Elbow Pain
What is it?
Elbow pain refers to any pain that is felt in and around the elbow. Exactly where you feel that pain dictates the likely cause of your problem.
The most common types of elbow pain are Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia) and Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylalgia). The key difference is with tennis elbow you will feel pain on the outer elbow, whereas golfers elbow you will feel it on the inside of the elbow.
How it might show up in your life?
Pain in your elbow with gripping and lifting activities
Struggle to get through a full day’s work without pain
Everyday tasks like lifting the kettle or putting the dishes away cause pain
Typing aggravates the problem
Pain gets worse with repetitive movements
Sore and stiff in the morning and after rest
Where you might feel pain?
On the outside of the elbow (tennis elbow)
On the inside of the elbow (golfers elbow)
Pain may radiate down your forearm.
How it might feel?
Tender and sore to the touch
Your arm may feel weaker
May feel hot, with some redness and thickening around the area
Dull or Aching pain
Stiff and limited movement for hours after activity
Why do I get Elbow pain?
Tennis elbow and Golfers elbow are the same condition, but affecting two different areas. In both conditions the tendons attaching your forearm muscles into the elbow, are repetitively overused, causing an overload on the tendons.
This commonly results from activities involving repetitive use of the upper arm including manual labour tasks like plastering, painting or using a screw driver. It also arises from repetitive computer/keyboard use, or lifting and gripping activities.
It is common in sports like tennis, golf and swimming, that require repetitive upper arm gripping and rotational movements.
It can result from weakness elsewhere in the body, such as the shoulder. If your rotator cuff isn’t as strong as it should be or you lack movement in your shoulder this can increase pressure and strain on your elbow.
How long will my pain last?
Tennis and golfers’ elbow can be stubborn and take anywhere from a few weeks right up to 18 months and beyond to settle. Generally, the sooner you address the problem the better the outcome is.
Other causes of elbow pain include nerve pain/irritation or entrapment (tarsal tunnel syndrome), Osteoarthritis of your elbow joint or trauma to the elbow (fall) resulting in fracture (radial head, olecranon or fractured ulna).
How do we treat Elbow Pain?
1) Assess
First we listen to you and take a detailed history of your pain and problem. Then we assess your body and painful joint using simple movement tests and screens.
We then explain your likely diagnosis and proposed treatment plan of exactly what we need to do to get you better.
2) Mobilise
Soft tissue massage and mobilisation
Joint mobilisation
Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Muscle Energy Techniques
Taping
Advice around lifestyle, posture and ergonomics.
3) Strengthen
Once pain has begun to settle and we are moving in the right direction, the emphasis shifts to helping you build the necessary strength and resilience of muscles and joints in order to get those long-lasting results. We work with you 1:1 in our dedicated rehab space and/or start you in our group PhysioFit Pilates classes.
4) Optimise
How do I get started?
If you are ready to book in then you can either phone the main desk on 0191 814 9717, or use our easy online booking system by clicking here and selecting the ‘Physiotherapy Assessment/First Appointment’ option at a day and time that suits you. You will usually be offered an appointment within 48 hours.
Like to speak to someone first?
No problem, please call the main desk and if needed we can have a physio call you back to discuss your specific situation.
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