Expert elbow pain practitioners
Targeted, effective solutions
Long-term pain relief
Comprehensive care for all types of elbow pain
At Holistic Healthcare Clinics, our multidisciplinary team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of elbow pain, from acute injuries to chronic conditions. We understand how limiting elbow pain can be, affecting your work, sports activities, and daily functioning.
Our approach combines evidence-based treatments including physiotherapy, osteopathy, massage therapy, acupuncture, and rehabilitation exercises to create a personalized recovery program that addresses your specific condition and lifestyle needs. We don't just mask symptoms – we identify and treat the underlying causes of your elbow pain for long-term relief.
Understanding the various types and causes of elbow pain
Pain on the outer side of the elbow (lateral epicondylitis) caused by overuse of forearm muscles and tendons, common in racquet sports and repetitive gripping activities.
Pain on the inner side of the elbow (medial epicondylitis) resulting from strain to the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the inner elbow, often from repetitive wrist flexion.
Inflammation of the olecranon bursa at the tip of the elbow, causing swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion, often resulting from pressure or injury.
Compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve where it passes through the cubital tunnel at the inner elbow, causing numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers.
Compression of the radial nerve in the forearm causing pain similar to tennis elbow but originating from nerve compression rather than tendon inflammation.
Degenerative or inflammatory changes in the elbow joint causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, often developing after previous injuries or from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Stretching or tearing of the ligaments that stabilize the elbow joint, often resulting from falls, sports injuries, or sudden twisting movements.
Pain developing from repetitive movements in work, sports, or daily activities that place excessive stress on the elbow joint and surrounding tissues over time.
Recovery and rehabilitation following elbow fractures, focusing on restoring strength, mobility, and function after the bone has healed.
A comprehensive, evidence-based strategy for effective elbow pain management
We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, including detailed history-taking, physical examination, and movement analysis to identify the specific causes and contributing factors to your elbow pain.
Rather than just treating symptoms, we work to identify and address the underlying causes of your elbow pain, whether it's related to biomechanics, movement patterns, muscle imbalances, or joint issues.
We develop individualized care strategies based on your specific diagnosis, occupation, sports activities, goals, and preferences, combining different therapeutic approaches for optimal results.
We emphasize active involvement in your recovery through targeted exercises, movement retraining, and self-management strategies that empower you to take control of your elbow health.
Our team works together to provide integrated care, drawing on expertise from physiotherapy, osteopathy, massage therapy, and other disciplines to address all aspects of your elbow condition.
Beyond immediate pain relief, we focus on strategies to prevent recurrence through education, technique modification, ergonomic advice, and ongoing self-care techniques.
Evidence-based therapies to relieve elbow pain and restore function
Gentle, controlled movements applied to the elbow joint to improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain by enhancing joint function and reducing nerve irritation.
Carefully designed exercise programs to rebuild strength in forearm muscles, stabilize the elbow joint, and restore functional capacity for daily activities and sports.
Manual therapy approaches including massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy to address muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing in forearm and elbow tissues.
Appropriate use of braces, straps, or taping techniques to reduce strain on injured tissues, provide support during healing, and modify load distribution during activities.
Including TENS, ultrasound, and interferential therapy to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and enhance tissue healing through varied electrical and sound wave stimulation.
Fine needles inserted at specific points to stimulate the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing in tennis and golfer's elbow conditions.
Analysis of work, sports, and daily activities to identify and modify movements or equipment that contribute to elbow strain and overuse injuries.
Strategic application of thermal treatments to manage inflammation, improve circulation, and provide pain relief during different stages of healing.
Targeted stretching protocols to improve forearm muscle flexibility, enhance range of motion, and reduce tension in tissues that contribute to elbow pain.
How our comprehensive approach can transform your elbow health
Effective reduction in acute and chronic elbow pain through multiple therapeutic approaches, often reducing the need for medication or injections.
Improved elbow mobility and function, allowing you to perform daily tasks, work activities, and hobbies with greater ease and comfort.
Rebuilt forearm and arm strength to provide better support for your elbow during various activities and protect against future injury.
Lower risk of elbow pain returning through improved biomechanics, activity modification, and ongoing preventative strategies.
Stronger, pain-free grip strength allowing you to confidently handle objects, tools, sports equipment, and perform daily activities.
Ability to perform job tasks efficiently and comfortably with strategies to prevent work-related elbow strain and overuse.
Safely resume tennis, golf, climbing, weight training and other activities with proper technique and appropriate conditioning.
Knowledge and skills to independently manage your elbow health and respond effectively to early warning signs of strain or overuse.
Specialised treatments that can help resolve your elbow pain
Our physiotherapists use manual therapy, exercise prescription, and movement analysis to address the biomechanical aspects of elbow pain and restore proper joint and muscle function.
Learn MoreOsteopathic treatment takes a whole-body approach to elbow pain, examining how arm, shoulder, and neck mechanics can influence elbow function and overall upper limb health.
Learn MoreTherapeutic massage helps release tension in forearm muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stress-related components of elbow pain through specialized soft tissue techniques.
Learn MoreMany elbow pain sufferers experience significant relief through acupuncture, particularly for conditions like tennis elbow and golfer's elbow that respond well to this treatment.
Learn MoreOur sports therapists specialize in treating and preventing elbow injuries in athletes, with specific expertise in tennis, golf, climbing, and throwing sports.
Learn MoreOur rehabilitation programmes focus on restoring function after elbow injuries or surgery through progressive exercise protocols and movement retraining specific to your needs.
Learn MorePractical strategies to maintain healthy elbows and prevent pain recurrence
Whether playing sports, lifting weights, or performing work tasks, use correct form and technique to reduce strain on your elbow joint and tendons. Poor technique is a leading cause of tennis and golfer's elbow.
Regular strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles can help protect the elbow from injury by improving muscle endurance and joint stability during activities that stress the area.
Ensure sports equipment like tennis racquets and golf clubs are properly fitted for your body size and strength. At work, use ergonomic tools with appropriate grip sizes to reduce strain.
Arrange your computer and workspace to minimize elbow strain. Keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle when typing, and ensure your chair supports proper positioning of arms and shoulders.
During activities that stress your elbow, wearing an appropriate brace or strap can help distribute forces away from injured tendons and provide support while tissues heal.
Always warm up before sports or activities that use your arms. Gentle stretching and gradual increased intensity prepare tendons and muscles for more strenuous use.
When starting new activities or returning after injury, gradually increase duration, frequency, and intensity to allow tissues to adapt and strengthen in response to new demands.
If you're prone to elbow pain or are engaging in high-risk activities, applying ice for 15-20 minutes after activity can help prevent inflammation and manage early symptoms.
Avoid repetitive activities for extended periods. Take regular breaks to rest your arms and hands, perform gentle stretches, and change positions to reduce cumulative strain.
Don't ignore mild elbow discomfort. Early intervention when symptoms first appear can prevent minor issues from developing into more serious conditions that require lengthy treatment.
Read about the experiences of those we've helped
"After struggling with tennis elbow for over six months, my ability to work as a carpenter was seriously affected. The team at Holistic Healthcare Clinics created a comprehensive treatment plan combining physical therapy, specific exercises, and acupuncture. Within weeks, I noticed significant improvement and have now returned to work pain-free."
"As an avid golfer, developing golfer's elbow was devastating for me. Previous treatments elsewhere had limited success, but the specialists at Holistic Healthcare Clinics took a different approach. Their combination of manual therapy, specific exercises, and technique modification has allowed me to return to playing regularly without pain. Their attention to detail and personalized care made all the difference."
"Working as a software developer led to severe elbow pain and numbness in my fingers that was affecting both my work and sleep. The team diagnosed cubital tunnel syndrome and developed a treatment plan including nerve mobilization, workspace adjustments, and specific strengthening exercises. Their expert care and holistic approach resolved my symptoms completely, and the ergonomic advice has prevented any recurrence."
Answers to common questions about elbow pain and treatment
The main differences relate to location and the affected muscles:
Despite their names, both conditions can affect anyone who performs repetitive arm, wrist, or hand movements, not just athletes. Both are forms of tendinopathy (tendon injury) caused by overuse, but they require slightly different treatment approaches based on the specific tissues involved.
Complete rest is rarely the best approach for elbow conditions. Instead, we typically recommend:
The key is finding the right balance between rest and activity. Too much rest can lead to muscle weakening and prolonged recovery, while continuing painful activities can delay healing. Our specialists will help you determine which activities you can safely continue, which should be modified, and which may need to be temporarily avoided during your recovery period.
We'll also provide alternative exercises and activities to maintain fitness and function while protecting the injured tissues, ensuring you can stay active while recovering.
Elbow braces and counterforce straps can be helpful components of a comprehensive treatment plan for certain elbow conditions, but they should not be relied upon as the sole treatment. Their effectiveness varies depending on the specific condition and individual factors:
When prescribed appropriately, braces can:
However, they work best when combined with appropriate rehabilitation exercises, activity modification, and addressing the underlying causes of your elbow pain. Our specialists can advise whether a brace would be beneficial in your specific case, and if so, which type would be most appropriate and how it should be properly fitted and used.
Recovery timeframes for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) vary considerably depending on several factors:
As a general guideline:
It's important to note that improvement is usually gradual rather than sudden. Most patients experience progressive reduction in pain and increasing function over time with appropriate management. While some patients respond quickly to treatment, tendon healing is inherently a slow process that cannot be rushed.
Our approach focuses not just on symptom relief but on addressing the underlying causes and facilitating proper tissue healing to achieve lasting results and prevent recurrence. After your assessment, we can provide a more personalized estimate based on your specific condition.
Both ice and heat can be beneficial for elbow pain, but their application depends on the nature and stage of your condition:
Ice (Cold Therapy) is generally recommended for:
Heat (Thermal Therapy) is generally recommended for:
Application guidelines:
Some patients find alternating between ice and heat (contrast therapy) to be effective for chronic conditions. Many of our patients benefit from applying ice after activities that stress the elbow and heat before gentle stretching or exercises.
During your assessment, we can provide specific recommendations for your particular condition and stage of healing.
Have other questions about elbow pain treatment? Contact our team for personalized answers.
Book an assessment today and take the first step toward pain-free movement.
