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 problems in the forearm tendons, and physical therapy works on the load that irritates them. We treat elbow pain at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.
Which elbow it is, and why you did not need a racket
Where the pain sits tells us which tendon is involved.
Tennis elbow
Lateral epicondylitis hurts on the outer elbow and often shows up when you grip, lift a jug or turn a doorknob.
Golfer's elbow
Medial epicondylitis hurts on the inner elbow and forearm, with gripping or carrying.
No sport required
Most people who get these never play tennis or golf. Typing, tools, lifting and any repetitive gripping can do it.
Tendinitis or tendon overload
Elbow tendinitis means an irritated tendon. We also ask about forearm pain that travels from the neck or from a nerve.
Load the tendon, don't just rest it
Rest can calm an angry tendon for a few days, but tendons also need steady, progressive loading to recover. Your therapist starts with what you can do without a flare and builds forearm and grip strength a step at a time, with stretching and mobility where needed.
We also look at your work and home, because the same grip and posture that started the problem can keep it going. Small changes to tool handles, keyboard and mouse position, or how you carry things can take pressure off the tendon, and you can read more about that on Work Injuries & Workers' Comp and Sports Injury Rehab.
How we treat elbow pain
In the clinic
- Manual therapy for the forearm, elbow and neck
- Dry needling for tight forearm muscles
- Neuromuscular re-education, including neuromuscular stimulation
At home and at work
- Strengthening and stretching you can do daily
- Education on grip, posture and ergonomics
- A plan for returning to your sport or job
Other causes of elbow and forearm pain
Cubital tunnel
Pressure on the ulnar nerve at the inside of the elbow can cause aching and tingling in the ring and little fingers. EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies and nerve conduction testing at our clinics can help confirm it.
Elbow bursitis
Swelling at the point of the elbow, often from leaning on it or a knock.
Pain that starts higher up
Neck and shoulder problems can send pain down the arm. See Shoulder Pain. Wrist and hand problems are on Hand & Wrist Pain.
Elbow questions
Do I need a referral?
In many cases no. Texas allows you to start physical therapy without one, and we can help verify your insurance requirements.
Is it tennis elbow or something in my neck?
Your therapist checks the elbow, the forearm and your neck. Elbow pain when gripping that reproduces on pressing the tendon usually points to the tendon.
Elbow care in El Paso, Texas
Call or request an appointment at our Edgemere or Physicians clinic and we will start with your grip and your work.
We see patients at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.