Are you suffering with elbow pain?
Elbow pain is a complaint we hear often at Vertical Sports Physical Therapy, and its cause is typically one of two common conditions.
What is Elbow Pain?
The first is tennis elbow, which causes pain on the outside of the elbow. It’s called tennis elbow because it frequently affects tennis players, but in reality, it’s caused by repetitive stress to the outer elbow. This happens when you repeatedly twist your arm against resistance, leading to irritation and discomfort.
Tennis elbow requires a specific treatment approach, and it’s crucial to address it as early as possible. Left untreated, it can make even simple functional activities difficult, let alone returning to the sport you love. Athletes and active adults who seek treatment early often see significant symptom reduction and a much faster return to activity.
Another common condition we treat is medial elbow pain, also known as golfer’s elbow. This is similar to tennis elbow but affects the inside of the elbow. Like tennis elbow, it requires a specific and progressive exercise program to strengthen the affected area and prevent recurrence. It’s important not to rely solely on rest but to follow a structured plan to recover fully and avoid future issues.
These two conditions – tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow – are the most common types of elbow pain I see. Regardless of the cause of your elbow pain, it’s essential to start treatment as soon as possible. Acting early not only speeds up recovery but also sets you up for long-term success, so you can get back to doing the activities you love without limitations.
What Is Our Approach To Fixing / Treating Elbow Pain?
Initial care includes soft tissue work to address muscle guarding and irritation in the tendons near the lateral elbow. Once this is managed, we progress to targeted exercises to strengthen the area and ensure a full recovery.
Here is a breakdown of what to expect with each treatment plan, tailored to the individual’s needs:
- Manual Therapy: Techniques like soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, or myofascial release help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and alleviate stiffness around the elbow joint.
- Stretching and Mobility Exercises: Gentle stretches increase flexibility in the muscles and tendons surrounding the elbow, reducing tension and improving range of motion.
- Strengthening Exercises: Progressive resistance exercises are introduced to strengthen the muscles of the forearm, wrist, and upper arm. This helps stabilize the elbow joint and prevents future injuries.
- Biomechanical Assessment and Correction: We will evaluate movement patterns to address any improper techniques, such as during your sport or daily activities, that may contribute to pain. They provide guidance to improve posture, grip, and arm movement.
- Education: Patients are educated on activity modification, proper ergonomics, and techniques to prevent recurring pain.
By addressing the root cause and creating a personalized treatment plan, we not only aim to alleviate elbow pain but also restore function and prevent future issues arising.
Download Our Free Report
Is elbow pain keeping you from performing at your best? Whether it’s tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or discomfort from repetitive movements, our free elbow pain report is designed specifically for athletes and active individuals like you. Learn the key causes of elbow pain and discover the proven strategies to reduce pain and get back to the activities you love.