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Published on: 4/28/2025

What Are Effective Methods to Relieve Elbow Joint Pain?

Physiotherapy techniques—including stretching, strengthening, and massage—can help relieve elbow joint pain. Additional treatments may be needed depending on the underlying cause.

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Explanation

Techniques to relieve elbow joint pain ultimately depend on the cause of the pain but may include physiotherapy, pain relief methods, and lifestyle modifications. These approaches work together to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of elbow discomfort. When combined appropriately, these techniques can provide significant relief and help prevent future pain episodes. Physiotherapy includes specific treatments for muscle and joint problems. It often involves gentle exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles around the elbow, helping to restore movement and reduce joint stress. Manual therapy techniques like massage can also loosen tight tissues, easing stiffness and discomfort. For conditions like arthritis, doctors typically combine physiotherapy with anti-inflammatory treatments and ice therapy to reduce swelling and discomfort. In cases where severe stiffness develops, surgical procedures may be considered, but only after conservative treatments have failed. Rest and activity modifications are additional ways to prevent worsening pain. These approaches work best when tailored to each person's condition and integrated into a complete rehabilitation plan that aims to improve joint function and reduce pain.

(References)

  • Pathan AF, Sharath HV. A Review of Physiotherapy Techniques Used in the Treatment of Tennis Elbow. Cureus. 2023 Oct 26;15(10):e47706. doi: 10.7759/cureus.47706. PMID: 38021828; PMCID: PMC10674892.

  • Martinez-Catalan N, Sanchez-Sotelo J. Primary Elbow Osteoarthritis: Evaluation and Management. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 May 9;19:67-74. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.05.002. PMID: 34099969; PMCID: PMC8165431.

  • Kruse KK, Papatheodorou LK, Weiser RW, Sotereanos DG. Release of the stiff elbow with mini-open technique. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2016 Mar;25(3):355-61. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2015.10.025. PMID: 26927431.

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