Elbow & Arm Injuries & Pain
About the Injury
Elbow and arm pain can make everyday activities like lifting, carrying, reaching, and performing routine tasks difficult. Physical therapy provides a proven, non-invasive approach to reducing pain, restoring movement, and improving function so you can return to your daily activities with confidence.
Your physical therapist will evaluate your symptoms, movement patterns, strength, and goals to identify the underlying cause of your condition. This may include assessing for contributing factors such as neck or shoulder involvement that can affect the elbow and arm. Based on this evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is developed to address your specific needs.
Physical therapy helps address a wide range of conditions including tendonitis, arthritis, sprains, strains, fractures, nerve irritation, post-surgical recovery, and overuse injuries. With consistent participation, many patients experience reduced pain, improved strength, and greater confidence in using their arm. With expert guidance and a customized plan, you can return to work, exercise, and daily activities feeling stronger and more comfortable.
Symptoms
- Tenderness, burning
- Swelling or stiffness
- Pain that spreads to your forearm and wrist
- Numbness/tingling
- Weak or painful grip
- Reduced range of motion
What to Expect
- Your therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and movement
- You will receive a personalized treatment plan based on your condition and goals
- Treatment may include strengthening, stretching, and mobility exercises
- Hands-on techniques may be used to reduce stiffness, improve range of motion, and reduce pain
- Guidance will include posture, ergonomics, and activity modifications
- You will learn safe techniques for work, hobbies, or repetitive movements
- Education to support recovery and help prevent reinjury
Treatments
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Manual Therapy
- Active and Passive Range of Motion Exercises
- Grip Strengthening
- Desensitization
- Custom At-Home Exercises
Featured Blog Posts
National Golf Month: Improve Your Game and Stay on the Course with a Golf Analysis
At Optimal Physical Therapy, we offer a comprehensive Golf Analysis designed to help golfers maximize performance while reducing injury risk. Our approach combines sports medicine expertise with the biomechanics of the golf swing to provide personalized recommendations based on your individual needs.
The Benefits of Strength Training for Osteoporosis: Building Stronger Bones and a More Confident Life
Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because it develops gradually and may not cause symptoms until a fracture occurs. For millions of people, especially older adults and postmenopausal women, osteoporosis can increase the risk of broken bones, reduce mobility, and affect quality of life. The good news is that there are effective ways to support bone health, and one of the most powerful tools is strength training.
Ice After an Injury? From RICE to PEACE and LOVE
For years, the go-to advice for a new injury was to grab a bag of frozen peas and follow the R.I.C.E. method—Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. The belief was that this would reduce inflammation, ease pain, and speed up recovery. But new research, including findings as recent as 2025, suggests it’s time to rethink that approach.
Request an Appointment
Elbow and arm pain? Let our physical therapists help you reduce pain, restore movement, and return to daily activities. Based in Lake Mills, Optimal Physical Therapy proudly serves Lake Mills and surrounding communities including Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, Marshall, Waterloo, Deerfield, and Johnson Creek.