Elbow pain can have various causes, ranging from minor issues to more serious underlying conditions. Some common causes of elbow pain include:
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow (overuse)
- Bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs)
- Tendinitis/Tendinopathy (inflamed tendons)
- Sprains and strains
- Arthritis
- Fractures or dislocations
- Cubital or radial tunnel syndrome (nerve compression)
- Osteochondritis dissecans (cartilage and bone issue)
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing persistent or severe elbow pain to determine the underlying cause and to direct the appropriate treatment.
What can we do to help?
Physiotherapy can play a significant role in the management and treatment of elbow pain. We will assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Here are some ways in which physiotherapy can help with elbow pain:
Pain management, exercise prescription and manual therapy techniques, education, acupuncture and possibly bracing or taping. It aims to reduce pain, improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and provide self-management strategies.
I’ve had physiotherapy before and my elbow still hurts.
If symptoms continue after a course of treatment, shockwave or injection therapy can be offered to reduce the pain.
- Shockwave therapy
- uses high-energy sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain in the elbow. It’s a non-invasive treatment option, that stimulates healing. Consult with your therapist to determine if it’s suitable for your condition.
- Injection Therapy
- Injection therapy can be used for some causes of elbow pain. The specific type of injection therapy recommended will depend on the underlying cause of your elbow pain. Your therapist can advise you on whether this is appropriate for your pain.
