Understanding Elbow Pain: Common Causes and Effective Care in Gilbert AZ

Elbow pain in Gilbert AZ is a common condition that affects people of all ages — from athletes and weightlifters to office workers and parents lifting children daily. The elbow is involved in nearly every upper body movement, so when it becomes painful, even simple daily tasks can become difficult.

At Axis Spine and Sport - Gilbert in Gilbert AZ, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating elbow pain by addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms.

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What Causes Elbow Pain?

The elbow is a hinge joint supported by muscles and tendons that move the wrist, forearm, and shoulder. When these tissues become overused or irritated, pain and inflammation can develop.

Common Causes of Elbow Pain Include:

• Tendonitis from repetitive use
• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
• Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
• Muscle imbalances of the forearm, shoulder, or upper back
• Poor lifting mechanics
• Grip-strength overuse
• Repetitive computer or mouse use
• Sports or occupational strain

Even if the pain appears in the elbow, the true cause is often related to the shoulder, wrist, or postural imbalance.

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Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow

Tennis Elbow

• Pain on the outside of the elbow
• Caused by irritation of the forearm extensor tendons.

Golfer’s Elbow

• Pain on the inside of the elbow
• Caused by irritation of the forearm flexor tendons.

You do not have to play tennis or golf to develop either condition.

Both are typically caused by:

• Repetitive gripping
• Computer or mouse use
• Weight training
• Manual labor
• Poor movement mechanics

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Common Symptoms of Elbow Pain

You may notice:

• Sharp or aching elbow pain
• Pain when gripping or lifting objects
• Reduced grip strength
• Tightness or soreness in the forearm
• Pain during computer use, workouts, or sports
• Stiffness in the elbow joint

Early treatment leads to faster recovery — ignoring symptoms often leads to longer healing time.

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How We Diagnose Elbow Pain

At Axis Spine and Sport - Gilbert, we identify why the elbow is overloaded.

Your evaluation may include:

• Orthopedic testing
• Joint mobility and muscle strength assessment
• Grip strength testing
• Movement and posture evaluation
• Shoulder and upper back evaluation (very important)
• Review of any prior imaging if available
• Imaging is ordered only when necessary

Most elbow pain results from movement pattern imbalance, not a structural injury alone.

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Effective Care for Elbow Pain in Gilbert AZ

Successful treatment must address both the irritated tissue and the movement pattern causing the irritation.

Treatment Options May Include:

• Chiropractic Adjustments
  To improve mechanics at the spine, shoulder, wrist, and elbow.
• Myofascial Release & Soft Tissue Therapy
  Reduces tension and improves healing in the affected tendons.
• Targeted Strength and Stability Exercises
  Rebuilds balanced muscle support and prevents recurrence.
• Eccentric Loading Programs
  Clinically proven to help tendon healing.
• Postural and Ergonomic Coaching
  Reduces stress from daily tasks and work activities.

Most patients notice meaningful improvement within weeks, especially with consistent home exercises.

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Can Elbow Pain Be Prevented?

Yes — especially by maintaining balanced strength in the shoulder, wrist, and forearm.

Prevention strategies include:

• Strengthening the rotator cuff and upper back
• Stretching the forearm muscles regularly
• Avoiding death-grip lifting techniques
• Using proper wrist and shoulder alignment during exercise
• Taking breaks during repetitive tasks

Small adjustments make a big impact.

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Get Relief from Elbow Pain in Gilbert AZ

You don’t have to live with elbow pain or let it affect your work, sleep, or activities. With the right treatment approach, you can restore strength, reduce pain, and return to the movements you enjoy.

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Schedule an Appointment at Axis Spine and Sport - Gilbert

Call or Text: (480) 842-5020
Book Online: www.axisspineandsport.com

At Axis Spine and Sport - Gilbert, we specialize in functional rehabilitation and root-cause movement correction so your results last.