Conditions Treatable Through Physiotherapy

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is inflammation of the tendons that join the muscles of the forearm to the outside of the elbow. Pain is located on the outer side of the elbow and it can radiate into the top of the forearm and down towards the wrist. It is caused by gripping activities and repeated overuse of the extensor muscles of the forearm and tendons and those around the elbow joint. While 50% of tennis players will experience tennis elbow, it can also stem from daily activities such as, gardening, typing, swimming and sporting activities that involve high amounts of throwing.

Physiotherapy can help with:

Massage techniques, taping and manual treatment to the joint/tissues
Ultrasound to assist with remodelling and healing
Acupuncture for pain relief
Advice on stretches and progressive strengthening exercises to increase painfree grip and forearm strength

Golfers Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is inflammation of the tendons that connect the forearm to the inside of the elbow. It is caused by overusing the muscles in your forearm, which lets you grip, rotate your arm and flex your wrist such as carpentry, painting, golf, sports involving throwing actions and weight training.

Physiotherapy can help with:

Massage techniques, taping and joint/tissue mobilisations
Ultrasound to assist with remodelling and healing
Acupuncture for pain relief
Advice on stretches and progressive strengthening exercises

Referred pain from the neck

Referred pain in the elbow is when pain is felt in the elbow but the cause of the pain is located elsewhere. This can be commonly caused by nerve root compression in the neck at the level of C5/6/7 and the pain can be associated with burning, tingling or pins and needles sensations. A Physiotherapist will be able to assess muscle length, disc, joint mobility and nerve involvement to determine the underlying structures involved and the cause of the problem.

Physiotherapy treatment in this instance can involve:

Soft tissue techniques and neck mobilisations
Ultrasound to stimulate blood flow and for pain relief
Nerve gliding exercises
Postural advice and realignment with strengthening and stretching exercises
Ergonomic advice if the problem has occurred through poor posture and prolonged sitting

RSI (work related arm/hand pain)

Repetitive strain injury, also known as RSI, is a term used for damaged tissues caused by repeated movements or actions. These actions are often work-related, such as typing or performing manual labour. A number of conditions can be classed as repetitive strain injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, elbow bursitis, de quervains’s. Common symptoms described are tingling, tightness, weakness, swelling, loss of sensation and sharp, shooting pain.

Physiotherapy can help with:

Advice on rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, wearing a splint
Stretching exercises to muscles that have become overactive and tight
Strengthening exercises to muscles that have become weak or underused
Workstation assessment and ergonomic/equipment advice

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome, also called median nerve compression, is a condition that causes numbness, tingling or weakness in your palm and thumb or your index and middle fingers. It occurs due to pressure on your median nerve, which runs the length of your arm, goes through a passage in your wrist called the carpal tunnel and ends in your hand. It tends to occur with repetitive motions, like typing, or any wrist movements that you do over and over. People who have conditions such as hypothyroidism, obesity, diabetes and pregnancy are more likely to be affected.

Physiotherapy can help with:

Massage techniques to reduce swelling
Advice on anti-inflammatory medication and wearing a splint to keep your wrist in a neutral position
Ultrasound to stimulate blood flow, reduce swelling and provide pain relief
Nerve gliding exercises to help the nerve move better within your carpal tunnel

De Quervains

De Quervain’s is a painful condition which occurs when the two tendons around the base of your thumb become swollen and inflamed. Pain can be felt at the base of your thumb and also going up your forearm. It is caused by chronic overuse and repetitive movements of the wrist, commonly lifting a child into a car seat, lifting heavy grocery bags by the handles and typing/using the mouse. It tends to occur in women, especially over 40 years old, during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and a hobby or job that involves repetitive hand and wrist motions. An assessment by a Physiotherapist is needed to diagnose the condition and identify the cause.

Physiotherapy can help with: