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Elbow Physical Therapy

This sort of support is rare among doctors, yet is a regular practice and exemplary manifestation of the one-on-one attention given at Therapydia. I feel supported at Therapydia by the entire staff, from the physical therapists to the service provided by the administrative support team. When you look forward to coming in for a physical therapy appointment you know you have found something special.

– Neel M.

These guys are the best. There is a reason everyone gives them 5 stars. At first glance, it’s the personal attention really separates this practice from others. But then you find that not only does the team want to make sure you are getting their full attention, but they want to make sure you see results, too. I work with Jennifer, and she is terrific.

– Bridget R.

I came to Therapydia with a painful ankle with a referral from my doctor after a traffic accident. They knew exactly what to do, and after only a few sessions the pain was gone and I was able to fully resume my triathlon training!

– Daniel V.

Elbow Pain Causes

The most common elbow conditions are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) is a painful condition that is caused by overuse of your forearm, wrist and hand muscles. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) is also an overuse injury. Although you can develop tennis or golfer’s elbow from playing tennis or golf, anyone can develop these elbow conditions if they repetitively use their wrist, hands, forearm and elbow muscles while on the job or doing the hobbies they love.

Your forearm muscles are joined to the elbow via tendons. These tendons are attached to a bony point on the outside of your elbow, the lateral epicondyle, and tiny tears to the tendon occur when the forearm is overused. Pain starts can start in your elbow and may radiate down your forearm and hand. With golfer’s elbow, your tendons are attached to the bony point on the inside of your elbow (medial epicondyle), and when friction occurs, the bursa sac in the area can fill up with fluid causing inflammation and pain.

Signs & Symptoms

    Elbow pain may develop gradually but when acute pain occurs, it is important to take self-care measure immediately. You may be experiencing elbow musculoskeletal issues if you feel the following:

    • Pain around your elbow
    • Pain radiating down your forearm and wrist
    • Pain while holding a water bottle or turning a doorknob
    • Weak grip strength
    • Weakness in forearm, wrist, hand or elbow

    While some elbow pain may go away naturally, if left untreated, your elbow pain can develop into chronic pain. The first couple of days are critical in treating the source of what’s causing your elbow pain.

Why PT?

    Although you may be experiencing pain in your elbow, the core issue of may be in your forearm. To prevent elbow pain from coming back, your physical therapist will complete a complete analysis of your upper limb area to pinpoint the cause of your pain and greatly reduce your risk of chronic pain. Every physical therapy treatment is unique to the individual. Below are some of the treatment methods that may be used to treat your elbow.

    • Manual, hands-on physical therapy techniques to mobilize elbow and wrist joints and massage elbow soreness
    • Custom exercise programs to strengthen forearm muscle and decrease irritation of the tendon
    • Movement education while doing daily activities to improve form
    • Worksite modifications to reduce forearm, wrist and elbow strain