Active X Clinics

Elbow Pain Treatment Edinburgh

Already a patient? Click here for booking guidance.

Elbow Pain Treatment At Active X Edinburgh

Elbow pain can arise from various causes, such as repetitive strain injuries, Arthritis, or traumatic injuries. At Active X, we offer a comprehensive approach to alleviate elbow pain through Osteopathic techniques and therapeutic Massage. Our treatments are tailored to reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and enhance overall functionality, ensuring a quicker and more effective recovery.

How common is elbow pain?

Elbow pain is a common condition, particularly among individuals engaged in repetitive arm movements, such as athletes, manual laborers, and office workers. In the UK, conditions like tennis elbow affect about 1-3% of the population annually, with a significant impact on those aged 40-60 years.
female doctor hand doing physical therapy by exten 2023 11 27 05 15 25 utc

How to relieve Elbow pain

Stay active

Movement is medicine. While it’s tempting to rest, remaining active as your pain permits is vital. The type and intensity of activity is dependent on whether your pain is new or chronic, our team can help you build a comfortable but healing exercise plan.

Should you use painkillers?

Clinical guidance on medication is shifting. Recent evidence suggests anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may actually interfere with the body’s natural healing process and prolong recovery. Opioids present a risk of dependency and mask symptoms rather than resolving the root cause.

Professional Treatment

There is strong clinical evidence that manual therapies, including osteopathy, physiotherapy, and massage therapy, are effective for elbow pain.

What causes it?

It’s highly unlikely to be caused by any sort of disease process. These are rarely the cause. But it is possible; so it’s worth consulting an experienced clinician if your pain persists for more than a few days.

Non-specific Elbow Pain

If you’ve been told your elbow pain is ‘non-specific’, it just means there isn’t one single diagnosis that explains everything. Most elbow pain stems from a combination of factors. Our approach is to move past the vague labels and identify the specific mechanisms - the ‘why’ behind the pain - so we can treat it effectively.

Diagnosis versus Functional Assessment

While a diagnosis typically identifies a single source of pain, like a sprain or arthritis, our Functional Assessment (FA) takes a broader view. Instead of looking for one isolated cause, the FA pinpoints the various contributing factors unique to your injury. We then explain the specific mechanisms at play, showing you exactly how these different factors interact to create the pain you’re experiencing.

Should I get an MRI for my elbow pain?

In most cases, an MRI won’t be necessary and isn’t the first step. During your first appointment, we’ll walk you through an assessment of your injury to determine the best course of treatment and whether imaging is clinically indicated. In the meantime, try to avoid ‘Dr. Google’ - it usually adds more stress than clarity!

When to see a doctor for your Elbow pain

Unless you’re consulting an orthopaedic doctor or sport injury specialist, you are better off seeing one of our team.

Active X has specialised in relief AND prevention since 1993. Our team, based in the West End of Edinburgh, are keen to help you.

Secure your appointment today, by clicking one of the links below.

Prevention