What Causes Elbow Pain?
Elbow pain often develops due to irritation or overload of the tendons that attach around the joint.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive movements such as gripping or lifting
- Sudden increases in activity or exercise
- Poor technique during sport or training
- Muscle weakness or imbalance
- Age-related changes in tendon health
In many cases, elbow pain is related to how tendons respond to load over time, rather than a single injury.
Common Elbow Conditions We Treat
At Salford City Clinic, we regularly assess and treat a range of elbow conditions.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. These tendons are responsible for extending the wrist and fingers.
It often develops due to repeated strain or increased loading, leading to irritation and reduced tendon capacity.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Discomfort when gripping or lifting
- Weakness in the hand or forearm
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow.
It can cause:
- Pain on the inner side of the elbow
- Discomfort with gripping or wrist movement
- Tightness in the forearm
Like tennis elbow, it is usually related to overuse or changes in activity levels.
Symptoms of Elbow Pain
Elbow pain can vary depending on the condition and severity.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain when gripping, lifting or twisting
- Tenderness around the elbow joint
- Weakness in the hand or forearm
- Stiffness or discomfort during movement
- Pain that worsens with activity
If your symptoms are affecting daily tasks such as lifting, typing or exercise, assessment is recommended.
How We Treat Elbow Pain
Treatment focuses on reducing pain while improving the strength and resilience of the affected tendons.
Your personalised care plan may include:
- Physiotherapy to restore strength and movement
- Chiropractic care to improve joint function
- Sports massage to reduce muscle tension
- Exercise therapy to improve stability and control
- Advice to modify activities and reduce irritation
For persistent tendon problems, treatments such as radial shockwave therapy may also be recommended.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your initial consultation is designed to provide clarity and direction.
During your appointment:
- A detailed history of your symptoms will be taken
- A physical assessment of your shoulder will be carried out
- Pain is afYour diagnosis will be explained clearlyfecting your daily activities
- A personalised treatment plan will be created
You will also receive guidance on how to manage your symptoms between sessions.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
You should consider seeking professional advice if:
- Your elbow pain is not improving
- Symptoms are worsening with activity
- Pain is affecting work, sport or daily tasks
- You are experiencing weakness or reduced grip strength
Early treatment can help prevent symptoms from becoming long-term.
Benefits of Treatment
With the right approach, most elbow conditions respond well to treatment.
Treatment can help you:
- Reduce pain and irritation
- Improve movement and flexibility
- Return to normal activities
- Prevent recurrence
- Build long-term resilience in the tendon
Our aim is to help you regain confidence in your movement.
Why Choose Salford City Clinic?
- Award-winning clinic recognised by The Royal College of Chiropractors
- Experienced team of chiropractors and physiotherapists
- Evidence-informed care following NICE guidelines
- Personalised treatment plans tailored to your needs
- Integrated approach combining hands-on care and exercise
- Convenient Salford location with free parking
We focus on treating the cause of your symptoms, not just the pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does elbow pain take to improve?
This depends on the severity and duration of your symptoms. Tendon-related pain can take time, but structured treatment can significantly improve recovery.
Do I need to stop activity completely?
Not always. In many cases, activity can be modified rather than stopped. Your clinician will guide you.
Can elbow pain come back?
It can, particularly if underlying strength or loading issues are not addressed. We focus on long-term prevention.
Do I need a scan?
Most elbow conditions can be diagnosed through a clinical assessment without imaging.
Book Your Elbow Pain Assessment in Salford
If you are experiencing elbow pain and want clear answers and effective treatment, our team is here to help.
Book your appointment today at Salford City Clinic and take the first step towards reducing pain, improving strength and returning to your normal activities.