Elbow therapy
Many painful elbow conditions respond well to therapy, non-surgical treatments, including soft tissue massage, stretching and strengthening, and medication.
Elbow pain can happen at any age. It could be the result of a sports injury or a fall, from general wear and tear or from sports-related overuse. Whatever the cause, the best cure is an accurate diagnosis from a physician specializing in the elbow, followed with appropriate care—to get you back to the activities you enjoy.
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What it is
Therapy includes a wide range of elbow pain treatment options. Many elbow conditions respond well to non-surgical treatments, so your doctor may recommend physical therapy including soft tissue massage, stretching and strengthening, or medications to reduce inflammation and pain. If your condition is more complex or serious, elbow surgery might be the best course of action. Whatever your elbow condition, you can count on your Allina Health care team to deliver compassionate, expert care.
Good for treating
Your elbow is a complex structure, and there are many injuries or conditions that can cause pain and affect elbow function. Here are some common ones:
- arthritis
- fracture, dislocation or other traumatic injury
- medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
- lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- flexor/pronator strain
- ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) rupture
- bursitis
- ulnar nerve entrapment
- loose bodies
- osteochondritis dissecans
- posterior olecranon osteophyte
- ulnar nerve entrapment
What to expect
When you visit one of our convenient orthopedic locations or receive care virtually, your orthopedic care team will listen to your concerns, assess your symptoms and create a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. If you need follow-up care, such as physical therapy, medication, or surgery, you can count on receiving clear guidance, coordinated effort between members of your care team, and expert medical attention.
Reviewed by: Linsey Hamilton, DPT, SCS, physical therapist
First published: 11/5/2020
Last reviewed: 11/5/2020