elbow surgery?

You must be off narcotics, able to control the arm safely, and cleared for motion requirements. Desk work often resumes in 1–2 weeks depending on the procedure; timelines for heavy use/throwing are longer and individualized.

Hear What Dr. Boes' Other Patients Have to Say

Kind, Sharp, Helpful

Dr. Boes patiently listened to all of my concerns and put on a good path to less pain without surgery. He also referred me to, and got me in to see, a spine specialist that I had been trying to see for a long time. He seems kind, really sharp. Was extremely helpful!

Andrew E.

Highly Recommended

Dr. Boes and his team were wonderful. They took excellent care of my son and gave a great recommendation for his post surgery recovery. Thank you guys! I highly recommend Dr. Boes and his team for all your needs.

Chasity H.

Knowledge, kindness and expertise

I saw Dr Boes for continued pain with my shoulder from an old injury, he was great at listening and discussing my options while we navigating treatment and a successful surgery.
I appreciate his knowledge, kindness and expertise.

Lisa S.

Get Back to Strong, Pain-Free Motion

Schedule an appointment with Nathan Boes, MD—serving Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Little Elm, The Colony, and nearby North Dallas/DFW communities.