Elbow PainSymptoms
Common with racket sports and manual work. Improves with load management, tendon‑specific exercise, and education.
What is elbow pain?
Elbow pain often stems from tendon overload (tennis or golfer’s elbow), joint irritation, or referred pain from the neck. It is typically activity‑related and responds to graded loading and self‑management.
Scans are rarely needed early unless there are concerning features (significant trauma, fever/unwell, progressive weakness). Your physiotherapist will advise if imaging is appropriate.
Common causes
Tendon overload
Lateral (tennis elbow) or medial (golfer’s elbow) tendinopathy with gripping/lifting.
Joint irritation
Capsular irritation or cartilage wear; painful rotation or load.
Referred pain
From the cervical spine; can mimic elbow pain.
Sports & work
Higher risk in tennis, squash, climbing, and repetitive manual tasks.
Common symptoms
- Pain with gripping, lifting a kettle, or resisted wrist movements
- Morning stiffness and tenderness at the outer or inner elbow
- Reduced confidence with push, pull, or racquet sports
- Occasional neck/forearm tightness or referred symptoms
Related symptoms: Wrist pain, Reduced range of motion
How a physiotherapist can help
- Education on activity modification and flare planning
- Tendon‑specific loading and progressive strengthening
- Movement coaching for gripping, lifting and sport‑specific tasks
Effective treatments
Exercise therapy
- Isometrics → eccentrics → heavy slow resistance
- Criteria‑based return to racket/throwing
Manual therapy (short‑term)
- Pain‑modulating techniques to support loading
- Joint mobilisation as indicated
Education & self‑management
- Load management for work and sport
- Activity pacing and ergonomic strategies
Adjuncts
- Counterforce brace, heat/ice for comfort
- Short‑term analgesics as advised
At‑home management
Mobility
- Gentle wrist/elbow range of motion
- Neck/upper‑back mobility if referred
- Forearm soft tissue self‑release
Strength
- Isometrics progressing to wrist extensors loading
- Grip strength and functional holds
- Scapular and rotator cuff support
Habits
- Modify aggravating grips and heavy lifts short‑term
- Pace work/sport; avoid sudden spikes
- Sleep and stress management
What to expect in physiotherapy
Assessment
History, palpation and strength testing; identify tendon vs joint vs referred.
Plan
Tendon loading plan, work/sport modification, and symptom‑management strategies.
Progress
Increase load and speed; reintroduce sport skills when criteria are met.
FAQs
Is tennis elbow the same as elbow pain?
Tennis elbow is one common cause. A clinician will differentiate tendon, joint and referred sources.
How long does recovery take?
4–12 weeks is typical with consistent loading and progression. Timelines vary by severity and goals.
Should I stop sport completely?
Usually not. Modify volume and technique; rebuild tolerance with a graded plan.
Related
Related symptoms
Possible conditions
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.