Elbow pain: make everyday movement easier

Why might my elbow hurt?

Pain around the elbow can involve tendons, muscles, ligaments or the joint itself. Stiffness, swelling and difficulty bending or straightening the arm can occur with several different conditions. The location of pain is useful information, but it is not enough to identify the cause. NHS elbow guidance

• Tennis elbow usually causes tenderness on the outer elbow, often aggravated by gripping, lifting or moving the wrist. It can develop through work and everyday activities, not just tennis. NHS tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow affects the inner elbow. Gripping, twisting and bending the wrist may provoke it, including during manual work or gym training. NHS golfer’s elbow
• Sprains, strains, arthritis and other joint problems can also cause elbow symptoms. Painful swelling with fever needs urgent medical attention rather than routine rehabilitation. NHS arm and elbow guidance

What does an assessment consider?

Tell your physiotherapist when the problem began, whether there was an injury, and which movements are difficult. Work tasks, training changes, sleep and previous treatment help build the picture.

Assessment may include elbow and forearm movement, strength, grip and relevant shoulder, wrist or neck checks. Mention tingling, numbness or dropping objects. Together, you can identify a useful goal: handling tools, lifting a kettle or returning to training. Our upper-limb assessment approach

A practical rehabilitation approach

For tendon-related pain, care commonly combines activity adjustments with gradually increasing exercise. Shorter bouts of aggravating tasks and changes to grip or load can help you stay active without repeatedly provoking symptoms. Avoid assuming that either complete rest or pushing through increasing pain is the answer. NHS lateral elbow rehabilitation

An individual programme may work on comfortable movement, forearm strength and the demands of your job or sport. A support or brace may be useful for some people, but it is not essential for everyone. Exercise should be adapted if symptoms are worsening. NHS golfer’s elbow rehabilitation

After an injury, the right balance of protection and movement depends on the diagnosis. Follow any fracture or surgical restrictions rather than applying general exercises to an uncleared injury. As a minor soft-tissue injury settles, gradual movement and a staged return to activity can help limit stiffness. North Bristol NHS injury guidance

Common questions

Do I need a scan first?

Not usually for a straightforward tendon presentation. An examination often guides initial care; suspected fracture or another diagnosis may need investigation. NHS tennis elbow assessment

How long will it take?

There is no reliable deadline for every person. Tennis elbow can improve slowly over months, and sometimes lasts longer than a year. Seek review if symptoms persist or worsen. NHS tennis elbow

Can I keep working or exercising?

Often, with appropriate changes. Agree which activities to reduce and how to rebuild them rather than repeatedly testing a painful task. NHS lateral elbow guidance

Book a physiotherapy assessment or explore our upper-limb overview.