🤔 What Is It?

Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow, where the forearm tendons attach to the bone. Despite the name, most people who develop it don’t play tennis — it’s usually caused by repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist extension movements.

Tennis elbow is a form of tendinopathy — a breakdown of the tendon’s structure over time. It often builds gradually and can affect everything from typing and lifting to training and manual work.

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Repetitive or forceful gripping (e.g. gym work, tools, typing)

• Overuse of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon

• Poor load management (too much, too soon)

• Muscle weakness or poor control through the forearm or shoulder

• Desk work or mouse use with poor wrist support

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Reduce or modify painful gripping or lifting activities

• ✅ Avoid using elbow braces or straps long term — they can delay healing

• ✅ Apply ice for pain relief, especially after flare-ups

• ✅ Try gentle isometric holds for pain management

• ✅ Start a gradual loading program to rebuild tendon strength

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Confirm whether it’s true lateral epicondylalgia or referred pain

• Guide you through stage-appropriate tendon rehab

• Provide hands-on treatment to reduce muscular tension and improve function

• Address contributing factors like shoulder strength, posture, or neck stiffness

• Help you return to sport, gym, or work safely and confidently

• Avoid reliance on injections or passive treatments alone

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What does tennis elbow feel like?

• A dull ache or sharp pain on the outside of the elbow

• Pain with gripping, lifting, shaking hands, or pouring a kettle

• Weakness in the forearm or a “burning” sensation with use

• Tenderness to touch the bony area just outside the elbow joint

2. What causes tennis elbow?
It’s usually caused by overuse or overload of the forearm tendons — particularly from gripping, lifting, typing, or repetitive wrist movements. It can also follow a sudden increase in load (e.g. returning to gym, doing renovations, or switching mouse hands).

3. Do I need a scan to confirm it?
Not usually. Tennis elbow is a clinical diagnosis, confirmed by movement testing and palpation. Imaging is only needed if pain persists or other diagnoses are suspected.

4. Will it go away on its own?
Sometimes, but it can last for months without the right rehab. Physio helps speed up recovery and reduce recurrence by building strength and improving load tolerance.

5. Can I keep training with tennis elbow?
Usually yes — but some exercises may need to be modified. We’ll help you stay active while rehabbing your elbow with minimal disruption to your training.

6. Should I rest completely?
No — complete rest delays healing in tendinopathies. The goal is to stay active but within pain limits, using controlled loading to promote recovery.

7. How long does it take to heal?
Mild cases can improve in 4–6 weeks with treatment. More persistent cases may take 8–12 weeks or longer, especially if the tendon is severely irritated or overloaded.

8. Do elbow braces help?
Bracing can reduce symptoms short-term but doesn’t address the root cause. Exercise and load management are the most effective long-term solutions.

9. Can physio help even if I’ve had it for months?
Absolutely — chronic tennis elbow responds well to targeted rehab, especially when guided by a professional. We often see improvement even in cases that have lasted for 6+ months.

🤔 What Is It?

Golfer’s elbow is a condition that causes pain on the inside of the elbow, where the forearm flexor tendons attach to the bony bump called the medial epicondyle. Like tennis elbow, it’s not just limited to athletes — it’s commonly caused by repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, or forearm strain.

This condition is a form of tendinopathy (degeneration and overload of the tendon) and tends to develop over time from work, lifting, sport, or gym-related movements.

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Overuse of the wrist flexors and pronator muscles

• Repetitive gripping, pulling, or manual work (tools, ropes, lifting)

• Technique overload in gym movements like pull-ups, curls, and rows

• Poor grip strength endurance or lack of recovery between sessions

• Compensation for weakness in the shoulder or upper limb

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Avoid overloading the wrist flexors (e.g. curls, chin-ups, or repetitive gripping)

• ✅ Use ice or contrast therapy to calm down inflammation in flare-ups

• ✅ Perform isometric holds (static muscle contractions) to manage pain

• ✅ Start a gradual loading program — don’t rest completely

• ✅ Check your lifting technique and grip position

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Confirm whether your pain is true medial tendinopathy or nerve-related

• Guide a structured tendon rehab program based on your stage and goals

• Use manual therapy or dry needling to reduce surrounding tension

• Strengthen contributing muscles: forearm, shoulder, scapula

• Help you modify gym, work, or sport loads to avoid flare-ups

• Collaborate with your GP if further investigation is needed

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What does golfer’s elbow feel like?

• A dull ache or sharp pain on the inside of the elbow

• Worse with gripping, lifting, or wrist flexion

• Tender to touch near the bony point on the inside of the elbow

• May feel weaker when doing curls or carrying things

2. Do I have to be a golfer to get it?
Not at all. It’s common in tradies, gym-goers, climbers, throwers, and anyone doing repetitive hand work. The name comes from the motion of a golf swing, but most sufferers aren’t golfers.

3. How is it different from tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow (lateral side), while golfer’s elbow affects the inside (medial side). They involve different muscles and tendons but often come from similar causes.

4. Do I need to stop lifting weights?
Not necessarily — but you may need to modify your grip, technique, or intensity. We’ll guide you through a safe return to training that builds tendon strength without causing flare-ups.

5. How long does it take to heal?
Recovery varies, but most people improve within 6–12 weeks with guided rehab. Chronic cases may take longer — especially if the tendon has been overloaded for months or longer.

6. Is this related to nerve pain or cubital tunnel syndrome?
Sometimes medial elbow pain overlaps with ulnar nerve irritation, which causes tingling or numbness in the pinky and ring fingers. Physio can differentiate between the two and adjust treatment accordingly.

7. Do braces or straps help?
They may reduce symptoms short-term, but bracing alone won’t fix the problem. The key is progressive loading, movement correction, and addressing contributing factors.

8. Will physio help even if I’ve had this for ages?
Absolutely. Even long-term cases respond well to a structured strength and rehab plan, especially when it’s tailored to your sport, job, or lifestyle.

🤔 What Is It?

Triceps tendinopathy is an overuse condition affecting the tendon at the back of the elbow where the triceps muscle attaches to the olecranon (tip of the elbow). It typically develops from repetitive or excessive loading, such as during pressing movements, dips, or pushing exercises.

It causes pain or tightness in the back of the elbow, especially during or after training, and can feel like a dull ache, burning, or weakness with load.

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Overuse or poor technique in pushing exercises (e.g. bench press, dips, push-ups)

• A sudden spike in training volume or intensity

• Poor eccentric control of the triceps during lowering movements

• Lack of rest or recovery between heavy pressing sessions

• Weakness or imbalance in shoulder, scapular, or core stability

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Reduce or temporarily pause high-load pushing movements

• ✅ Use ice or contrast therapy post-training if inflamed

• ✅ Trial isometric holds (static push-downs) to settle pain

• ✅ Avoid deep range dips or skull crushers until pain improves

• ✅ Begin a progressive loading plan to rebuild tendon strength

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Confirm the diagnosis and rule out other sources of posterior elbow pain

• Provide hands-on treatment or dry needling for surrounding tightness

• Prescribe a stage-based loading plan (isometrics → eccentrics → dynamics)

• Adjust your gym or sport technique to reduce strain

• Improve shoulder and trunk control to offload the elbow

• Collaborate with coaches or trainers if needed to support long-term recovery

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What does triceps tendinopathy feel like?

• A dull or sharp ache at the back of the elbow

• Pain when doing dips, push-ups, overhead pressing, or lockouts

• Tenderness at the bony point of the elbow

• Stiffness after training, or pain when straightening the arm under load

2. Is it the same as elbow bursitis?
No — bursitis involves inflammation of the fluid-filled sac over the elbow (usually with swelling), while tendinopathy is a load-related issue in the tendon. Physio can differentiate between them during assessment.

3. Do I need to stop training completely?
Not necessarily. Most people can keep training with modified loads and technique. We’ll help you stay active while reducing stress on the triceps tendon.

4. Will this go away on its own?
It might settle with rest, but it often returns if the underlying load tolerance isn’t rebuilt. Physio guides progressive tendon loading, which is key to long-term recovery.

5. Can I keep doing push-ups or dips?
Likely not right away — especially deep dips or close-grip push-ups, which place high tension on the triceps tendon. We’ll advise when and how to reintroduce these safely.

6. How long does it take to heal?
Mild cases improve within 4–6 weeks. Chronic or higher-load tendinopathies may take 8–12+ weeks depending on how long it’s been irritated and your return-to-load goals.

7. What exercises help fix triceps tendinopathy?

• Isometric push-downs (e.g. band or cable holds)

• Slow eccentric extensions (cable, band, dumbbell)

• Shoulder and scapular control work

• Gradual progression to pressing and overhead work
  All tailored to your training history and symptoms.

8. Do I need imaging or a scan?
Not usually. A thorough physio assessment is typically enough. Scans may be helpful if symptoms persist despite rehab, or if other pathologies are suspected.

🤔 What Is It?

Elbow bursitis is inflammation of the olecranon bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located at the tip of the elbow. The bursa helps reduce friction between the skin and bone, but when it becomes irritated or inflamed, it can fill with fluid — leading to noticeable swelling, redness, and pain.

It can be caused by:

• Repetitive pressure (e.g. leaning on elbows)

• Direct trauma (e.g. fall or knock to the elbow)

• Overuse, infection, or inflammatory conditions like gout or arthritis

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Prolonged elbow leaning on hard surfaces

• Manual labour or trade work (plumbers, mechanics, etc.)

• Postural habits (e.g. desk work with elbows resting on armrests)

• Traumatic fall or blow to the tip of the elbow

• Irritation after elbow surgery or repetitive upper limb activity

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Avoid leaning or placing pressure on the elbow

• ✅ Apply ice 2–3x per day if the area is warm or swollen

• ✅ Keep the elbow moving gently — avoid complete rest

• ✅ Use a padded elbow sleeve to protect the area

• ✅ Seek physio to guide recovery and rule out infection or structural issues

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Determine if your bursitis is traumatic, inflammatory, or infected

• Use manual therapy and taping to offload surrounding tissues

• Guide safe movement to prevent stiffness

• Address postural or technique factors that may be contributing

• Refer to your GP if fluid needs to be drained or if infection is suspected

• Help you return to work, training, or sport without recurrence

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What does elbow bursitis feel like?

• A soft or firm swelling at the point of the elbow

• May be painful to touch or pressure, but not always

• Area may feel warm, red, or tender

• Pain may increase when leaning or pushing through the elbow

2. Is elbow bursitis dangerous?
Usually no — but if the area is very red, hot, and painful, it may be infected bursitis, which needs medical attention. We’ll assess and refer if needed.

3. What causes the bursa to swell?

• Pressure over time (e.g. resting elbows on a desk or bench)

• Trauma (fall or knock)

• Repetitive use or joint strain

• Inflammatory conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis

4. Should I rest completely?
No — you should avoid pressure, but keep the elbow gently moving to prevent stiffness. We’ll show you how to modify your activities without aggravating the area.

5. Do I need antibiotics or a cortisone injection?
Only if the bursitis is infected or highly inflamed. Physio is often effective in non-infectious cases, but we’ll work with your GP if medication or drainage is required.

6. Will the swelling go away on its own?
In many cases, yes — especially with reduced pressure, ice, and physio support. Some swelling may remain for a while but should gradually reduce with treatment.

7. How long does it take to heal?
Mild cases may settle in 2–4 weeks. Chronic or recurrent bursitis may take longer, especially if contributing habits or movements aren’t addressed.

8. Can I still work or train with elbow bursitis?
Yes — as long as you avoid direct pressure and aggravating movements. We’ll guide your return to full activity without delaying healing.

🤔 What Is It?

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition where the ulnar nerve — also known as the “funny bone nerve” — becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through a narrow space at the inside of the elbow called the cubital tunnel.

The ulnar nerve controls feeling in the ring and pinky fingers and powers some hand muscles. When it’s compressed, it can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the elbow, forearm, and hand.

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Prolonged elbow bending (e.g. sleeping with bent elbows, phone use)

• Leaning on the inside of the elbow (e.g. desk edges or armrests)

• Previous elbow trauma or bursitis

• Poor neck or upper limb posture contributing to nerve tension

• Repetitive elbow flexion or overhead work

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Avoid resting on your elbows or sleeping with arms tightly bent

• ✅ Keep the elbow in a neutral, slightly extended position, especially at night

• ✅ Use a pillow or towel to limit elbow bend during sleep

• ✅ Perform nerve glides or mobility exercises as prescribed

• ✅ Monitor for signs of weakness, clumsiness, or worsening symptoms

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Identify whether symptoms are from the elbow, neck, or thoracic outlet

• Teach ulnar nerve gliding exercises to improve mobility and reduce compression

• Correct postural, shoulder, or ergonomic issues increasing nerve strain

• Use hands-on therapy and taping to reduce pressure or inflammation

• Guide a graded return to work, sport, or daily tasks

• Refer for imaging or nerve studies if symptoms persist or worsen

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What are the symptoms of ulnar nerve irritation?

• Tingling, numbness, or burning in the ring and pinky fingers

• Pain on the inside of the elbow

• A feeling of clumsiness or weakness when gripping or pinching

• Symptoms worse when the elbow is bent, especially at night or during phone use

2. Why is it called the “funny bone”?
The ulnar nerve runs just under the skin at the inside of the elbow — if it’s hit or compressed, it produces a strange tingling sensation often called the “funny bone.” Chronic pressure here can cause ongoing symptoms.

3. Is this the same as carpal tunnel syndrome?
No — carpal tunnel affects the median nerve and causes numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Cubital tunnel syndrome affects the ulnar nerve, with symptoms in the ring and pinky fingers.

4. Do I need surgery?
Not usually. Most mild to moderate cases improve with conservative care, especially when identified early. Physio can help reduce nerve irritation and prevent further compression.

5. How long does it take to get better?
Mild cases often settle in 4–8 weeks with activity modification and physio. Long-standing or more severe cases may take longer and require closer monitoring.

6. Will splinting help?
Night splints that limit elbow flexion can reduce symptoms in some cases. We’ll advise if this is appropriate and help you get fitted if needed.

7. Can I still train or work?
Usually yes — with modifications to reduce elbow bend or compression. We’ll help you adapt your activities and gradually build back your tolerance.

8. What exercises are helpful?

• Ulnar nerve glides (nerve mobility drills)

• Postural strengthening for upper back and scapular control

• Ergonomic adjustments and desk/work setup optimisation

• Neck and thoracic mobility if contributing to nerve irritation

🤔 What Is It?

Radial Tunnel Syndrome is a condition where the radial nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through a narrow tunnel in the forearm, just below the elbow. It often causes a deep, aching pain on the outer part of the forearm or elbow, but no obvious swelling or weakness — making it easy to mistake for tennis elbow.

The pain tends to worsen with forearm activity, gripping, or resisted wrist extension, and is often worse after activity rather than during.

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Repetitive wrist or forearm use (e.g. typing, lifting, drilling, gym work)

• Tightness or overload in the supinator muscle

• Poor posture or forward shoulder position, increasing nerve tension

• Neural irritation from the neck or thoracic outlet

• Repetitive tasks without adequate rest or strength conditioning

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Reduce activities that involve repetitive wrist extension or forearm rotation

• ✅ Apply ice or gentle massage to the outer forearm for symptom relief

• ✅ Improve posture and desk ergonomics if relevant

• ✅ Begin gentle nerve glides under physio guidance

• ✅ Avoid stretching the nerve aggressively — this may worsen symptoms

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Differentiate radial tunnel syndrome from tennis elbow or other elbow issues

• Prescribe safe and effective nerve mobility exercises

• Improve neck, shoulder, and scapular mechanics to reduce nerve tension

• Use manual therapy or dry needling for surrounding muscle tension

• Guide return to training, work, or sport with load management strategies

• Refer for imaging or neuro studies if nerve compression is suspected

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What’s the difference between radial tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow?
Radial tunnel syndrome is nerve-related and often causes a deep ache below the elbow, while tennis elbow is tendon-related and causes more sharp pain on the bony point of the elbow. Radial tunnel pain is usually worse after activity, while tennis elbow pain is often felt during use.

2. What does radial tunnel syndrome feel like?

• A deep, aching pain on the outer forearm, just below the elbow

• Discomfort with repetitive lifting, twisting, or pushing

• Pain that lingers after activity, not necessarily during it

• Rarely involves numbness or tingling (unlike some other nerve issues)

3. Will physio help?
Yes — especially by improving nerve mobility, muscle balance, and upper limb mechanics. Identifying and addressing contributing factors like posture, technique, or overload is key.

4. Do I need a scan or nerve test?
Not usually for early or mild cases. A skilled physio can diagnose this clinically. If symptoms don’t improve or worsen, we may refer for nerve conduction studies or imaging to confirm.

5. How long does it take to heal?
Mild cases may settle in 4–6 weeks with the right care. Longer-standing or misdiagnosed cases may take 2–3 months or more, especially if the nerve has been irritated for some time.

6. Should I rest completely?
Not entirely — but we’ll guide you to reduce irritating activities, then rebuild with graded exposure to movement and strength. Complete rest can lead to stiffness or further weakness.

7. What exercises help with radial tunnel syndrome?

• Radial nerve glides (gentle, progressive)

• Thoracic and cervical mobility work

• Postural strengthening (scapula, deep neck flexors)

• Forearm control drills to reduce overload
  We’ll tailor your plan to your symptoms and lifestyle demands.

8. Can I keep training?
Often yes — especially with modified exercises, improved technique, and smart programming. We’ll help you stay active while reducing nerve irritation and building resilience.

🤔 What Is It?

Biceps tendon injuries at the elbow typically involve the distal biceps tendon — where the biceps muscle inserts into the radius bone near the front of the elbow. Injuries here range from tendinopathy (overload) to partial or full tears, often caused by lifting, pulling, or catching heavy loads.

Clients usually report pain at the front of the elbow, especially with:

• Bending the elbow under load (e.g. curls, rows)

• Rotating the forearm (turning a screwdriver or opening a jar)

• Pulling or catching movements

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Overuse or overload during bicep curls, chin-ups, or rows

• Sudden heavy lifting (especially from an extended arm position)

• Poor technique with pulling or grip-based exercises

• Tendon degeneration in older populations

• Shoulder or scapular dysfunction leading to compensatory loading at the elbow

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Avoid heavy pulling or curling movements in the short term

• ✅ Apply ice or compression if recently aggravated

• ✅ Begin isometric loading or controlled eccentric work once pain allows

• ✅ Avoid “cheating” or swinging during curls or rows

• ✅ Seek physio assessment if you notice bruising, deformity, or weakness

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Differentiate between tendinopathy, partial tear, or complete rupture

• Prescribe graded tendon loading rehab

• Address technique, posture, and compensations from shoulder or grip weakness

• Use manual therapy or dry needling to reduce surrounding muscle tension

• Refer to imaging or specialist if a tear is suspected

• Guide safe return to gym, work, or sport

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. What does a biceps tendon injury feel like at the elbow?

• Pain or ache at the front of the elbow, especially when curling or pulling

• Sharp pain during a heavy lift or unexpected load

• Weakness when bending the elbow or rotating the forearm

• In partial or full tears: bruising, swelling, or a visible “bulge” in the arm

2. What’s the difference between biceps tendinopathy and a tear?

• Tendinopathy is an overuse condition with gradual onset

• Partial tear may cause a sudden sharp pain but retains some function

• Full tear often presents with bruising, deformity, and significant weakness
  Physio can help diagnose and determine the severity

3. Do I need surgery for a biceps tendon tear?

• Partial tears usually respond well to rehab

• Full ruptures of the distal biceps tendon (rare) may require surgery, especially for strength-based occupations or sports. We’ll refer appropriately if this is suspected

4. Can I still train at the gym with biceps tendon pain?
Yes — with modification. We’ll adjust grip, range, tempo, and intensity to keep you active while reducing load on the tendon.

5. How long does recovery take?

• Tendinopathy: 6–12 weeks with guided rehab

• Partial tears: variable depending on severity, usually 8–12+ weeks

• Post-surgical (for full tear): ~3–6 months with structured rehab

6. Should I stretch the tendon?
No — aggressive stretching can aggravate the tendon. Controlled strengthening and gradual load exposure are more effective.

7. What exercises are helpful for biceps tendon issues?

• Isometric holds (e.g. banded elbow flexion)

• Slow eccentric curls

• Grip strength and shoulder stabiliser work

• Posture and scapular control to reduce compensation
  All tailored to your training style and symptoms

8. How do I know if it’s biceps vs something else (e.g. brachialis or brachioradialis)?
Biceps pain usually involves elbow flexion + forearm rotation (supination). Physio assessment can differentiate between biceps, other flexor muscles, and referred pain from the shoulder or neck.

🤔 What Is It?

Not all elbow pain is caused by a problem in the elbow itself. Sometimes, pain felt in the elbow is actually being referred from the neck, shoulder, or upper back due to irritated nerves, stiff joints, or overloaded muscles.

This is known as referred pain, and it often:

• Doesn’t respond to elbow treatment

• Feels diffuse or deep

• Changes with neck or shoulder movement

• Comes with numbness, tingling, or weakness

If your elbow pain has no clear cause or isn’t improving with rest or local treatment, it’s worth considering a referred source.

💡 Common Physiotherapy-Related Causes:

• Cervical radiculopathy (nerve root irritation in the neck)

• Stiff or irritated cervical or thoracic spine joints

• Scapular dyskinesis or shoulder muscle imbalance

• Neural tension along the upper limb

• Poor posture or workstation ergonomics contributing to nerve strain

🛠️ What You Can Do:

• ✅ Notice if pain changes when you move your neck or shoulder

• ✅ Avoid slouched postures, particularly at a desk or when driving

• ✅ Use heat or gentle movement to keep the neck and upper back mobile

• ✅ Try chin tucks, shoulder blade squeezes, or nerve glides if prescribed

• ✅ Book a physio assessment — referred pain is often misdiagnosed

👩‍⚕️ How Physio Can Help:

• Identify whether your elbow pain is local or referred

• Use specific movement and nerve tests to trace the origin

• Treat the neck, thoracic spine, or shoulder if they’re contributing

• Provide nerve glides, postural retraining, and mobility exercises

• Reduce strain through manual therapy, dry needling, or taping

• Guide return to activity without triggering nerve-related symptoms

🙋‍♀️ Answers to Common Questions

1. How do I know if my elbow pain is referred?
Clues include:

• Pain that worsens with neck movement

• No clear injury or load-related cause in the elbow

• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand

• Pain that doesn’t improve with typical elbow treatment

• Elbow pain that comes and goes, or shifts location

2. Can neck or shoulder problems cause elbow pain?
Absolutely. The nerves that supply the elbow come from the neck, and shoulder dysfunction can alter movement patterns, placing strain on the elbow. Referred pain is common in these cases.

3. What’s the difference between referred pain and local injury?
Referred pain comes from another area (like the neck) and is usually diffuse, non-tender, and affected by movement of other body parts. Local injury pain is more specific, tender, and worsens with direct elbow use.

4. Will physio still help if it’s not “really” my elbow?
Yes — physios are trained to assess the entire movement chain. We’ll find the source and treat it accordingly, which is often far more effective than treating just the symptoms.

5. Do I need a scan to confirm it’s referred pain?
Not always. Most cases can be clinically diagnosed with movement tests. If symptoms suggest nerve compression or structural damage, we may refer for imaging.

6. Can posture cause referred elbow pain?
Yes — forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and poor thoracic mobility can increase strain on the nerves and joints that refer pain to the elbow.

7. What’s the best treatment?
Treatment focuses on the source, not just the elbow. This may include:

• Neck and thoracic mobilisation

• Nerve gliding exercises

• Postural correction and upper back strength work

• Addressing shoulder control and movement habits

8. How long does it take to improve?
Referred pain can improve within a few sessions once the true source is identified. More chronic cases may take longer if there’s underlying nerve irritation or long-term compensation patterns.