Elbow Pain Treatment

Elbow Pain Q&A

What are the symptoms of elbow pain?

Elbow pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including general overuse, sports injury, work injury or underlying medical conditions. Some of the most common symptoms of elbow pain include:

• Pain in elbow joint
• Swelling around elbow joint
• Tenderness around elbow joint
• Muscle weakness where elbow joint is controlled
• Pins and needles
• Wrist weakness
• Decreased range of motion in elbow joint

What are some common conditions associated with elbow pain?

Elbow pain can be associated with a variety of conditions, including:

• Tennis elbow (elbow tendonitis) - Tennis elbow can be caused by repetitive motion, and can be identified by inflammation occurring on the outside of the elbow. These muscles and tendons become sore from repeating the same motions over and over. Occasionally, lateral epicondylitis can result in the microtearing of the tendons that join the forearm muscles.
• Golfer's elbow - Golfer's elbow (also known as medial epicondylitis) is tendonitis on the inside of the elbow. It is caused by overuse of the tendons and muscles that attach to the forearm muscles. If left untreated, golfer’s elbow can spread to the wrist and forearm.
• Radial tunnel syndrome - Radial tunnel syndrome occurs when the radial nerve, which runs through the elbow, is compressed. This can cause nagging pain, numbness, and tingling in the elbow, forearm, and hand.
• Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes the cartilage in the elbow joint to begin to break down. This can eventually lead to changes in the bone, pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the elbow joint.
• Rheumatoid arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the joints. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the elbow joint.
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome - This is a condition that involves pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve (also known as the “funny bone” nerve), which can cause numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers, pain in the forearm, and/or weakness in the hand. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome can eventually lead to ulnar nerve entrapment, when the nerve is completely compressed.
• Bursitis Elbow (Olecranon bursitis) - The first sign of bursitis is usually indicated by swelling at the elbow. As the swelling worsens, the bursa begins to stretch, which causes pain. The pain often worsens with bending of the elbow or when direct pressure is applied.

What are the causes of elbow pain?

Many sports, jobs, and hobbies require repetitive hand, wrist or arm movements. This overuse of the elbow joint combined with repetitive motion usually leads to injury and elbow pain. Some of the most common causes of elbow pain include:

• Overuse: The elbow joint is overused dring activities such as typing, playing sports, or lifting weights.
• Injury: A strain or sprain can cause injury to the elbow joint and elbow pain.
• Underlying medical conditions: Elbow pain can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, such as arthritis, gout, obesity, or tendinitis.

What are the treatments for elbow pain?

The treatment for elbow pain will vary depending on the cause of the pain. Some common treatments for elbow pain include:

• Rest: The elbow joint may require rest to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Ice therapy: Applying ice to the elbow joint can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Compression: Compressing the elbow joint with an elastic bandage can help to reduce swelling.
• Elevation: Elevating the elbow joint above the heart can help to reduce swelling.
• Medications: Over-the-counter meds, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can increase range of motion and strength in the elbow joint.
• Chiropractic care: Chiropractic treatment should be your primary treatment option for speedy recovery and prevention of a future injury.

How can I prevent elbow pain?

Practicing proper ergonomics and different techniques and movements when using the elbow joint is a good preventative measure for minimizing the risk of injury and elbow pain. There are a few things you can do to help prevent elbow pain, including:

• Using proper ergonomics
• Warming up before exercise
• Cooling down after exercise
• Using proper technique
• Taking breaks
• Strengthening the muscles that support the elbow joint

What are specific chiropractic techniques used to treat elbow pain?

At Indian Harbor Chiropractic we know that misalignments of the spine, or vertebral subluxations, can contribute to elbow joint injury and elbow pain. Chiropractic manipulations of the spine during adjustments can restore movement to joints in the elbow or other parts of the chain that have movement dysfunction or have an alignment issue. We use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and improve alignment including:

Chiropractic Adjustment

Chiropractic adjustments can realign your spine or other parts of the body, reduce tension, and alleviate discomfort due to elbow pain symptoms and pain. Chiropractic adjustments Dr. Gailes offers at Indian Harbor Chiropractic include motion palpation, spinal adjustments, activator application, drop table care, and neuromuscular therapy to reduce pressure on the median nerve and improve symptoms of elbow pain.

Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT)

Spinal manipulation is a technique where Dr. Gailes will apply a controlled thrust to a joint of the spine. This motion moves the joint more than it would on its own. SMT is actually a collection of techniques which include massage or mobilization of soft tissue, adjustment of spinal subluxations, trigger point therapy, cross-friction massage, active release therapy, and mechanical traction on an area of the spine or on an extremity.

​​​​​​​Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own painkillers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain. Tens also works on muscles and causes muscle contractions by stimulating α-motor neurons. It is highly effective in improving muscle function, strengthening muscles, and improving joint range of motion.

Transverse Friction Massage Therapy

This technique involves using the thumbs or fingers to apply a firm, rubbing motion to the median nerve to reduce inflammation, break down tension in the tendons, and improve nerve function.

Class IV Laser therapy

Dr. Gailes is currently the only chiropractor in Greenwich, CT offering Class IV Laser Therapy. Dr. Gailes uses chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and speed up recovery times for all types of injuries. Laser therapy will reduce pain by over 50% in three to four treatments and can complement chiropractic adjustments or be used as an independent form of treatment.

Begin with chiropractic care today

For complete elbow pain relief call the Indian Harbor Chiropractic office or schedule an appointment online today.