Elbow Injuries Symptoms & Treatment

Tennis Elbow

Most often known as Tennis Elbow, Lateral Epicondylitis isn’t limited to tennis players. Many types of muscle overuse can result in the inflammation that causes a pain in the outside portion of the elbow, and many people are surprised at how sensitive the area becomes once injured.

Treated early, Tennis Elbow can be cut short at the inflammatory stage. Left untreated, tendinosis can develop, which leads to a further breakdown of muscle fibres, causing significant delays in healing and potentially resulting in the need for surgery.

Through a series of carefully timed interventions, physiotherapy steers your healing process. Apart from addressing the cause of the pain, a Registered Physiotherapist can teach you adaptive techniques so you can more comfortably perform activities that have become painful. You can also learn the right way to rest your elbow to speed your return to normal movement.

Golfer’s Elbow

Common in golfers, but not exclusive to them, Medial Epicondylitis can result from overuse of the elbow, as well as from sudden trauma. Unlike Tennis Elbow, where pain is felt in the outer elbow, Medial Epicondylitis sufferers feel pain in the inner elbow. This discomfort can occur during activity, but can also happen when resting.

Left unchecked, elbow injuries can cause significant pain and disability. Taking a small amount of time for physiotherapy at the onset of your injury will limit your discomfort and shorten your recovery time.

Beware of generic advice and self-diagnosis. Because every case of Epicondylitis is different the recommendations for your treatment must be unique. At Focus Physiotherapy, we know that discovery leads to recovery. Before starting treatment, it is essential to determine the cause of your elbow pain. A thorough examination by a Registered Physiotherapist will help you determine the path to full mobility. Your physiotherapist will find out which lifestyle factors increase the symptoms causing your pain, and help you make the necessary adjustments. And, because it’s impossible to avoid using your elbow during everyday activity, our team can teach you how to do things differently so you’ll cause less irritation and speed up your recovery process.

Elbow Bursitis

Characterized by a swollen, soft protrusion in the elbow region, bursitis of the elbow often causes tenderness, even when resting. Someone suffering from bursitis will also experience pain when the affected area comes into contact with a hard surface. Olecranon Bursitis occurs when the elbow bursa (small sacs of fluid cushioning your elbow joint) swell and become hot—usually as a result of a direct blow—but can also happen because of regular wear and tear, such as repeatedly leaning on your elbows.

If the cause of your Olecranon Bursitis stems from something preventable, a Registered Physiotherapist can teach you how to modify the behaviour that triggers the condition, and prevent a future flare-up. Treatment for Elbow Bursitis generally focuses on reducing swelling, protecting your elbow from damage and improving your overall function.

Restoring Motion, Strength and Sensation

Elbow Fractures are serious injuries that require physiotherapy once the bone is considered stable. There are many types of fractures, and many potential injuries that accompany broken bones. Is it an open or closed fracture? Is the fracture displaced or not? Is there any evidence of a muscle tear? In addition to our face-to-face discovery session—which extends beyond your elbow to the joints above and below—your physical therapist will review any important medical and imaging documents that will inform your treatment and lead to your optimal recovery path.