Elbow and Wrist Pain Treatment Sydney CBD
Elbow and wrist pain is almost always an overuse problem: the forearm muscles that grip, type and lift become overloaded and the tendons at the elbow or wrist get irritated. We release the forearm, treat the tendon and then load it progressively so it tolerates your work or sport again.
How we treat elbow and wrist pain
We assess grip strength, wrist and elbow movement, the forearm muscles, and the neck and shoulder, because nerve-related symptoms in the hand can start higher up. Treatment combines remedial massage and myofascial release through the forearm flexors and extensors, dry needling of forearm trigger points, and soft-tissue work around the tendon itself.
Because tendons adapt to load, exercise therapy is central: isometric holds early for pain relief, then progressive strengthening so the tendon tolerates your work, gym or sport. Persistent numbness, night pain or weakness in the hand should be checked by a doctor as well.
Elbow and wrist conditions: symptoms and causes
| Condition | Common symptoms | Common causes |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) | Pain on the outer elbow that worsens with gripping or lifting, forearm weakness, difficulty extending the wrist. | Overuse of the forearm extensor muscles, repetitive wrist extension such as tennis or typing, poor technique during physical activity. |
| Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) | Pain on the inner elbow that worsens with gripping or lifting, forearm weakness, difficulty flexing the wrist. | Overuse of the wrist flexor muscles, repetitive wrist flexion such as golf or gardening, poor technique. |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | Numbness, tingling or pain in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers, hand weakness, symptoms worse at night. | Compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel from repetitive hand movements, wrist injury, pregnancy or arthritis. |
| Elbow or wrist sprain | Pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, limited range of motion. | Stretching or tearing of ligaments from sudden impact, twisting or overextension, sports injuries, falls. |
| De Quervain's tenosynovitis | Pain and swelling at the base of the thumb that worsens with thumb movement or gripping, difficulty grasping objects. | Inflammation of the tendons and sheath on the thumb side of the wrist from repetitive thumb movements such as lifting or texting. |
Treatments we use for elbow and wrist pain
Elbow and wrist pain FAQs
Why does my elbow hurt when I type all day?
Long hours of typing and mouse use keep the forearm extensors under low-level load for hours, which can irritate the tendon at the outer elbow. Releasing the forearm, adjusting your desk set-up and gradually strengthening the tendon usually resolves it.
How long does tennis elbow take to settle?
Tendon problems respond to consistent loading over weeks rather than a single treatment. Many people notice less pain within the first few sessions, with full tolerance to gripping and lifting building over one to three months.
Get elbow and wrist pain assessed in Sydney CBD
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