Physical Therapy for Elbow Pain
Whether it’s a persistent ache or sharp discomfort during movement, elbow pain can limit your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy your favorite activities. At Optimum Therapies, our physical therapists provide personalized, movement-based treatment plans designed to relieve pain, restore strength, and help you get back to life with confidence.
If elbow pain is interfering with your daily routine in North Dakota or Wisconsin, schedule your evaluation today and let’s begin your recovery together.
What is Elbow Pain and What are the Symptoms?
Elbow pain refers to any discomfort in or around the elbow joint. It may stem from sudden injuries, repetitive stress, or conditions like arthritis or nerve compression. While some symptoms may be mild and improve over time, others require early intervention to prevent long-term complications.
Common symptoms of elbow pain include:
- Sharp or dull aching sensations
- Pain that worsens with bending, straightening, or lifting
- Stiffness or tightness in the joint
- Reduced range of motion
- Swelling around the elbow
- Weakness in the forearm, wrist, or hand
- Difficulty gripping or holding objects
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers
- Clicking, locking, or popping sounds with movement
If your elbow pain persists or affects your ability to perform everyday tasks, physical therapy may help address the underlying cause and speed your recovery.
What are the Causes of Elbow Pain?
Elbow pain can result from overuse, sudden trauma, or chronic health conditions. Our licensed therapists will conduct a detailed assessment, including your activity level, medical history, and symptoms, to determine the cause of your pain and guide treatment.
Some common causes of elbow pain include:
- Tennis elbow from repetitive arm and wrist movement (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow affecting tendons on the inner side of the elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Bursitis, or inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that cushions the elbow joint
- Arthritis causing joint stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility
- Cubital tunnel syndrome due to ulnar nerve compression
- Sprains and fractures from falls, sports, or accidents
Understanding the root cause of your elbow pain is key to building a treatment plan that brings real results.
Physical Therapy for Elbow Pain
At Optimum Therapies, physical therapy is often the most effective first-line treatment for elbow pain. We focus on restoring mobility, reducing inflammation, and preventing the pain from returning through targeted, hands-on care.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Manual therapy techniques to reduce tension and improve joint mechanics
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises for the elbow, wrist, and shoulder
- Neuromuscular re-education to restore coordination and stability
- Bracing or taping for support during recovery
- Ice and heat therapy to reduce inflammation and improve circulation
- Education on posture, ergonomics, and activity modifications
Our approach is designed to help you return to your everyday activities without surgery or prolonged medication use.
Regain Comfort and Strength with Optimum Therapies
If you’re living with elbow pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. The physical therapy team at Optimum Therapies in North Dakota and Wisconsin is here to help you find relief, improve function, and avoid invasive procedures whenever possible.