Physiotherapy Treatment For Elbow Pain
Elbows are a part of the body that people only tend to think about when something goes wrong. Although they look like a simple part of the anatomy, elbows are a complex joint comprised of bones, tendons and connective tissue. They are a common site of injury, particularly in athletes or tradespeople.
Common causes of elbow pain
Elbow pain can be caused by muscle, tendon or joint injury. Elbow pain can happen suddenly, or grow slowly over time depending on the cause. Common causes of elbow pain include:
- Tennis elbow: Overuse injury of the muscles on the back of the forearm, causing pain on the outside of the elbow and forearm.
- Golfers elbow: Overuse injury of the muscles on the inside of the forearm, causing pain on the inside of the elbow and forearm.
- Cubital tunnel syndrome: Nerve compression causing tingling, numbness, and weakness in the elbow and forearm.
- Olecranon or radial head fracture: Fracture can occur in the two prominent bones in the forearm that join at the elbow, causing acute pain.
- Olecranon bursitis: Inflammation of the cushioning fluid-filled sack that covers the tip of the elbow, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Ligament injuries: Twisting or falling on a straight arm, or repetitive overhead activities like tennis, can injure the ligaments in the elbow causing pain and looseness in the joint.
When should I see a physiotherapist?
Self-diagnosing the cause of elbow pain is never advised, as injuries can be exacerbated if the wrong stretches, exercises or activities are performed.
If you experience pain, weakness or loss of sensation in or around your elbow or forearm, it is a good idea to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible. They will diagnose the cause of your pain, recommend appropriate treatments, and provide you with information to help manage the pain and prevent it in future. If identified early, physiotherapy treatments can speed your recovery.
Need Physiotherapy Treatment For Elbow Pain? Call Physio SA!
We have four Physio clinics in Adelaide & all our Physiotherapists have over 30 years experience in the rehabilitation & treatment of elbow pain. We specialise in shoulders & elbows.
