Elbow Pain Treatment
Regain Strength, Mobility, and Function
Elbow pain can make everyday things, like lifting a grocery bag, gripping a steering wheel, or reaching for a shelf, more difficult than they should be. Our team is here to help you find the relief you need.
What Is Elbow Pain?
Elbow pain is any discomfort or soreness in the elbow joint, and it can result from injury, overuse, or an underlying medical condition. Some elbow pain is minor and improves on its own, while other cases can be bothersome enough to need medical attention.
What Are the Symptoms of Elbow Pain?
Common symptoms include:
- ✓Sharp or dull pain
- ✓Pain that worsens with bending or straightening the elbow
- ✓Difficulty moving the elbow
- ✓A feeling of tightness or stiffness
- ✓Reduced range of motion
- ✓Visible swelling
- ✓Loss of strength in the forearm and hand
- ✓Difficulty holding objects
- ✓Tingling sensations
- ✓Clicking or popping sounds
If elbow pain is getting in the way of your daily activities, it’s worth having it evaluated.
What Causes Elbow Pain?
While minor elbow pain often resolves on its own, pain that sticks around may signal an issue that needs attention. We’ll talk with you about your symptoms, medical history, and anything else relevant to help you find relief. Elbow pain can come from a number of conditions, including:
- ✓Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow from repetitive motion
- ✓Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), inflammation of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow from repetitive wrist movements
- ✓Bursitis, inflammation of the sac that cushions the elbow joint, often from repeated pressure or trauma
- ✓Arthritis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- ✓Cubital tunnel syndrome, compression of the ulnar nerve, often causing tingling or numbness in the fingers along with elbow discomfort
- ✓Fractures and sprains, from injury to the bones or ligaments
How Is Elbow Pain Treated?
Your treatment plan depends on what’s causing your pain. The elbow involves several structures, so we take the time to evaluate the right area before building your plan.
Your treatment may include:
- ✓Targeted strengthening, stretching, and range-of-motion exercises
- ✓Manual therapy to address joint and soft tissue mobility
- ✓Dry needling with electrical stimulation
- ✓Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to help manage pain
- ✓Taping and bracing
- ✓Activity modification and coaching, including ergonomic and posture adjustments
- ✓Education to help manage your pain and prevent it from returning
Depending on your situation, your physician may also discuss options like pain relievers, steroid injections, or, in more serious or chronic cases, surgery. We work closely alongside your physician and can support you before and after any procedure to help you recover safely.
Our Approach to Treating Elbow Pain
Your treatment should be as individual as you are. We’ll thoroughly review your symptoms, medical history, prior imaging, and physical exam findings to identify the true source of your pain. Our goal at Big Stone Therapies is to treat the cause, not just the symptom, and to give you the tools and support you need for long-term recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside. Both come from repetitive motion and respond well to physical therapy.
Yes. Physical therapy can help relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve and reduce symptoms like tingling and numbness. In more involved cases, we’ll let you know if a referral is needed.
If your pain persists, worsens, or is limiting your ability to lift, grip, or reach, it’s a good time to have it evaluated.
Contact Us to Get Started
Elbow pain can make everyday activities like lifting, gripping, or reaching more difficult. Our team will evaluate your condition, identify the underlying cause of your pain, and build a personalized treatment plan to help you regain strength, mobility, and function. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward lasting relief.
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