Understanding and Managing Elbow Pain

The elbow is a hinge joint that is made up of the humerus, ulna and the radius. The Elbow is a strong and robust joint that enables us to bend or extend our forearm towards or away from us. This allows us to reach and manipulate objects with our hand, such as eating, drinking and performing most activities.

Elbow issues or pain can result from trauma such as fall, hyperextension or injury during sport, however, the majority of elbow injuries are due to overuse of the muscles that attach to the elbow. These overuse injuries are largely due to repetitive arm actions such as cleaning, repetitive lifting or gasping, or gardening. Elbow issues can result in difficulties in moving the elbow or difficulty gripping with the hand, leading to difficulties performing many day to day activities. If poorly managed these injuries may become chronic (lasting longer than 3 months). Over time, elbow injuries may lead to prolonged pain, stiffness, weakness at the elbow joint and weakness in gripping, and reduced ability to perform normal activities.

Physiotherapy at Total Physiocare can help improve elbow pain symptoms by taking a precise history and examination of the area, referring you for any medical imaging if required. Once a diagnosis is made, we systematically record your progress through outcome measures to ensure we are providing the most effective treatment for your individual needs and progressing towards your goals.

While rehabilitation plan with us will be based on your individual presentation, needs and goals, treatments often include a combination of hands on treatment to reduce pain and improve range, exercises, taping and education on how to manage your condition. Physiotherapy may also involve modification of the aggravating activity and improvement of body mechanics to enable you to still complete tasks.