I had cubital tunnel release surgery last week. my fingers are now numb/super stiff/weak. i had normal emg tests too. is this pain normal in recovery?

Typical: Pain is pain. Wjhat you described is not pain, but numbness, stiffness abd weakness. They are three separate and distinct entities.

Ulnar nerve inflamed: In cubital tunnel surgery , they release the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The nerve can be inflamed from the surgery of compressed from swelling post op. Perhaps time will help it calm down. You need to tell the doctor what is going on so that the dressing can be adjusted now.