What is Elbow Pain?
Elbow pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It may develop suddenly following an injury or gradually due to repetitive movements, overuse or sporting activities.
The elbow is a complex joint made up of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves that work together to allow bending, straightening and rotation of the arm. Pain can arise from any of these structures and may affect your ability to lift objects, grip, use tools, play sport or carry out everyday activities.
Most elbow conditions respond well to physiotherapy, helping to reduce pain, restore movement and prevent symptoms from returning.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
At Greenacre Physio, we'll identify the cause of your elbow pain through a detailed assessment before creating a personalised rehabilitation programme tailored to your lifestyle, work and sporting activities.
Treatment may include:
- Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis
- Manual therapy where appropriate
- Individualised exercise programmes
- Tendon loading programmes
- Strengthening of the forearm, wrist and upper arm muscles
- Mobility and flexibility exercises
- Activity modification advice
- Workplace ergonomic advice
- Return to work and sport rehabilitation
- Long-term injury prevention strategies
Our aim is to reduce pain, restore strength and help you return to your normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Why Choose Greenacre Physio?
At Greenacre Physio, we understand how elbow pain can affect everyday tasks such as lifting, carrying, typing, gardening, DIY and sporting activities. Our clinicians provide evidence-based assessment and rehabilitation, focusing on identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms rather than simply treating the pain.
Every treatment programme is tailored to your individual goals, whether you're looking to return to work, the gym, golf, tennis or everyday activities without discomfort.
Appointments are available at our Essex and Cambridge clinics, with home visits and virtual consultations also available where appropriate.
What to Expect
Your first appointment will include a detailed discussion about your symptoms, occupation, hobbies and activity levels. We'll assess your elbow movement, strength, grip, flexibility and the way your arm functions during everyday activities.
We'll also assess the shoulder, wrist and neck where appropriate, as these areas can sometimes contribute to elbow pain.
Following your assessment, we'll explain our findings and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme. You'll receive practical advice and exercises from your first appointment, with your treatment progressing as your symptoms improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes elbow pain?
Elbow pain can result from tendon injuries, muscle strains, ligament injuries, arthritis, nerve irritation or overuse. Common conditions include tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, bursitis and tendon problems.
Can physiotherapy help tennis elbow?
Yes. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow). Rehabilitation focuses on gradually loading the tendon, improving strength and addressing the factors contributing to your symptoms.
Do I need a scan?
Not usually. Most elbow conditions can be diagnosed during a clinical assessment and improve with physiotherapy. If we believe further investigations such as an ultrasound or MRI scan are required, we'll advise you accordingly.
Can I continue exercising?
In many cases, yes. Rather than stopping activity completely, we'll help you modify your training and gradually rebuild your strength while your symptoms improve.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer directly to Greenacre Physio. We also accept referrals from GPs, consultants, insurers, employers and case managers.
Book an Appointment
If elbow pain is affecting your work, hobbies, sport or everyday life, we're here to help. Book an appointment at one of our Essex or Cambridge clinics, arrange a home visit or schedule a virtual consultation with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
We'll identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme to help you recover and return to the activities you enjoy.
Common Elbow Problems We Treat
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia)
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylalgia)
- Elbow tendinopathy
- Elbow bursitis
- Ligament injuries
- Elbow sprains
- Muscle strains
- Arthritis of the elbow
- Nerve irritation
- Post-operative elbow rehabilitation
- Sporting elbow injuries
- Work-related repetitive strain injuries
Why Choose Greenacre Physio for Elbow Pain?
Elbow pain can have a significant impact on work, sport and everyday activities, particularly when gripping, lifting or carrying. At Greenacre Physio, we provide detailed assessments to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme based on the latest evidence.
Our clinicians have extensive experience treating both acute injuries and persistent elbow conditions, helping people return to work, sport and daily activities with confidence. Whether you're recovering from tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, a tendon injury or post-operative surgery, we'll work with you to reduce pain, restore strength and build long-term resilience to help prevent future problems.