The elbow is a hinge type joint meaning it can bend and straighten the arm. It is made up of three bones, one in the upper arm and two in the forearm. The bones are surrounded by a capsule and ligaments for support, small sacs of fluid called bursa and cartilage to reduce friction between tendons, bones and joints.
Elbow pain can come from injuries to the soft tissues, tendons or ligaments around the joint becoming inflamed. This may be from over use in sports or jobs with lots of hand and wrist movements. Typically, restrictions through the midback, shoulder or wrist can lead to overuse at the elbow as it tries to compensate for the movement lost elsewhere.
Lack of strength or flexibility in the forearm or shoulder, instability at the elbow, poor technique during exercise that leads to increased strain, nerve irritation at the neck.
Common conditions effecting the elbow include,
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfers’ elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Bursitis
- Nerve Entrapment
- Arthritis
- Dislocations
- Sprains and strains to ligaments
Your Osteopath can help by screening through the movements of the neck, shoulder and wrist to accurately assess the cause of your elbow pain and determine what preventative measure can be taken to prevent a recurrence. We can provide you with an ideal ergonomic set up and adjustments to exercises you perform to maximize recovery and prevent further damage.
Osteopaths can treat the surrounding muscles and ligaments to reduce tension around the joint and increase mobility through the elbow. Dry needling can be an effective tool in reducing tightness through the forearm that may be contributing to aching through the elbow. Articulation and soft tissue can promote blood flow and encourage lymphatic drainage improving the time of recovery. We will aim to improve movement patterns and decrease your pain, so you can function at your best.
If you are experiencing any pain through your elbow or forearm, book in to see an Osteo. We have a wide variety of techniques to help you through your pain.
