Elbow complaints
The elbow joint is a joint that connects one bone from your upper arm to two bones from the forearm. This allows movement in two directions: bending/stretching and rotational movements.
The most common complaints of the elbow are complaints on the outside of the arm, also called tennis elbow. Pain can also occur on the inside of the elbow, which is called golfer's elbow. Bursitis of the elbow is also common. The tip of the elbow is swollen, but it is not always painful.
Tennis elbow
Features
The pain is localized to the outside of the elbow and is felt during pinching and wringing. The pain can be felt at the level of the tendons or more in the muscles of the forearm. There is not really inflammation, but more a kind of wear and tear (tendinosis) of the tendon attachment.
Cause
The pain is caused by overuse of the wrist extensors that run from the outside of the elbow to the wrist. The overuse can be caused by vigorous pinching or wringing movements: such as brushing, painting or garden pruning, for example.
Treatment
Tennis elbow goes away on its own in 90% of people. However, this can take months or even 2 years. If recovery does not go well, physical therapy can help. Treatment consists mainly of muscle-strengthening exercises and advice on reducing strain. Treatment with EPTE (percutaneous electrolysis) can speed up the process.
Golfers' Elbow
Features
Here the pain is on the inside of the elbow. Again, this often does not involve inflammation, but again a type of wear (tendinosis) of the tendon attachment.
Cause
Golfer's elbow is more commonly seen in people who do a lot of heavy lifting, such as strength athletes or movers. Golfer's elbow also eventually goes away on its own, with recovery similar to tennis elbow.
Treatment
If recovery is not going well, physical therapy can also help with this. This is done with muscle-strengthening exercises and advice on reducing strain. Treatment of this can be supplemented with dry needling.
Bursitis (Student's elbow)
Features
This bursitis looks like a large swelling on the tip of the elbow, but it does not always have to hurt. Bursitis is usually caused by frequent leaning on the elbow, hence the name: "Student's Elbow.
Treatment
The condition goes away on its own, it can be supported with cooling and anti-inflammatories. It is also important to avoid pressure on the elbow. When the elbow is very hot and you may also get some elevation, it is wise to contact your doctor.
Research and treatment
The physical therapist will assess your symptoms through an interview and focused examination. Then the diagnosis will be discussed with you and a personalized treatment plan will be drawn up.
Cost
Physical therapy is covered by your supplementary insurance. Don't have supplementary insurance? Then we apply the following rates.
GP/specialist referral
Would you like to make an appointment regarding one of the above complaints? For this you do not need a referral from your GP or specialist. You can contact us directly.