Elbow pain can make simple things surprisingly hard — lifting a kettle, gripping at work, training in the gym, or playing your sport. Since 2001, Osteopathy London has helped people across Central & East London recover quickly, move better, and get back to what they love with clear diagnosis, hands-on treatment and targeted rehab
Does this describe you?
• Gripping, lifting or twisting triggers sharp pain around the outside or inside of your elbow
• Sore, achy forearm after desk work, DIY or childcare
• Pain when shaking hands, pouring a drink or turning a door handle
• Tender “hot spot” on the bony outside (tennis elbow) or inside (golfer’s elbow) of the elbow
• Morning stiffness or weakness with a “lack of power” when gripping
• Tingling into the ring/little finger after leaning on the elbow (possible ulnar nerve irritation)
• Elbow pain that lingers despite rest, braces or self-help videos
What factors can lead to elbow pain?
Elbow problems rarely come from one a single event. More often they build when load exceeds capacity.
• Repetitive gripping & mousing at your desk (poor ergonomics, high pressure deadlines)
• Sudden spikes in training load (new programme, more sets/reps, heavier lifts)
• Technique faults in racket/throwing sports (late contact, stiff wrist, elbow-dominant swing)
• DIY/decoration bursts (unfamiliar, repetitive tasks)
• Reduced shoulder blade/rotator cuff strength placing extra stress on the elbow
• Stress & poor sleep increasing pain sensitivity and slowing recovery
What causes elbow pain?
The causes are individual. Here are common contributors we see and treat:
• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) – overload of the common extensor tendon on the outside of the elbow; pain with gripping, lifting, typing, backhand strokes
• Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) – overload of the wrist flexor/pronator tendon on the inside of the elbow; pain with wrist flexion, forehand strokes, throwing
• Distal Biceps or Triceps Tendinopathy – pain with pulling (biceps) or pushing (triceps), often in strength training
• Ulnar Nerve Irritation (Cubital Tunnel) – tingling/numbness in ring & little finger, worse with elbow bent or leaning on it
• Radial Tunnel Syndrome – aching along the forearm with resisted supination or extension
• Olecranon Bursitis – swelling over the tip of the elbow after pressure or impact
• Referred pain from the neck/upper back – neck stiffness or nerve irritation mimicking elbow pain
• Osteoarthritis or previous injury – stiffness, joint clicking and reduced movement
Scans are seldom needed initially. A precise clinical assessment guides targeted treatment and rehab for faster, safer progress.
Your Path to Lasting Relief: Osteopathy London's 3-Part Elbow Pain Programme
1. Your New Patient Appointment.
Case History:
Posture and movement screen; palpation of elbow/forearm; grip strength; specific tendon and ligament tests; shoulder/neck contribution; nerve mobility where relevant.
Physical Examination:
A comprehensive assessment includes your posture and neck/jaw mobility, muscle tension, and tests that clarify whether neck, jaw or shoulder mechanics are driving your headaches. Where indicated, we include a basic neurological screen.
Your diagnosis & treatment plan:
We explain what’s driving your pain and agree a plan that fits your diary and aims — typically combining hands-on care with staged rehab and load management
2. Hands-on treatment for elbow pain
At your first visit (and follow-ups) you’ll receive tailored treatment to reduce pain and improve function:
• Soft-tissue techniques for overloaded forearm and triceps/biceps
• Joint mobilisation for the elbow, wrist and (if needed) shoulder/neck
• Medical acupuncture (if appropriate and you’d like it) to calm pain and muscle tension
• Taping or bracing during early rehab phases for comfort and load control
• Advice on immediate activity modification so you can keep moving without flaring symptoms
3. Breaking the cycle with rehab & prevention
Tendon and elbow problems respond best to progressive loading and smarter habits:
• Individualised exercise plan: isometrics → eccentric-biased loading → functional/sport-specific strength
• Shoulder blade and rotator-cuff work to off-load the elbow
• Ergonomic tweaks for desk, mouse and keyboard; micro-break strategies
• Return-to-sport plan: graded hitting/throwing progressions and technique tips
• Sleep, stress and pacing strategies that support tissue healing
This combination speeds short-term relief and builds long-term resilience so you can grip, lift and train with confidence.
Common Questions About Elbow Pain?
Ready for Relief? Book Your Appointment
Osteopaths are experts in diagnosing and treating elbow pain. Click below to book your first step towards relief — or arrange a free 15-minute chat with John if you’re unsure.
Osteopathy London's Osteopaths with expertise in elbow pain treatment
John (Clinic Director)
John provides Osteopathy, Cranial & Baby Osteopathy, and Medical Acupuncture
Read more.
Gervais (Osteopath)
Gervais provides Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy, and Medical Acupuncture.
Read more.
Osteopathy London, 31 Roman Road, Bethnal Green, East London E2 0HU
© John Mallinder