Pain, weakness or dysfunction the elbow, usually gripping or twisting, sometimes involving the wrist and hand.

 

Common symptoms can include:

– Trouble grasping or twisting (doorknobs, screwdrivers, etc.)

– Trouble bending or straightening the elbow

– Pain of difficulty pushing or pulling

– Catching or pinching sensations

– Pain or throbbing at rest

– Trouble sleeping

– Paresthesia (tingling, burning, numbness) in the arm or hand

– Muscle spasms in the forearm

– Weakness or inability to hold or lift things like before

– General stiffness or loss of motion

– Swelling or tenderness to touch, especially at or near the elbow joint

 

The elbow is not just a simple hinge joint, it also as a rotation component. Function of the elbow, wrist, and hand are very integrated. In order to stabilize the arm for many uses, several muscles must contract simultaneously at the elbow with great tension.

 

Common causes of elbow problems include:

– Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)

– Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

– Other tendinitis and tendinosis

– Bicep or triceps damage

– Sprains

– Arthritis

– Pinched nerves

– Bursitis

– Scar tissue from past injuries or surgeries

– Strain of the interosseous membrane

– And many more…

 

Physical therapy can help with all of these things and more. *Even if you have been told you have a tearing, “bone on bone arthritis,” been told you need surgery or have had surgery in the past. * Nearly anyone can expect to see at least partial improvement.

 

Most patients are surprised to learn just how much pain free function they can regain with conservative treatment, even returning to sports and heavy labor. Physical therapy may help you avoid surgery, injections, additional medications, and other more invasive procedures. Even if more invasive means eventually become necessary, physical therapy prior to those interventions often improves the outcome.

 

Physical therapy treatment may include:

 

Therapists are trained unlike any other profession with knowledge and skills to specifically identify damaged or malfunctioning structures, how to help them heal naturally where able, and how to help the body accommodate and adapt where necessary.

 

Elbow interesting facts:

– The forearm has two bones, but only one forms a hinge joint with the humerus (the upper arm).

– The hinge joint of the elbow is unique in its bony configuration and a bone-determined “hard stop” that most other joints do not have.

 

The longer you wait, the more complex a problem can become. Call us or book your appointment online today! The sooner the better. Remember, you DO NOT need a referral from any other doctors AND your insurance will still be accepted just the same as at any other medical appointment. Don’t delay, see us about naturally encouraging your body to heal itself without drugs, injections, or surgeries you may not need.