Elbow pain can take many forms, and if you play sports such as golf or tennis, chances are you might have experienced a twinge in your elbow. Sometimes this pain comes from the neck and shoulder, however – and osteopathy for tennis elbow will work with the root cause of the problem.
Osteopathy for elbow pain can be an effective choice when you don’t want to keep taking painkillers. But first, let’s talk about the different kinds of elbow pain.
What kind of elbow pain have I got?
Our osteopaths treat all sorts of elbow pain and can accurately diagnose why you are experiencing pain. Here are the most common elbow problems our osteopaths see
Tennis elbow or golf elbow
The pain can be felt on either the outside (lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow) or inside (medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow) of the elbow, and flares up when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow join become inflamed. Usually this is through repetitive strain, and catching it early is key to speedy recovery.
It’s not just tennis players who are at risk of Lateral Epicondylitis. If you frequently use your hands and wrists at work, for example as a chef, plumber, painter or decorator or electrician, you may experience this kind of elbow pain.
Nerve compression
When nerves supplying the arm are compressed either as they come through the side of the neck or near other structures through the shoulder, the pain may be experienced in the elbow. That’s where osteopathy for elbow pain is effective, because your osteopath will assess your neck, upper back and shoulder for the cause of the elbow pain. When the elbow itself has been affected by a blow or knock, nerve compression can also occur locally to the pain.
Referred pain
This is common and occurs with tight, tender trigger points in the muscles near the elbow. Your osteopath can assess this and provide advice on preventing this recurring.
Ligamentous strains
This pain occurs where the ligaments around the elbow joint are affected by inflammation, usually through a sports injury or degenerative conditions.
Student’s elbow
Also called miner’s elbow, or draftsman’s elbow, the Latin name for this is ‘olecranon bursitis’. This is when the bursa (a fluid filled sac that protects the elbow bone) is swollen. The swelling usually happens after a direct blow to the elbow joint, and sometimes as a result of infection. This condition can also be accompanied by arthritis. Symptoms are tenderness, pain, inflammation, and a restricted range of motion in the elbow.
Book your osteopathy appointment now
Elbow pain is easily addressed by our osteopaths. Our team can accurately diagnose the reason for your elbow pain, and help you get back to your pain-free life as fast as possible. It couldn’t be easier to book your appointment with Osteo & Physio! Book a session via our app, website or call our friendly reception team on 0345 5577788.
