physiotherapy for elbow pain in Cheltenham

Tennis Elbow

 ‘Tennis elbow’ occurs when the tendons on the outside of your elbow are overloaded, by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Despite its name, it doesn’t only affect tennis players! Any repetitive motion involving the arm, like painting, typing, or even gardening, can lead to this condition.

Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which can spread into the forearm and wrist. Activities like lifting, gripping, or bending the arm can make the pain worse. The condition often develops gradually and can worsen over time if not addressed.

Shockwave treatment and acupuncture for tennis elbow can be really helpful to reduce pain and inflammation. Early treatment and proper care can significantly improve outcomes and help return to normal activities.

Golfers Elbow

Golfer's elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow from overuse of the muscles and tendons that control the wrist and fingers. Despite its name, it isn't limited to golfers; it can affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping or wrist movements, such as painters, or carpenters.

Symptoms include stiffness, weakness in the hands and wrists, and numbness or tingling radiating into one or more fingers. The pain can worsen with certain activities like gripping objects or flexing the wrist.

Acupuncture and exercises can aid recovery. Early intervention and proper management can speed up recovery and prevent deterioration of the injury.

elbow fracture

Elbow fractures are breaks in one or more of the bones that make up the elbow joint, typically because of a fall, direct blow, or traumatic injury. These fractures can vary in severity from small cracks to complete breaks that may require surgical repairs.

Symptoms of an elbow fracture include severe pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty moving the elbow, and sometimes visible deformity. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture.  

Major problems with an elbow fracture are swelling, pain, and stiffness that limits the range of motion. Fractured elbow recovery time can be up to a year, but getting physio for fractured elbow can speed up the recovery and limit any loss of mobility.

cubital nerve compression

Also known as ulnar nerve compression, occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inner side of the elbow, gets compressed or irritated at the ‘funny bone’. Numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, pain in the elbow, and a weak grip are common symptoms.

We may suggest using elbow pads and keeping the arm straight, especially at night. Stretching and nerve-gliding exercises can also help. During activity, we may suggest taping the elbow to offload the area.

Physiotherapy has been shown to have a 90% success rate in relieving acute symptoms. Treatment may include, Heat therapy, Postural advice Movement exercises, Stretching exercises, Strengthening exercises, or Manual Mobilisation.