From Recovery to Peak Performance

Understanding Elbow Pain — Common Causes and Treatment

Discover what causes elbow pain, including tennis and golfer’s elbow, and how osteopathic treatment at Summit Osteo & Performance Ringwood can help.

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About Bayley Forbes | Summit Osteo & Performance

Bayley Forbes is an osteopath and strength & conditioning coach based in Ringwood, Victoria. He founded Summit Osteo & Performance to help people bridge the gap between treatment and performance — combining hands-on care with tailored movement and strength programs to support long-term recovery and better performance.

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Understanding Elbow Pain — Common Causes and Treatment

Elbow pain is a common problem for athletes, tradespeople, and office workers alike.
Repetitive strain, poor movement mechanics, or muscle imbalance can all lead to irritation of the tendons and soft tissues around the joint.

At Summit Osteo & Performance in Ringwood, we assess the root cause of elbow pain — whether it’s from sport, lifting, or desk work — and create tailored treatment and rehab plans to help you return to pain-free activity.


Common Types of Elbow Pain

1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Pain on the outside of the elbow caused by overuse of the forearm muscles, common in gripping, lifting, and racquet sports.

2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Pain on the inner side of the elbow due to repetitive wrist flexion or gripping.

3. Referred Pain
Elbow discomfort can also come from the neck or shoulder, where nerve irritation refers pain down the arm.

4. Bursitis or Tendon Irritation
Inflammation around the tendons or bursa can limit movement and cause localised swelling.


How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteopathic treatment for elbow pain focuses on restoring normal movement through the elbow, wrist, and shoulder while reducing tension through the forearm.

Treatment may include:

Soft-tissue release and joint mobilisation

Dry needling (if clinically indicated)

Stretching and strengthening exercises

Ergonomic or technique advice for work and sport


By addressing both the local irritation and the contributing movement patterns, treatment helps reduce pain and prevent recurrence.

Key Rehab Focus

Successful recovery involves rebuilding forearm and shoulder strength and improving load tolerance.
Common rehab strategies include:

Eccentric wrist strengthening to remodel tendon tissue

Grip control exercises to balance forearm loading

Shoulder stability work to reduce strain on the elbow


Gradual, progressive loading is key to long-term improvement.


When to Seek Professional Help

If your elbow pain lasts more than a week, affects grip strength, or limits your ability to lift, it’s time for assessment.
An osteopath can identify the cause and guide a structured plan for recovery.

Book an Appointment
or learn more on the Elbow Pain Treatment in Ringwood page.


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Osteopathy in Ringwood

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Elbow Pain Treatment in Ringwood


⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice.
If you’re experiencing ongoing elbow pain, please consult your healthcare professional or osteopath for assessment.

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