What Causes Sharp Elbow Pain & How to Find Relief

July 28, 2024

Elbow Pain

Imagine spending a beautiful afternoon playing with your grandchildren, only to be sidelined by a sudden, sharp pain in your elbow. This type of pain can be more than just an inconvenience—it can impact your ability to enjoy life’s precious moments. In this blog, we’ll discuss the common causes of elbow pain and how physical therapy and shockwave therapy can bring you the relief you need.

Elbow Pain

Understanding the Pain

Sharp elbow pain often feels like an electric shock or a pins-and-needles sensation, making everyday activities a struggle. This pain can result from various issues, including overuse injuries, acute injuries, or nerve compression. Some common culprits are:

1 Elbow (olecranon) bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa at the elbow tip.

2 Tennis Elbow: Inflammation of tendons on the elbow’s outer side due to overuse.

3 Golfer’s Elbow: Similar to tennis elbow but affects the inner elbow tendons.

4 Dislocated Elbow: A bone slipping out of place due to injury.

5 Elbow Sprain: Injury to the elbow ligaments.

6 Rheumatoid Arthritis: Chronic inflammation affecting the joints.

7 Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: Compression of the ulnar nerve causing pain and numbness.

Symptoms to Watch For

Sharp elbow pain can be accompanied by various symptoms, including:

>> Weakness in the fingers or arm

>> Tingling or numbness in the fingers

>> Pain radiating to the neck or shoulder

>> Swelling or bruising in the elbow

>> Difficulty using the elbow

These symptoms can make even the simplest tasks feel daunting, but there’s hope on the horizon.

My Journey with Elbow Pain

Let me share a personal story. A dear friend of mine, Jessica, an avid gardener, started experiencing sharp pain in her elbow. Tasks she loved, like planting flowers and pruning, became unbearable. She felt frustrated and helpless. But her journey to recovery began when she discovered Physical Therapy and, eventually, Shockwave Therapy.

The Healing Power of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy was Jessica’s first step towards relief. Here’s how it helped her:

1 Customized Exercise Plans: We created a personalized exercise routine that strengthened her elbow muscles, improved flexibility, and reduced her pain.

2 Manual Therapy: Techniques like massage and joint mobilization provided her with much-needed relief and improved her elbow’s mobility.

3 Education and Lifestyle Modifications: She learned proper techniques to avoid strain and made small changes in her gardening routine to prevent further injury.

Discovering Shockwave Therapy

While physical therapy brought significant relief, Jessica’s pain persisted. That’s when her therapist suggested Shockwave Therapy. This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to stimulate healing. Here’s why it worked wonders for Jessica:

>> Pain Reduction: After a few sessions, she noticed a significant decrease in her pain levels.

>> Improved Blood Flow: Shockwave therapy enhanced blood circulation in her elbow, promoting faster healing.

>> Accelerated Tissue Repair: The therapy helped repair the damaged tissues, allowing She return to her beloved gardening.

A New Lease on Life

Today, Jessica is back in her garden, tending to her flowers without the constant shadow of pain. Her journey reminds us that there is hope, even when pain feels overwhelming. Physical therapy and Shockwave therapy can be life-changing, offering relief and a path back to the activities you love.

Special Considerations for Seniors

For seniors, elbow pain can be particularly challenging due to reduced muscle strength and joint issues. Physical therapy is gentle yet effective, providing tailored exercises that enhance joint function and mobility without putting undue strain on the body. Shockwave therapy offers an additional, non-invasive option to accelerate healing and pain relief.

Take the First Step Today

At Preferred Physical Therapy in Glendale, Arizona, we’re dedicated to helping you find relief. Our compassionate team will guide you through effective treatment options, including physical therapy and shockwave therapy, ensuring a personalized approach to your recovery.

 

For more information or to see if our Revive-U program is right for you, please contact our clinic. We invite you to watch an informative video explaining the different FDA-approved technologies that help with tissue regeneration and naturally reduce pain. Let’s work together to help you find joy in your journey through life.

Exclusive Video! Watch Here!

 

Join our Fitness and Assisted Stretch Program Now and Stay Active!

JOIN NOW!

 

 

 

If you are one of the people who used to suffer a lot from pain and your past medications haven't helped, then you must try our Regenerative Services! Call us today to schedule your consultation!

Get Started Now!

 

 

For more related and knowledgeable articles about Regenerative Services:

Do you have Kidney Stones? Read This!

How about a Sharp, Stabbing Pain in your Heel? A Plantar Fasciitis!

How bad is your Neck Pain? 

Daily Struggle with Lower Back Pain?

For more related Youtube Video:

Relieve Your Elbow Pain with these Simple Exercises

 

Follow Us On Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, ReviveU Instagram, Youtube

Nick Hunter
Say Hi!
Latest posts by Nick Hunter (see all)

You Might Also Like...

About The Author

Nick Hunter

Doctor of Physical Therapy in the Northwest Valley, Helps You Move Easy and Pain-Free without Pills, Injections, or Surgery. Dr. Nick received an associates degree in sports medicine from BYU-Idaho he then attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science. Following BYU, he received his Doctorate of Physical therapy from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Dr. Nick’s greatest passion is seeing his patients recover from injury and return to their activities that bring them joy.