Elbow Pain (Tennis & Golfer's Elbow)
Tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow and golfer's elbow is pain on the inside. Both are overuse injuries of the forearm tendons, and physical therapy treats them by loading the tendon progressively and changing what overloads it. Joint Effort Physical Therapy treats elbow pain in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Where it hurts tells us which one you have
Tennis elbow
Lateral epicondylitis causes pain on the outside of the elbow that may spread into the forearm, especially when gripping, lifting a coffee cup or turning a doorknob.
Golfer's elbow
Medial epicondylitis causes pain on the inside of the elbow, with elbow pain when gripping and forearm pain when you twist or carry.
You do not have to play tennis or golf
Most people who get these do neither. Gripping, lifting and repetitive work are the usual causes: typing, assembly line work, carpentry, gardening, cooking or lifting boxes. The forearm tendons that attach at the elbow take the strain every time you grip, and over time the tendon becomes irritated. Elbow tendinitis is the broad term, though the tendon is often worn rather than simply inflamed.
Why loading the tendon helps more than rest
Resting a sore tendon feels logical, but long rest leaves it weaker and less able to take the next load. Eccentric and isometric tendon loading, where the tendon is worked in controlled, measured steps, is the core of care for both types.
Your physical therapist builds that around the work and hobbies you need to do, with therapeutic exercise and manual therapy for the forearm and elbow. When it fits, we add shockwave therapy or Dry Needling for stubborn tendon pain, and kinesiology taping to support the arm.
Taking pressure off the tendon at work and at home
Small changes add up between visits.
Grip and tools
Larger handles, a lighter grip and switching hands for repetitive tasks reduce the strain.
Workstation
Keyboard and mouse height, and forearm support, change the load on the elbow. Ergonomic training is part of the plan.
Pacing
We help you break up repetitive tasks so the tendon recovers between bursts of use. If your elbow pain began at your job, see work injuries.
Other causes of elbow pain
Not every sore elbow is a tendon. Bursitis, a swollen cushioning sac at the point of the elbow, causes tenderness and swelling. Cubital tunnel syndrome is irritation of the ulnar nerve on the inside of the elbow, the spot sometimes called the funny bone, and brings numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers. Your evaluation sorts out which of these you have.
If pain also runs into the wrist, thumb or hand, see hand and wrist pain. Shoulder and elbow problems often overlap in overhead and throwing athletes; see Shoulder Pain and sports injuries.
Elbow pain care in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Joint Effort Physical Therapy treats Elbow pain at our Hot Springs clinic, 1880 Airport Rd., Suite C.
Not sure whether your plan needs a referral? Call us. As a courtesy, we verify your health benefits before you arrive.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.