Elbows pain, physical therapy, treatment: Focus Fizikal✓

Elbow pain is a common functional issue that arises from chronic overloading of the forearm muscles and their attachments to the elbow bone. The elbow is a complex joint that connects the upper arm to the two forearm bones, allowing for movements of bending, straightening, and rotating the hand. Pain occurs when repetitive, frequent movements of the wrist and fingers create micro-traumas at the points where tendons attach to the bone, which the brain interprets as persistent pain and weakness during grip.

The anatomy of this region includes the epicondyles (bony protrusions), where the muscles that extend and flex the hand are attached. Pain develops due to reduced blood flow to the tendons under constant tension, leading to a degenerative process known as tendinosis. In individuals who use computers daily, engage in manual labor, or participate in recreational sports, the elbow bears a lot of stress as it absorbs the force transferred from the hand to the shoulder. Understanding whether the pain occurs on the outer or inner side of the elbow is crucial for the accurate localization of the inflammatory process. Timely physiotherapeutic diagnosis helps halt the process of calcification and restore full strength to the extremity.

Symptoms of elbow pain vary from mild discomfort during extreme movements to sharp pain that makes holding a regular cup difficult. Patients often describe a sensation of "burning" or tension that radiates down the forearm. The clinical picture is specific because the pain is most pronounced when using the hand and fingers against resistance. The most common symptoms associated with elbow pain include:

• Sharp pain when touching the bony points on the outer or inner side of the elbow.
• Weakness in the hand and reduced grip strength when handling or carrying objects.
• Pain that worsens during activities like typing, using a mouse, or twisting a lid.
• Morning stiffness in the elbow joint that improves after light movement.
• Tingling that radiates from the elbow down the forearm to the little or ring finger.

These signs are clear indicators that the tendons and surrounding soft tissues are in a state of chronic irritation. Recognizing these signals early allows a physiotherapist to apply therapy that will relieve the muscle chains and reduce inflammation.

• Ponavljajući pokreti ruke
• Tendinitis (upala tetiva)
• Povrede ili udarci
• Loše držanje pri sedenju  

The causes of elbow pain are most often associated with professions or hobbies that require repetitive arm movements. Factors such as poor ergonomics at the workplace, improper technique in sports, and sudden increases in load directly contribute to tissue damage. Although the pain manifests in the elbow, the cause is often related to overloading the forearm muscles. The main causes of elbow pain include:

• Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow): Inflammation of the tendons of the muscles that extend the hand and fingers.
• Medial epicondylitis (Golfer's elbow): Inflammation of the tendons of the muscles that flex the hand.
• Olecranon bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa at the tip of the elbow due to direct pressure or impact.
• Cubital tunnel syndrome: Pressure on the ulnar nerve that passes through the inner side of the elbow.
• Degenerative changes and early stages of osteoarthritis in the elbow joint.

Accurately identifying the mechanism of irritation enables the creation of an individual treatment plan that prevents further damage. Each of the causes listed requires a specific therapeutic approach to regenerate the tendon and restore hand function.

Treatment of Elbow Pain at Fizikalna Terapija focuses on eliminating inflammation, enhancing circulation, and biomechanically correcting movement. The therapeutic protocol combines the latest methods of physical medicine with manual soft tissue therapy. Successful rehabilitation involves restoring a pain-free arm, ready for everyday manual tasks.

The modern rehabilitation approach includes the following stages:

• Detailed functional assessment of grip strength and testing for pain provocation on tendons.
• Application of physical procedures such as shockwave therapy and high-power laser therapy to break down calcifications.
• Manual therapy and joint mobilization of the elbow to reduce compression.
• Kinesiotherapy focuses on eccentric strengthening exercises that restore tendon structure.
• Consultation on ergonomic aids, such as elbow braces or ergonomic keyboards.

Continuous adherence to the recommended exercise program is crucial for preventing the symptoms from returning to a chronic state. This comprehensive treatment enables the patient to return to work or sports with full confidence in the strength of their arm.