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What is referred pain in the elbow?
Referred pain is a term used to describe a sensation of pain that is felt in a location other than the site of an injury. Referred pain in the elbow is when pain is felt in the elbow but the cause of the pain is located elsewhere. Physiotherapy is a successful treatment for referred pain in the elbow.
Above: Massage of the muscle and connective tissue around the Triceps in the upper armWhat can cause referred pain in the elbow?
Referred pain in the elbow can be caused by numerous structures in the neck, shoulder and upper arm.
What are the symptoms of referred pain in the elbow?
There are many different symptoms of referred pain in the elbow. Potential symptoms include:
- reduced range of movement
- swelling/inflammation
- stiffness
- weakness
- numbness
- spasm
- tingling / pins and needles
What should I do if I have referred pain in my elbow?
If you suspect that you have referred pain in your elbow then you should arrange a physiotherapy assessment as soon as possible.
What shouldn’t I do if I have referred pain in my elbow?
If you suspect that you have referred pain in your elbow then you should not ignore the pain in the hope that it will go away. Your pain could get worse without the correct treatment.
Physiotherapy for referred pain in the elbow.
Physiotherapy is very important in the successful treatment of referred pain in the elbow. Initially, your physiotherapist can determine the exact cause of your pain, the tissue/s damaged and the extent of the damage. From this your physiotherapist can provide you with an approximate timeframe for recovery and develop a specific treatment programme for you. The latter often involves activity, work or training modification, electrotherapies, the use of manual techniques such as massage, manipulation and stretching, and a series of specific, progressive strengthening exercises. These exercises will help facilitate your return to normal activity and reduce your chances of developing referred pain in your elbow again in the future. Additional treatments include:
Can referred pain in the elbow have any long-term effects?
Yes, if the cause of the pain is left untreated then referred pain in the elbow can persist for long periods of time.
To arrange a physiotherapy appointment call Physio.co.uk on 0330 088 7800 or book online.
