Elbow Pain Treatment | Physio & Sports Therapy

Help for sore, irritable elbows

Elbow pain can make everyday things like lifting a kettle, typing or carrying shopping uncomfortable. It's common in racket sports, gym training and jobs that involve a lot of gripping or repetitive hand use.

This kind of elbow pain is usually linked to the tendons around the elbow being asked to do more than they're used to. Our physiotherapists and sports therapists assess your elbow, your work and your training, then build a plan around gradual, progressive loading.

Thorough elbow, wrist and neck assessment

Progressive tendon loading programmes

Soft tissue therapy and taping

Practical advice on work, grip and training changes

Return to sport and gym planning

No GP referral needed to book

Book Your Assessment

What's causing your elbow pain?

Most elbow pain comes from the tendons around the joint, but a proper assessment helps rule out other causes.

Tennis Elbow

Pain on the outside of the elbow from the tendons that extend the wrist and fingers. It is often worse with gripping, lifting with the palm down or using a mouse.

Golfer's Elbow

Pain on the inside of the elbow from the tendons that bend the wrist and fingers. It is often aggravated by gripping, pulling and throwing.

Biceps & Triceps Tendon Pain

Pain at the front or back of the elbow from pulling or pressing, common in gym-goers who increase load or volume quickly.

Elbow Bursitis

Swelling over the point of the elbow, often from leaning on it or a knock. If it becomes hot and red, see your GP.

Nerve Irritation

Irritation of the nerve on the inside of the elbow can cause tingling into the ring and little fingers, especially when the elbow is bent for long spells.

Referred Pain From The Neck

Pain from the neck can be felt around the elbow and forearm. We check the neck as part of your assessment.

When to see a doctor first

Please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency, rather than booking with us, if you have:

A fall or injury where the elbow looks deformed or you can't bend or straighten it: go to A&E

A hot, red, swollen elbow, especially with a fever: seek urgent medical help

A sudden pop at the front of the elbow with bruising and a change in the shape of the bicep: see your GP or go to a minor injuries unit promptly

Numbness or weakness in the hand that keeps getting worse: see your GP

Elbow pain help near you

Whether your elbow pain comes from tennis, the gym or a busy desk job, our clinics in Cambridge, Bishop's Stortford, Saffron Walden, Sawston and Willingham can assess it and help you build a plan to get back to full use.

32 Raynham Road, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5PE

Elbow pain questions answered

What's the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?

Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow, while golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside. Both are overuse tendon problems, and you don't need to play tennis or golf to get them.

Should I rest my elbow completely?

Complete rest is rarely the best approach for tendon pain. Tendons need the right amount of load to get stronger. We'll help you adjust what aggravates your elbow while you build strength gradually.

Do elbow straps or braces help?

Some people find a forearm strap eases pain during activity. It can be a useful short-term tool, but it works best alongside a loading programme. We can advise whether one might suit you.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You don't need a referral to book with our physiotherapists or sports therapists. If you have any of the warning signs listed on this page, please see your GP or seek urgent medical help first.

"Highly recommend for running-related issues. Jess put together a clear plan to get me ready for my marathon, and her communication was excellent throughout. Thank you!"

"Referred after an increasingly painful knee was impacting on my exercise. Hannah was very thorough in her investigation and analysis of the problem. I noticed a steady but sustained improvement following the recommended exercises over the first week. The exercises were subsequently changed up and the improvement sustained over the next two weeks. What definitely helped was the link between the Injury Active Clinic and the Barn. Hannah provided a briefing for the coaches, ensuring the gym sessions reinforced the recommended physio programme."

"Jess was so lovely and supportive throughout my time with her. She really helped build my confidence and get me back to doing the sports I love! I'm so grateful for all her help and would highly recommend :)"

Book a Pain & Movement Assessment

Rather than resting and hoping it settles, get it looked at. Your assessment gives you a clear explanation of what we think is going on, a plan, and a way to measure your progress.

Book an Assessment

Assessment

A thorough look at your history, how you move and what aggravates it, so we understand what's driving your symptoms.

Your Plan

A clear plan with realistic goals and the right mix of hands-on care and exercise for you.

Build Back Up

Progressive strength and movement work so you can get back to full activity with confidence.

Elbow Pain
Treatment

Help for sore, irritable elbows