Arm and Elbow Pain – is it Golfers’ or Tennis Elbow?

By far the most common elbow and arm conditions we provide treatment for in our Warwick clinic are Golfer’s and Tennis elbow. These are overuse injuries which can be caused by any repetitive actions – not just golf or tennis! They are often caused by something as seemingly harmless as computer mouse or keyboard use.

Tennis Elbow produces a sharp pain on the outside of the elbow, often radiating into the forearm. Golfers’ Elbow is similar but affects the inside of the elbow.

Below is a list of conditions we see in our clinic:

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
• Golfers’ Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
• Other overuse injury from repetitive actions such as computer or mouse use, DIY or gardening
• Tendinopathy or tendinitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Referred pain from the neck or shoulder
• Trapped or pinched nerve in the neck
• Muscle tightness, strain or imbalance

How can Osteopathic Treatment help your Arm or Elbow Pain?

Osteopathic treatment will aim to reduce your pain, improve movement patterns and encourage self-management.  Treatment may include soft tissue massage, mobilisation and strengthening work to the arm, shoulder and neck.  An osteopath will also give you advice on lifestyle and exercises to do at home. Read more about osteopathic treatment.

When is Osteopathic Treatment not Appropriate?

Most arm or elbow pain pain can be treated effectively with osteopathy. However, sometimes an osteopath may need to refer you to your GP for further tests or scans. This could be because your symptoms suggest other causes of arm or elbow pain requiring medical intervention such as:

• Fracture
• Inflammatory arthritis
• Referred pain from organs such as the heart
• Rare pathology affecting the arm bones