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Writer's pictureDyan McKeown

The Do’s and Don’ts of Managing Elbow Pain for Quick Relief

Updated: 5 days ago

Elbow pain can be a frustrating experience, whether it’s from overuse, injury, or simply the strain of daily activities. It can limit your movement and make even simple tasks like lifting a cup or typing on your computer feel uncomfortable. The good news? With the right approach, you can manage your elbow pain effectively and speed up your recovery.


In this post, we’re going to dive into some practical do’s and don’ts for managing elbow pain, so you can get relief quickly and prevent it from getting worse.


Do’s for Quick Elbow Pain Relief

1. Rest, but Keep Moving


When experiencing elbow pain, it’s essential to give your elbow some rest from activities that are causing the pain. However, complete immobilization can lead to stiffness. Instead, keep the joint moving with gentle motions. This helps improve circulation and keeps your muscles from tightening up.


2. Incorporate Stretching and Strengthening


Stretching is key to maintaining flexibility and reducing pain. One simple stretch you can try at home is the Elbow Extensor Stretch:


Extend your arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing down.

With your other hand, gently press down on the back of your extended hand until you feel a stretch in the back of your forearm.

Hold for 20-30 seconds, then repeat 2-3 times on each arm.

In addition to stretching, strengthening the muscles around your elbow is vital. Strengthening exercises, when done correctly, can prevent future pain and help you recover faster.


3. Apply Ice to Reduce Inflammation


If your elbow is swollen or inflamed, applying ice can help. Use an ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, especially in the first 48 hours after the pain starts. Ice helps reduce inflammation and provides quick pain relief.


4. Check Your Ergonomics


Poor posture or an improper work setup can put additional strain on your elbow, especially if you spend long hours typing or doing repetitive motions. Adjust your workspace to make sure your wrists are in a neutral position, and avoid any awkward angles. Small ergonomic changes can prevent unnecessary strain on your elbow.


5. Seek Professional Help When Needed


If your elbow pain persists or worsens despite rest and home treatment, it’s important to seek professional help. Our Circle of Recovery approach combines various therapies, including manual therapy, low-intensity laser therapy, and personalized exercises to target the root of your pain and provide fast, effective relief.


Don’ts for Managing Elbow Pain

1. Don’t Ignore the Pain


It can be tempting to push through elbow pain, especially when you’re busy. However, ignoring the pain can lead to more severe issues. Sharp, persistent pain is your body’s way of telling you to slow down and rest. Listen to it.


2. Don’t Overdo Strength Training


While building strength is important for recovery, overdoing it too soon can worsen your condition. Avoid heavy weights and repetitive high-intensity exercises that put pressure on your elbow until you’ve regained full strength and mobility. Start with light weights and controlled movements to avoid further damage.


3. Don’t Use Heat Too Early


While heat can feel soothing, it’s not always the right choice—especially in the early stages of elbow pain when there’s inflammation. Heat can increase swelling, so stick with ice for the first 48 hours. Once the inflammation has subsided, you can switch to heat to help relax your muscles and improve blood flow.


4. Don’t Rely on Braces for Too Long


Using a brace or support for your elbow can provide temporary relief, but relying on it too long can weaken the surrounding muscles. Braces are a short-term solution, so focus on strengthening your muscles through proper exercises to restore function.


5. Don’t Delay Treatment


Delaying treatment can turn a simple issue into a chronic problem. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to resolve the pain. Addressing the issue early can prevent long-term damage and lead to a faster, smoother recovery.


Conclusion: Take Action for Quick Relief

Elbow pain doesn’t have to hold you back from living your life. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can manage your pain, reduce inflammation, and get back to your daily activities with minimal discomfort. Remember, rest is important, but so is staying active with gentle movements. Use ice to reduce swelling, adjust your ergonomics, and seek professional help when needed.


If you’ve been struggling with elbow pain and are ready to take action, our team is here to help. Our Circle of Recovery approach offers a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve pain and restore function. Don’t let elbow pain linger—reach out today for a personalized assessment and get back on the path to pain-free living!






If you have any questions or need further guidance on these exercises, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way!


Stay strong and pain-free,

Dyan and Meagan

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