Elbow Pain Relief
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Elbow pain is often related to overuse or repetitive stress, but it can also come from injury or joint dysfunction.
Common causes include:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Sprains and strains
- Tendonitis from overuse
- Joint irritation or stiffness
- Repetitive activities (work, sports, or pickleball)
Many patients tell us:
“It started as a small ache… and now it’s affecting everything I do.”
Common Symptoms
You may be dealing with an elbow issue if you notice:
- Pain on the inside or outside of the elbow
- Pain with gripping, lifting, or twisting
- Weakness in the hand or forearm
- Stiffness or soreness after activity
- Pain that worsens over time
- Difficulty with daily tasks
Tennis Elbow (Outer Elbow Pain)
Tennis elbow is one of the most common causes of elbow pain.
It affects the outside of the elbow and is often caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain on the outer elbow
- Pain with gripping or lifting
- Weakness in the forearm
- Discomfort during activities like pickleball or lifting
Golfer’s Elbow (Inner Elbow Pain)
Golfer’s elbow affects the inside of the elbow.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain on the inner elbow
- Pain with wrist flexion or gripping
- Tightness in the forearm
- Pain during repetitive activities
Why Elbow Pain Doesn’t Go Away
Rest alone often isn’t enough.
Elbow pain tends to persist when underlying issues aren’t addressed, such as:
- Repetitive strain without recovery
- Poor movement mechanics
- Weakness in supporting muscles
- Compensation from the shoulder or wrist
That’s why elbow pain can become a chronic, recurring problem.
How We Help at Living Well Bainbridge
Our approach focuses on reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing recurrence.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is highly effective for tendon-related elbow pain.
It helps:
- Reduce inflammation
- Increase circulation
- Speed tissue healing
- Decrease pain quickly
Chiropractic & Joint Care
We assess and treat the elbow and surrounding areas to:
- Improve joint motion
- Reduce stress on tendons
- Address contributing issues from the shoulder and spine
Soft Tissue Therapy
We target tight or irritated muscles to:
- Reduce tension in the forearm
- Improve flexibility
- Decrease strain on the elbow
Corrective Exercise
We guide you through simple exercises to:
- Strengthen the forearm and supporting muscles
- Improve stability and control
- Prevent future flare-ups
Common Causes of Foot & Ankle Pain
Can You Stay Active?
In many cases—yes.
We help you:
- Modify activities safely
- Stay moving without making the pain worse
- Gradually return to full activity
When Should You Get It Checked?
Don’t ignore elbow pain.
You should consider care if:
- Pain lasts more than a few days
- It keeps coming back
- Your grip strength is decreasing
- Pain is affecting work or activity
Early care can prevent more serious injury.
Why Patients Choose Living Well Bainbridge
- Non-surgical, drug-free care
- Personalized treatment plans
- Focus on long-term results
- Experience treating active adults and athletes
- Convenient Bainbridge Island location
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most common cause of elbow pain?
The most common cause is tendon irritation from repetitive use, such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
How do I know if I have tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow?
Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside. Both can cause pain with gripping and lifting.
Why does my elbow hurt when I grip or lift?
Pain with gripping or lifting is often due to strain on the tendons that attach to the elbow, especially from repetitive use.
Can elbow pain go away on its own?
Some mild cases improve with rest, but many return if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.
How long does elbow pain take to heal?
Mild cases may improve in a few weeks, while more chronic cases can take longer without proper treatment.
What is the fastest way to relieve elbow pain?
The most effective approach includes reducing inflammation, improving movement, and strengthening the forearm muscles.
Should I rest my elbow completely?
Not usually. Controlled movement and proper treatment tend to lead to better outcomes than complete rest.
Can elbow pain be caused by work activities?
Yes. Repetitive tasks like typing, lifting, or using tools can contribute to elbow pain over time.
When should I see a provider for elbow pain?
If your pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, or affects your strength or function, it’s time to get evaluated.
Can chiropractic care help elbow pain?
Yes. Improving joint mechanics and reducing stress on the elbow and surrounding areas can help relieve pain and restore function.
Can elbow pain spread into the forearm or hand?
Yes. Tendon irritation can cause pain that radiates into the forearm and may affect grip strength.
What activities should I avoid with elbow pain?
Avoid repetitive gripping, heavy lifting, or movements that cause sharp pain until the area has improved.
Get Back to Pain-Free Movement
You don’t have to work around elbow pain.
At Living Well Bainbridge, we’ll help you find the cause and create a plan to get you moving comfortably again.
Call today or schedule your visit online to get started.