Elbow Pain Treatment

Elbows are commonly prone to Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) such as ‘tennis elbow’ or golfers elbow’ – especially if you spend many hours typing, whether using a keyboard, tablet or phone.

It can also affect manual workers, musicians and sports people – as the names ‘tennis elbow’ and ‘golfers elbow’ imply.

Both conditions involve a chronically tight and overused group of muscles in the forearm. In Tennis Elbow, or Lateral Epicondylitis, they are the wrist extensors; In Golfers Elbow, or Medial Epicondylitis, they are the wrist flexors.

The constant tug of those muscles on their point of origin near the elbow, where they attach to the bone, results in ongoing inflammation and pain which are difficult to get under control.

We may also help patients as part of their rehabilitation process after a sporting injury, strain or fracture in the arm or shoulder. Our aim is to avoid stiffness developing following immobility in the shoulder, elbow or wrist, by ensuring movement and good circulation throughout the recovery period.

We will also guide patients through the strength and rehabilitation process following a break or strain, to regain their muscle strength and function as quickly as possible post injury.

Our approach

To find the cause of symptoms and exactly which structures are affected, we first note all the details about how the problem came about, what it feels like, timing, daily pattern, and aggravating or relieving factors.

We find out how you use your arms during work, exercise and other activities. We also ask about any issues with your neck and the rest of the upper limb joints, your health in general, and any significant events in the past such as accidents, injuries or surgery.

We then observe and feel your elbow and the rest of the limb, assessing movement in all directions and noting any restrictions or pain.

Once we have established our working diagnosis we will always take time to explain to you what we found, and let you know how we can help, and whether we need to make any referrals.

Our treatment approach is aimed at improving freedom of movement, muscle tone and circulation locally. We use specific massage, mobilisation and stretching techniques to improve the flexibility in joints and muscles, relieve tension, and ensure good circulation for effective recovery.

During the session, we also provide advice on exercise, ergonomics and other techniques to aid fast recovery and maintain the treatment results.

The approach to RSI focuses on achieving repair at a faster rate to wear & tear. This is not an easy task if you’re using those muscles to earn a living, but we have various tricks to try, and will empower you to take control and manage the condition for the best possible outcome.