Physiotherapy Wodonga
Elbow Pain & Injuries
You don’t need to play tennis to get tennis elbow. Pain around the elbow can make lifting, gripping, gardening, working or training difficult.
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What is elbow pain?
Elbow pain can be caused by irritation or overload of the tendons, muscles or joints around the elbow. Common conditions include tennis elbow (pain on the outside of the elbow) and golfer’s elbow (pain on the inside), but other factors can also be involved.
What might you notice?
- Pain on the inside or outside of the elbow
- Reduced grip strength
- Stiffness or tenderness
- Discomfort with lifting or twisting
- Swelling or tingling into the forearm or hand
What causes elbow pain?
- Tennis elbow (lateral elbow tendinopathy)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial elbow tendinopathy)
- Repeated gripping or lifting (e.g. work, DIY, gardening)
- Sports injuries (e.g. racquet sports, weight training)
- Joint stiffness or arthritis
- Injuries after a fall or direct impact
How we can help
We assess your elbow and the activities that bring on symptoms, then develop a plan to help you recover and get back to what you enjoy. Your plan may include:
- Progressive strengthening to build elbow capacity
- Movement exercises to improve control and reduce load
- Hands-on treatment where appropriate
- Workload changes to reduce ongoing irritation
- A gradual return to work, gym or sport, with clear guidance on what you can keep doing while you recover
Common questions
Do I need to stop all activity?
Usually not. You may need to adjust painful gripping or lifting temporarily, then gradually build back up as your symptoms allow.
How long does tennis elbow take to improve?
Tendon-related elbow pain can take several months to settle, particularly if it has been present for a while. Progress is different for everyone.
When to seek medical attention
Seek urgent medical assessment for:
- Severe pain after an injury
- Deformity or inability to move the elbow
- Marked swelling
- New weakness or numbness
- A hot, red joint with fever