Top 5 Physical Therapy Techniques for Elbow Pain Relief

Struggling with Elbow Pain? You’re Not Alone.

Whether it’s from sports, repetitive use, or a sudden injury, elbow pain can interfere with your daily routine—from lifting groceries to typing at your desk or swinging a tennis racket. At Emery Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping patients recover from elbow injuries with targeted, evidence-based physical therapy techniques that relieve pain and restore function.

In this post, we’ll break down the top 5 physical therapy techniques for elbow pain relief, what causes elbow pain, and how to know when it’s time to seek professional help.

Common Causes of Elbow Pain

Before jumping into treatment, it's helpful to understand what might be causing your elbow discomfort. Some of the most common conditions include:

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain on the outside of the elbow from overuse of the forearm muscles.

• Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Pain on the inside of the elbow due to repetitive gripping or wrist flexion.

• Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) near the elbow joint.

• Tendonitis or Tendinosis: Inflammation or degeneration of the tendons in the elbow.

• Elbow sprains/strains: Injury to the ligaments or muscles caused by trauma or overexertion.

Regardless of the cause, the right physical therapy approach can significantly reduce pain and improve your range of motion.

Top 5 Physical Therapy Techniques for Elbow Pain Relief

1. Manual Therapy and Soft Tissue Mobilization

Hands-on therapy is often the first step in treating elbow pain. At Emery Physical Therapy, our skilled therapists use manual techniques to:

• Improve blood flow to the injured area

• Break up scar tissue or adhesions

• Decrease muscle tension and inflammation

• Improve joint mobility

Soft tissue mobilization around the forearm, biceps, triceps, and shoulder can make a noticeable difference in reducing pain and improving flexibility.

2. Therapeutic Exercise and Strengthening

Weak or imbalanced muscles can contribute to elbow pain. A carefully designed exercise program targets the muscles of the forearm, wrist, shoulder, and even the core to support proper joint function and reduce stress on the elbow.

Key exercises might include:

• Wrist curls and extensions

• Eccentric strengthening for tendons (especially for tennis elbow)

• Isometric holds

• Functional grip strengthening

Consistency is key—our therapists guide you through proper form and progression to ensure long-term pain relief and injury prevention.

3. Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises

Tight muscles or restricted joints can cause or worsen elbow pain. Stretching exercises help improve flexibility in the:

• Forearm flexors and extensors

• Triceps and biceps

• Wrist and shoulder joints

We also include range of motion drills to maintain or restore normal joint movement, which is especially important after an injury or surgery.

4. Modalities (E-Stim, Ultrasound, Cryotherapy)

Pain-relieving modalities are often used to support healing during early stages of rehab or to manage chronic elbow conditions.

At Emery Physical Therapy, we use:

• Electrical stimulation (e-stim): To reduce pain and improve circulation

• Therapeutic ultrasound: To promote deep tissue healing and reduce inflammation

• Ice or heat therapy: Depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic

These tools are used alongside exercise—not in place of it—for optimal results.

5. Ergonomic and Activity Modification Training

Elbow pain is often caused by repetitive motions, poor technique, or improper workplace ergonomics. We assess your movement habits and recommend changes to reduce strain.

This might include:

• Changing your keyboard/mouse setup

• Adjusting your lifting mechanics

• Modifying your sports technique

• Implementing rest breaks during repetitive tasks

Correcting the root cause of stress on the elbow is essential for lasting relief and injury prevention.

When Should You Seek Physical Therapy for Elbow Pain?

You should consider physical therapy if:

• Your elbow pain has lasted more than a few days

• It worsens with activity or limits your range of motion

• You have pain with gripping, lifting, or twisting

• You’re recovering from elbow surgery or a fracture

The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of avoiding long-term problems.

Get Elbow Pain Relief at Emery Physical Therapy

At Emery Physical Therapy, we create customized treatment plans to target the source of your elbow pain—not just mask the symptoms. Whether you're dealing with overuse, injury, or post-surgical recovery, our experienced therapists are here to help you regain strength, mobility, and comfort.

Book Your Evaluation Today