Osteopathy For elbow pain
Elbow pain is a common issue that can affect individuals of all ages, particularly those who engage in repetitive activities or sports. Studies suggest that approximately 10% of adults will experience elbow pain at some point in their lives. Understanding the causes and seeking early intervention is essential for effective management and recovery.
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Common causes of elbow pain
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Inflammation of the tendons on the outer part of the elbow, often caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Similar to tennis elbow but affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow, typically related to repetitive gripping activities.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) can cause swelling and pain around the elbow joint.
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons due to overuse can lead to pain and discomfort.
Fractures: Injuries from falls or accidents can result in fractures around the elbow joint.
Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the elbow due to cartilage degeneration.
Common symptoms for elbow pain
Individuals suffering from elbow pain may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
Persistent pain in or around the elbow joint
Swelling or tenderness in the elbow area
Stiffness and reduced range of motion
Pain that radiates into the forearm or wrist
Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
A clicking or popping sensation during movement
3 Osteopathic tips for elbow pain
As elbow pain often occurs through repetitive movements, it is important to identify the causative factors of your pain so that those movements can be modified to reduce the load on the elbow.
In patients with tennis/ golfers elbow, a false insertion brace may be helpful in offloading the tendons in the short term.
In patients with tennis/golfers elbow, ice may be a good tool to reduce swelling and reduce pain after activity.
Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to treating elbow pain by addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes. Treatment may include:
Manual Therapy: Osteopathic techniques help relieve tension, improve joint mobility, and enhance circulation in the elbow and surrounding areas.
Exercise Rehabilitation: Customized exercise programs focus on strengthening the muscles around the elbow, improving flexibility, and promoting healing.
Postural Assessment: Evaluating your posture and movement patterns can help identify contributing factors to elbow pain, guiding targeted interventions.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Osteopaths provide recommendations on activity modifications, proper ergonomics, and preventive strategies to minimize strain on the elbow.
If you are experiencing elbow pain, our clinic is dedicated to helping you find relief. Our experienced osteopaths will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at alleviating pain and restoring function. Don’t let elbow pain limit your daily activities—Book online today to schedule an appointment!