When gripping and lifting start to hurt.
A sore elbow can show up in all sorts of everyday situations. Picking up a bag, pouring the kettle, using tools, working at a computer or holding a weight at the gym can suddenly become uncomfortable.
Sometimes symptoms follow an increase in training or repetitive activity. In other cases, they build gradually without one obvious cause. Understanding which structures are involved and what is aggravating them can make it much easier to know what to do next.
Understanding elbow and tendon pain.
Two of the most common tendon problems around the elbow are tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.
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Tennis elbow, also known as lateral elbow tendinopathy, usually causes pain around the outside of the elbow. Golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside. Despite their names, you do not need to play either sport to develop them.
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The tendons around the elbow connect the forearm muscles to the bone and are involved whenever you grip, lift or move your wrist. Changes in work, sport, training or other repetitive activities can sometimes place more demand on these tissues than they are used to.
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Treatment is not simply about avoiding everything that hurts. Finding an appropriate level of activity and gradually improving strength and the tendon's ability to tolerate load are often important parts of recovery.
Not all elbow pain is tendon pain
Pain around the elbow can also come from muscles, joints or nerves and symptoms can occasionally be referred from elsewhere, including the neck.
We assess where your pain is coming from, how it behaves and how the elbow, wrist and surrounding areas are functioning. If your symptoms suggest a different problem or something that requires further investigation, we will explain this and advise you on the appropriate next step.
How we can help.
There is no single treatment that is right for every painful elbow. The approach we recommend depends on what we find during your assessment, how your symptoms are behaving and the activities you want to get back to.
Clear assessment
We look at the location of your pain, movements that provoke it, grip and forearm strength and the activities that place the greatest demand on your elbow.
For some persistent cases of tennis elbow, radial shockwave therapy may be considered alongside rehabilitation.
Strength & rehabilitation
Progressive exercise can build strength and improve how much load your elbow can tolerate, with rehabilitation adapted around work, sport and everyday activities.
Hands-on care
Sports massage, soft tissue treatment and joint techniques may be used alongside advice and rehabilitation where appropriate.
Start with an assessment.
You don't need to know which treatment is right for you before booking.
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At Back In Motion in Buckshaw Village, Chorley, we'll assess your elbow, explain what may be causing your symptoms and discuss the treatment options that may help. Together, we'll agree on an approach that suits your needs and what you want to get back to doing.