Elbow Pain
Elbow pain is a common presenting issue at Excel Body & Health Clinic.
The elbow is made up of an extensive system of muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones that work together to allow for safe and strong movement. The elbow is involved in a wide range of activities and actively provides a range of motions which can make it more susceptible to injury or damage. The resulting tightness, pain or inflammation can restrict the natural pattern of movement which can then impact on other activities of daily living and quality of life.
Some common elbow pain/ conditions we can assist with are:
TENNIS ELBOW/LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS (TENDINOPATHY)
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
Tendons are strong, rope-like structures that attach muscles to bone, this means they are essential for making us mobile. Tendons love consistent habits and routines and therefore can cause us pain when they are overused or under prepared for exercise. There are two types of tendinopathy; Tendinitis (acute tendon injury) and Tendinosis (chronic tendon injury).
Tennis elbow is tendinopathy of the extensor muscles known as lateral epicondylitis.
WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?
In tendinopathies the internal structure changes due to the inconsistent exercise or loading (sudden increase of decrease in activity). The tendon initially becomes inflamed and painful but still functions reasonably well. If left untreated and managed incorrectly it can develop into a chronic issue with weakness, persistent pain and an increased risk of tendon tearing or rupture.
Other common causes include;
- Physical jobs that involve grip and manual labour
- Computer and phone usage
- Fine motor activities such as knitting
- Racquet sports (tennis, badminton)
- Sudden commencement of frequent exercise
- Lack of rest
SYMPTOMS
- Tenderness on the outside of the elbow
- Tightness or pain of the forearm muscles
- Dull ache at the elbow at rest that worsens with elbow or hand use
- Weakness of the hand
GOLFERS ELBOW/ MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS (TENDINOPATHY)
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
Tendons are strong, rope-like structures that attach muscles to bone, this means they are essential for making us mobile. Tendons love consistent habits and routines and therefore can cause us pain when they are overused or under prepared for exercise. There are two types of tendinopathy; Tendinitis (acute tendon injury) and Tendinosis (chronic tendon injury).
Golfers elbow is tendinopathy of the flexor muscles known as medial epicondylitis.
Other common causes include;
- Physical jobs that involve grip and manual labour
- Computer and phone usage
- Fine motor activities such as knitting
- Club sports (Golf, softball, baseball)
- Sudden commencement of frequent exercise
- Lack of rest
WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?
SYMPTOMS
- Tenderness on the inside of the elbow
- Tightness of pain of the forearm muscles
- Dull ache at the elbow at rest that worsens with elbow or hand use
- Weakness of the hand
FOREARM MUSCLE STRAINS
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
Muscles are the power generating structures that make our body move. Muscles can be damaged suddenly while playing sport or performing activities of daily living but can also be strained slowly over a longer period of time. Strains and tears are categorised into grades:
- Grade 1 for mild strains
- Grade 2 for moderate strains with swelling, bruising and weakness
- Grade 3 for full rupture (the muscle ripping into two seperate pieces).
WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?
Muscle strains and tears happen for two reasons;
- The muscle has been overstretched
- The muscle has been forced to contract too strongly.
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
SYMPTOMS
- Sharp pain and tenderness over the strain area
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain on usage of the muscle
- Weakness on usage of the muscle
LIGAMENT SPRAIN
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
SYMPTOMS
- Sudden onset of wrist pain during the causative activity
- Pain and tenderness at the site of injury
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
- Swelling in the wrist
- Bruising over the ligament
- Pain can be aggravated with heavy activities
TREATMENT FOR ELBOW PAIN
The team at Excel Body & Health are highly skilled practitioners that will assist in determining the cause, treatment and management of your elbow pain. Your treatment plan will be tailored to you and will focus on reducing pain, restoring normal function and preventing re-injury of your elbow.
Treatment may include soft tissue massage, muscle energy techniques, stretching, joint mobilisation, articulation, manipulation, dry needling, taping and/or exercise prescription.
A personalised treatment plan will aid in managing the injury and associated pain in the short and long term.
