Elbow Physical Therapy
A smaller joint by comparison to others, the elbow can be susceptible to a variety of injuries including common overuse conditions as well as dislocations, fractures, elbow disorders and even arthritic conditions
Elbow Physical Therapy
The elbow is the joint that connects the upper arm to the forearm. It contains bones, ligaments, and joints that work in tandem to provide your arm the ability to bend and your hands to turn. A smaller joint by comparison to others, the elbow can be susceptible to a variety of injuries including common overuse conditions as well as dislocations, fractures, and even arthritic conditions.
As with the hand, wrist, and upper extremity, any dysfunction of the elbow can easily impair the function of the surrounding area leaving you unable to perform basic tasks of daily living. Injuries are the most common cause of elbow pain, most of which occur gradually over time as seen in athletes. Older adults who experience the typical decreased bone and muscle strength that comes with the aging process are also at increased risk for injuries and fractures of the elbow joint.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Bursitis
Bursitis refers to the inflammation of fluid filled sacs intended to limit pressure and friction between bones and soft tissues throughout the body. This is often a quite painful condition that results in significant functional impairment.
Common Causes of Elbow Bursitis:
- Trauma
- Gout
- Throwing
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Repetitive motion, vibration, or other similar stress
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Infection
- Gout
- Hard blow to the tip of the elbow
Common Signs and Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis:
- Ache
- Pain (especially with the application of pressure)
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Restricted movement
- Redness and warmth
Tennis Elbow
This condition is otherwise referred to as “lateral epicondylitis”. A very common form of tendonitis, more plumbers, painters and carpenters develop this condition than actual tennis players. Regardless, this is a very painful condition resulting from chronically and repetitively overusing the elbow.
Common Causes of Tennis Elbow:
- Chronic overuse
- Repetitive motion
- Trauma
- Working with vibrating tools / instruments
Common Signs and Symptoms of Tennis Elbow:
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Swelling
- Weakened or painful grip
Golfers Elbow
The medical name for golfer’s elbow is “medial epicondylitis.” Like its cousin, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow affects more than just those for whom the condition is named. People who work at computers for extended periods of time as well as those who perform heavier repetitious tasks such as electricians and mechanics are all susceptible to this form of tendonitis.
Common Causes of Golfers Elbow:
- Chronic overuse
- Repetitive motion
- Trauma
- Working with vibrating tools / instruments
Common Signs and Symptoms of Golfers Elbow:
- Inflammation
- Numbness and tingling
- Pain
- Swelling
- Weakened or painful grip
Elbow Physical Therapy Topics
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Physical Therapy and Rheumatoid Arthritis
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6 Tips for Treating Bursitis
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Physical Therapy for the Elbow
Your elbow joint is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and fluid. Muscles and tendons help the elbow joint move. When any of these structures are hurt or diseased it paves the way for elbow problems. Elbow pain is sometimes due to arthritis, but in general, most...