Elbow Pain: Complete Guide to Causes, Symptoms & Recovery
Elbow pain is rarely just about the elbow. It is often the result of repetitive strain, grip weakness, or biomechanical issues stemming from the shoulder or wrist. Whether it is a sharp pain while lifting or a dull ache while typing, ignoring the symptoms can lead to chronic tendinopathy. This guide outlines the evidence-based physiotherapy approach to recovery. We focus on load management, tendon strengthening, and kinetic chain correction to restore full function without injections or surgery.
The 3 Pillars of Elbow Recovery
Load Management: Tendons fail when the load exceeds their capacity. We calculate the right balance of rest and activity to allow the tissue to heal without becoming stiff.
Kinetic Chain Integration: The elbow connects the hand to the shoulder. We treat the entire arm—improving shoulder stability and wrist mechanics to take pressure off the elbow.
Ergonomics & Technique: Whether it is your tennis serve or your mouse grip, we analyze your technique and workstation to fix the repetitive stress causing the injury.
Don't Ignore the Ache
Elbow pain often starts as a minor irritation but can quickly progress to chronic weakness, affecting your grip and daily tasks. Early diagnosis prevents long-term damage.
The 5 Stages of Function Restoration
Functional Assessment
We assess grip strength, range of motion, and nerve mobility to pinpoint whether the pain is muscular, tendon-related, or referred from the neck.
Pain & Inflammation Control
In the acute phase, we use advanced modalities (like Ultrasound or Cryotherapy) and taping techniques to offload the injured tendon.
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Manual therapy breaks down scar tissue and adhesions in the forearm muscles, improving blood flow and flexibility.
Eccentric Strengthening
The gold standard for tendon recovery. We introduce controlled loading exercises to remodel the tendon fibers and build resilience.
Return to Activity
We guide you through sport-specific or work-specific drills to ensure your arm can handle real-world demands without pain.
COMMON CONDITIONS RELATED TO ELBOW PAIN
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
1. Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Inflammation or degeneration of the tendons on the outer part of the elbow, often due to repetitive gripping, typing, or lifting.
SymptomsPain on the outer elbow, weak grip strength, and sharp pain when lifting objects like a coffee cup or turning a doorknob.
2. Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
Inflammation of the tendons on the inner part of the elbow, typically caused by repetitive wrist flexion and gripping.
SymptomsPain and tenderness on the inner elbow, stiffness, and weakness in the forearm. Pain worsens when flexing the wrist.
3. Olecranon Bursitis (Student’s Elbow)
Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac) at the tip of the elbow, often caused by leaning on hard surfaces or direct trauma.
SymptomsVisible swelling at the tip of the elbow (like a golf ball), warmth, redness, and pain when bending the arm.
4. Little League Elbow
An overuse injury affecting the growth plate of the inner elbow, common in young athletes involved in throwing sports.
SymptomsAching pain on the inner elbow, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Pain typically increases during or after throwing.
5. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve on the inner side of the elbow (the "funny bone" nerve).
SymptomsNumbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers, pain on the inside of the elbow, and hand weakness.
6. Radial Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the radial nerve in the forearm, often confused with Tennis Elbow but characterized by different pain patterns.
SymptomsDull, aching pain on the top of the forearm or back of the hand. Unlike Tennis Elbow, the pain is usually further down the arm.
Restore Your Grip. Reclaim Your Strength.
Elbow pain doesn't have to be a chronic burden. With precise diagnosis and tendon-focused physiotherapy, you can return to sports and daily life without limitations.
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