Elbow Pain: Understanding Tennis Elbow, Golfer's Elbow, and How Osteopathy Can Help

Author

Niraj De Silva

B.Sc. (Clinical Sciences), M.H.Sc. (Osteopathy)

Niraj is the founder and principal of Nudge Osteopathy in Wantirna, where he helps people overcome pain, restore movement, and get back to doing what they enjoy. Using a hands on, evidence based approach, Niraj combines thorough assessment, osteopathic treatment, and personalised rehabilitation to address the root cause of musculoskeletal conditions. Whether you're recovering from a sports injury, managing persistent pain, or looking to improve your everyday movement, he is committed to delivering tailored care that supports long term results.

Elbow pain is a common complaint that can significantly interfere with everyday tasks, from lifting a kettle to shaking hands. While often related to sports, many cases of elbow pain develop from repetitive work tasks or general daily activities.

Osteopathy provides a comprehensive approach to elbow pain. We look beyond the site of discomfort to understand how your wrist, shoulder, neck, and overall posture contribute to the problem, addressing the root cause for lasting relief.

Key Facts About Elbow Pain

Elbow pain frequently affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60, with lateral elbow pain (tennis elbow) being the most common type. Only about 5-10% of people diagnosed with "tennis elbow" actually play tennis. It is more often an overuse injury from repetitive manual work or hobbies. Poor posture, particularly in the neck and shoulders, can alter nerve and muscle function, contributing to elbow pain.

Common Causes of Elbow Pain

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): Pain on the outside of the elbow where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump. Caused by overuse of the forearm extensor muscles.
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow): Pain on the inside of the elbow where the tendons of the forearm flexor muscles attach. Caused by overuse of the forearm flexor muscles.
Olecranon Bursitis: Inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the tip of the elbow, leading to swelling and tenderness.
Nerve Entrapment: Nerves that pass through the elbow, such as the ulnar nerve ("funny bone"), can become compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, or tingling.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the elbow joint, causing pain, stiffness, and a loss of range of motion.
Referred Pain: Pain felt in the elbow but originating from a problem elsewhere, most commonly the neck or shoulder.

How Can Osteopathy Help?

Osteopathic treatment for elbow pain is holistic. During your initial consultation, we take a detailed history, perform a thorough physical examination, and conduct a postural and spinal assessment. Treatment involves reducing pain and muscle tension; improving joint mobility in the elbow, neck, shoulder, and wrist; addressing nerve irritation; correcting biomechanical imbalances; and providing personalised rehabilitation and ergonomic advice.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Please consult your GP or seek urgent care for history of significant trauma with an obvious deformity; signs of infection; severe pain and sudden inability to straighten the elbow which may indicate a tendon rupture; or numbness, tingling, or significant weakness that travels down the arm into the hand.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and is not intended as a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a registered health practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of health conditions. Individual results from osteopathic treatment may vary.