Elbow pain can interrupt everything from your daily routine to your favourite activities. At Acomb Chiropractic Clinic, we’re committed to helping you understand the origins of your discomfort, explore non-invasive treatment options, and adopt strategies that could protect your elbows over the long term.
Understanding elbow pain
Your elbow is a complex hinge joint formed by three bones (the humerus, radius and ulna) and supported by ligaments, tendons and muscles. This intricate structure allows you to bend, straighten and rotate your forearm. When any component of this system becomes irritated—whether through overuse, injury or degeneration—you may experience inflammation, stiffness, tenderness and reduced range of motion.
Every patient’s experience of elbow pain is unique. Some feel a sharp, shooting sensation when gripping or lifting, while others notice a dull ache at rest. A precise diagnosis is essential to identify whether the origin is tendinous, ligamentous, articular, or neural, so that treatment can be tailored for maximum effectiveness.
Common causes of elbow pain
- Tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects the outer elbow, often due to repetitive wrist extension motions.
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis): impacts the inner elbow, linked to repetitive wrist flexion.
You do not have to play golf or tennis to suffer from either of these conditions.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the olecranon bursa—a small fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow—can result from direct impact or prolonged pressure (leaning on the elbow).
- Ligament sprains: Sudden twisting injuries or falls onto an outstretched arm can overstretch or tear ligaments, leading to pain and joint instability.
- Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the elbow joint cartilage over time can cause pain, stiffness, restriction and grinding sensations, particularly in older adults.
- Nerve entrapment: Conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome occur when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed at the elbow, producing tingling, numbness or burning in the ring and little fingers.
Not all elbow issues are suitable for chiropractic care. Therefore, a thorough assessment is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective management, and tailored recommendations for your specific concerns.
Chiropractic treatments for elbow pain
Our approach combines precise joint care, soft-tissue therapies and rehabilitative exercises, aiming to address both symptoms and underlying dysfunction:
- Joint mobilisation and manipulation: Gentle, manual techniques aim to restore normal movement patterns within the elbow joint and surrounding articulations (wrist and shoulder), easing mechanical stress.
- Soft-tissue release: Trigger point technique, vibration massage and soft tissue stretching techniques reduce muscular tension, break down adhesions and improve circulation around the injured area.
- Myofascial dry needling/acupuncture: Can be particularly helpful for joint pains, especially those associated with arthritis or those with a chronic history.
- Rehabilitation exercises: Customised strengthening and stretching routines focus on the forearm flexors, extensors and surrounding stabilisers. Progressive loading protocols help rebuild tendon resilience while protecting joint integrity.
- Ergonomic and postural education: We assess your daily habits—workstation setup, sports technique or hobby ergonomics—and recommend adjustments that minimise strain on the elbow.
Preventative strategies
- Gradual progression: When starting a new sport or exercise, increase intensity and duration slowly to allow tendons and muscles to adapt.
- Proper technique: Whether swinging a racquet or typing at a keyboard, using correct form prevents undue stress on the elbow joint.
- Regular stretching and strengthening: Integrate simple forearm stretches and resistance-band exercises into your daily routine to maintain flexibility and build muscular support.
- Avoid prolonged pressure: Use padded supports or change positions frequently if you lean on your elbows for extended periods.
Get in touch
At Acomb Chiropractic Clinic, we are committed to helping you if we can. If you suspect that your elbow pain could be helped with chiropractic treatment, we encourage you to contact us for a personalised consultation. Our experienced chiropractic team will conduct a thorough assessment, explain our findings and what we think is possible in clear terms. If appropriate, we will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals, aiming to maximise your possible benefit.
Not all complaints are appropriate for chiropractic care, if we think we cannot help your complaint, or you require more investigations, we will do our best to support you in finding you another path forward.