physiotherapy for elbow pain in Cheltenham


Gentle, effective treatment to ease elbow pain and restore easy movement

Common Causes of Elbow Pain

Elbow pain can make everyday tasks surprisingly difficult — whether it’s an ache when lifting objects, sharp pain during sport, or stiffness that limits how far you can straighten your arm. It often develops from issues such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, muscle strain, tendon irritation, arthritis, nerve compression or changes in how the elbow and forearm move. Symptoms may build gradually through repetitive use or appear suddenly after a forceful movement, awkward lift or minor injury.


Why Choose Straight Back Physio

At Straight Back Physio, our HCPC‑registered physiotherapists focus on reducing elbow pain, restoring comfortable movement and rebuilding strength so your elbow feels stable and supported again. Every treatment plan is tailored to your specific injury and goals, combining hands‑on physiotherapy with targeted exercises that make lifting, gripping and daily activities easier. Whether your elbow pain is new or something you’ve been managing for a long time, we guide you through a clear, structured recovery that helps you move confidently again. No rushing, no jargon, no pressure — just expert guidance and a plan designed to support long‑term relief.


Clear Guidance. No Rushing. No Jargon.

From your very first session, you’ll understand what’s causing your elbow pain, which movements are safe, and how we’ll help you get back to using your arm comfortably again. You receive a thorough assessment, hands‑on treatment and steady, meaningful progress you can feel — without confusing medical language or feeling pushed through the process.

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“After breaking an arm and then injuring my neck I went to see Straight back Physio, based on a personal recommendation. The difference that they made was immense - the level of discomfort decreased quickly and there is no doubt that the speed of my recovery was improved significantly.”
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Causes of elbow injuries


Your elbow allows you to throw, lift, swing, and much more. If any injury or strain affects any parts of your elbow (including the nerves surrounding them) it can cause pain, pins and needles, and discomfort. There are many reasons for elbow pain, some of which are outlined below:

Tennis Elbow


 ‘Tennis elbow’ is a type of tendonitis that 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. Using physiotherapy for tendonitis injuries like tennis elbow can be a very effective form of treatment.


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 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, short-term pain reduction in 2-4 weeks, noticeable improvement takes 6-8 weeks, but a full recovery usually takes 3-6 months.

woman with tennis elbow pain
man with golfers elbow pain

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.


Using physio for golfers elbow can be an effective treatment option and will also use acupuncture and exercises to aid recovery. Early diagnosis, intervention and proper management can speed up recovery and prevent deterioration of the injury, short-term pain reduction in 2-4 weeks, noticeable improvement takes 6-8 weeks, but a full recovery usually takes 3-6 months.

weightlifting sore elbow

Formally known as triceps tendonitis it is an overuse injury from weightlifting that causes pain where the triceps muscle meets the elbow joint. Poor form, repetition, too much weight or insufficient recovery time can lead to the development of weightlifters elbow..


Elbow pain while lifting can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right approach, it is often possible to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment strategies for weightlifters elbow, you can take proactive steps to address this common issue among weightlifters and maintain a healthy, injury-free training routine, short-term pain reduction in 2-4 weeks, noticeable improvement takes 6-8 weeks, but a full recovery usually takes 3-6 months.

woman with cubital nerve compression

Why Choose Us

No other local physiotherapy clinic can match our level of expertise and rehabilitation services, thanks to our extensive experience and in-house gym facilities.


We offer affordable physiotherapy in Cheltenham, providing caring, high‑quality treatment that supports your recovery without stretching your budget.


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Insured

For insured clients we can either work directly with your insurance provider or offer receipts for cash-based plans, allowing you to reclaim your expenses.


Not Covered by Insurance

If you’re looking for one of the most trusted physiotherapists in your area, you’re welcome to book an appointment at our Cheltenham clinic — no need for a physiotherapy referral from your GP.