Therapy for Elbow Pain

Elbow pain can be a result of acute injury or a chronic issue related to strenuous overuse. The problem may exist in the tendons that cause the joint to flex or extend, bursa inflammation or a dislocation of the joint bones. There are specific therapies for each of these types of elbow pain.

Tennis or Golfer's Elbow

• Those who frequently participate in racket sports or in activities with motions similar to throwing may develop tennis elbow. This is a chronic inflammation of the lateral epicondyle. Ice and rest will reduce the swelling. Ibuprofen can also be used to reduce pain. Of all the therapy techniques one can use, the most beneficial therapy is to alter the motion creating stress on the joint. Playing golf, chopping wood, using a hammer, or extended time spent typing can lead to golfer's elbow, which is an inflammation of the medial epicondyle on the interior forearm just below the elbow. Most cases of tennis and golfer's elbow are caused by poor form that places necessary stress on the joint. The solution is to use proper form. A brace on the upper arm can offer additional support to help prevent tennis elbow from flaring up, whereas golfer's elbow requires a brace on the upper forearm below the elbow.

Dislocation

• If the joint surfaces of an elbow separate, the elbow is dislocated. This is frequently accompanied by tendon tears or complete ruptures. Treatment may be surgical or nonsurgical. Through a reduction maneuver, the elbow can be put back in line non-surgically and then kept immobile in a sling for several weeks. For severe cases, surgery will realign the joint and repair the tendon damage. Within three weeks mobility exercises must be started to regain a range of motion in the elbow.

Physical Therapy

• Regardless of how you injured your elbow, you will need to engage in some level of physical therapy in addition to the therapy regimen outlined above. For moderate injuries, basic stretches to lengthen the flexor and extensor muscles and increase their strength can be done with items found at home. A can of corn can be used for wrist curls. A rubber band around your fingers strengthens one set of muscles used in gripping while squeezing a ball strengthens the opposite muscles that open the hand. More-serious cases may need formal physical therapy with ultrasound added to the mobility and strength exercises.