Arm and Elbow Pain

Pain in the arm and specifically around the elbow tendons is common in people who work in many occupations, such as carpenters, builders, nurses and beauty therapists. Many sports that involve repetitive movements of the arm and elbow can also provoke a pain response: “golfer’s elbow” and “tennis elbow” can occur while playing tennis and golf. Any repetitive motion through work, sport or daily life can bring on this pain. On some occasions, pain at the elbow and forearm might be from a more complex cause so it is vital to be extensively assessed to ensure correct diagnosis and a successful treatment plan.

Symptoms can include:

• weakness with inability to lift or grip as normal
• pain that can be sharp or in the form of an ache
• reduced range of movement at the elbow or wrist joint
• swollen in places
• pain in the arm referred from both the neck and shoulder

Treatment

Treatment for arm and elbow pain will vary depending on diagnosis. The physiotherapist will use a range of manual therapy techniques for pain relief such as dry needling, soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation. The treatment program will include strengthening and mobilising exercises to achieve excellent long-term results. In most cases, management will include adjusting or modifying the activities which aggravate the problem.