How Physical Therapy Can Help Arm and Elbow Pain
If you are someone who is suffering from arm or elbow pain, you are certainly not alone. Luckily, in most cases, this pain can be remediated with the help of physical therapy without surgical intervention.
Now, if you are still unsure what is causing your arm and elbow pain and it has been persistent beyond a few days or debilitating you from performing in your day to day activities, then it is time to seek help. It is very common for weakness or injury in the shoulder, as well as poor posture and stability in the shoulder girdle, to leave you susceptible to arm and elbow injuries. During your physical therapy evaluation, your physical therapist will determine the foundational cause of your discomfort and select targeted exercises to address the deficit.
Arm and elbow pain, as unfortunate as this is to say, is a widespread occurrence, especially for those who play sports like tennis or golf.
Sources of Arm & Elbow Pain
For a quick reference, below are common conditions and injuries that have a significant impact on your arms and elbows. This is not a complete list, and you should still see your physical therapist for a proper diagnosis to determine where the pain originates from, and why.
• Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
• Lateral Epicondylitis
• Medial Epicondylitis
• Tendonitis
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• Olecranon Bursitis
• Radial Tunnel Syndrome
• Elbow Dislocation
• Elbow Fractures
What will a Physical Therapist do?
No matter what your situation may be, the goal of physical therapy is to improve your strength, flexibility, reduce your pain, and restore your function.
We also focus on improving your blood flow to your tendons, which can help with the reduction in swelling and accelerate healing. Below are common steps to achieving rehabilitation and recovery through physical therapy.
• Pain Relief: Once we do the initial screening and know exactly what is going on with you, the first action is to provide you with pain relief. This can be through muscle stimulation, manual therapy, exercise, stretches, and braces/straps.
• Exercises: Once your pain is under control, you will be eased into strategic exercises, that allow you to build muscle, stay flexible, and recover faster. You will start out small and work your way up as you progress.
• Stretches: As for stretches, you will do an array of techniques, such as finger stretches, wrist flexor stretches, towel twists, and wrist extensor stretching to really loosen up your stiffened areas.
- Elbow Dislocation
- Elbow Fracture
- Elbow Sprains and Strains
- Golfer's Elbow
- Ligament Sprains or Tears
- Little League Elbow Syndrome (Medial Apophysitis)
- Olecranon (Elbow) Bursitis
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Osteoarthritis of the Elbow
- Tendinitis
Knowing When to Seek Help
Arm and elbow pain, as unfortunate as this is to say, is a widespread occurrence, especially for those who play sports like tennis or golf. Even people who turn a screwdriver the wrong way can end up in a lot of arm and elbow pain. At Symmetry Physical Therapy, we will be able to diagnose the root cause of your pain, cultivate the best treatment plan, and get you on the fast track to recovery.
About
Symmetry Physical Therapy is a privately owned one-on-one, patient-centered physical therapy clinic in Downtown Miami/Brickell. Every treatment is with the same Doctor of Physical Therapy for the entire hour. Symmetry’s specialized, dedicated, and passionate team of physical therapists is fully committed to each patient’s success.
Award-Winning Service