Treatments for Elbow Pain
Why Does Your Elbow Hurt?
You complete a lot of tasks with your elbow. Most of them you probably take for granted such as hugging, lifting, throwing and swinging. Your elbow is not a simple joint. Three bones form the humerus, ulna and radius (two bones that make up the forearm). If anything happens to these parts or the connecting blood vessels and nerves around them, you’ll feel some pain.
What are the Common Elbow Conditions?
Golfer’s Elbow
Also known as medial epicondylitis, it occurs from overuse or repeated use of muscles in the forearm and arm. This results in small tears in the tendon that cause elbow weakness and pain.
Bicep Tendonitis
Tendons are fibrous cords of collagen. They come in many sizes and shapes. The bicep muscle works to elevate the shoulder and bend the elbow. Repetitive use causes the biceps tendon to become inflamed during use.
Dislocated Elbow
Your elbow dislocates when one of the bones in the elbow is knocked out of place. It mostly happens when you put your hand out to protect yourself during a fall. It could happen to young children and toddlers when you swing them by their arms.
Tennis Elbow
Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is the most common elbow pain. The exact cause is unknown but experts theorise that it occurs when the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow have a problem. However, tennis elbow is not simply an inflammation of the tendons. It happens when microscopic tears in the tendons do not heal properly.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure to your median nerve. It goes through your wrist and ends in your hand. It is caused by obesity, hypothyroidism, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also caused by repetitive motions such as typing.
Trapped Nerves
A trapped nerve is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. One of the main nerves in the ulnar nerve is squeezed while running inside your elbow and passing through the cubital tunnel. You will experience numbness in your arm, hand and fingers.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Elbow Conditions
Physiotherapy is useful for helping you regain full functionality in your elbow and preventing the condition from returning. Treatment begins with a physical examination to offer a correct diagnosis. Your physiotherapist will prescribe you some physical exercises to stretch out your elbow.
Hand therapy
Hand therapy is a type of rehabilitation performed by a physiotherapist to help you return to a productive lifestyle. It is recommended for patients who’ve suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tennis elbow and those who are affected by trauma or accident.
Treatment could also include dry needling work, local massages and gliding joint exercises to ensure mobility. Our experienced osteopath ensures other structures such as the upper back, neck and shoulder are working perfectly.
Call us now to book an appointment with an expert Osteopath.