Elbow and Wrist Pain

Understanding Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Pain

Your forearm contains two bones—the radius and the ulna—which connect the elbow and wrist, making these joints closely linked in both structure and function.

Elbow Pain, Causes.

Elbow pain can stem from many sources, including injury, joint dysfunction, muscle strain, or nerve irritation. It’s essential to rule out serious pathology first through history taking and physical tests. If no damage or disease is found, pain is likely due to functional issues involving muscles, joints, or nerves—often related to the neck, shoulder, or wrist.

Influencing Factors

Lifestyle plays a key role. Work habits, hobbies, sleep position, posture, and repetitive movements (e.g. sports or manual work) can all contribute to elbow problems, sometimes over long periods or following accidents.

Assessment

A diagnosis like “tennis elbow” is a starting point, but many cases involve multiple overlapping issues. Common factors include:

  • Neck or shoulder dysfunction

  • Nerve compression

  • Muscle imbalance in the upper arm or forearm

  • Restricted movement in the elbow or wrist

Treatment

Treatment depends on the root cause and usually includes:

  • Massage to forearm or upper arm muscles

  • Joint mobilisation in the elbow or wrist

  • Nerve release techniques for the neck, chest, or shoulder

  • Self-massage techniques rather than stretching/strengthening

  • Careful use of supports (discussed on a case-by-case basis)

If There’s Structural Damage

If there's suspected tissue damage or a disease process, medical referral is the next step. Your GP may arrange X-rays, MRIs, or blood tests, and recommend appropriate treatment.

Philosophy of Healing

The body can often repair itself—if conditions are right. When healing stalls, it’s usually because the cause is ongoing or the body lacks resources (e.g. nutrients). Physical therapy aims to restore the ideal environment for healing.

Wrist and Hand Pain, Causes.

Wrist pain is often connected to elbow or forearm issues—even if there’s no elbow discomfort. This is especially true when nerve involvement is present, as seen in repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

Wrist issues may result from:

  • Misaligned wrist bones

  • Muscle or joint dysfunction

  • Adhesions (sticky soft tissues)

  • Overuse or poor technique in daily tasks

Assessment

Wrist evaluation includes:

  • Checking for past injury or strain

  • Identifying soft tissue restrictions

  • Assessing joint mobility

  • Considering how the elbow (especially the radial head) affects wrist function

Treatment

If damage is ruled out, treatment focuses on:

  • Massage to the 19 muscles of the forearm

  • Mobilising joints in the wrist and elbow

  • Releasing adhesions in connective tissue
    These techniques help restore normal movement and relieve pain.

If There’s Structural Damage

Suspected pathology should be assessed by a doctor. Investigations might include imaging or lab tests, with treatments such as medications or injections considered if necessary.

Natural Healing vs Medical Intervention

While anti-inflammatories and injections can help in certain cases, they should be a last resort, as they often treat symptoms without addressing underlying causes.

Physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and nutritional support work together to:

  • Create conditions for natural repair

  • Remove aggravating factors

  • Encourage long-term recovery

Expected Recovery

With weekly treatment, most cases improve within 3 to 6 weeks, especially when both therapy and lifestyle factors are addressed.