physiotherapy for elbow pain in Cheltenham

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a common condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. 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. ‘Tennis elbow’ occurs when the tendons in your elbow are overloaded, by the repetitive motions of the wrist and arm.

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.

Treatment typically involves rest and avoiding activities that trigger pain. Using Physio on tennis elbow  can speed up recovery with treatments and exercises to strengthen and stretch the forearm muscles. 

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, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation on the inside of the elbow. This discomfort results 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 tennis players, painters, or carpenters.

Symptoms of a golfer's elbow include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, 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.

Physio on golfers elbow can include hands-on soft tissue release, stretching and strengthening, 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. These often worsen when the elbow is bent during sleep or while holding a phone.

Physiotherapy treatment begins with advice about avoiding actions that put pressure on the elbow. 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. Early intervention is key to preventing permanent nerve damage and maintaining hand function.

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.