Elbow and wrist physio · Benowa
Grip, lift and type again without the ache in your elbow or wrist
Get a clear diagnosis, hands-on treatment and a graded strengthening plan for your arm.
Sound familiar?
Does this sound like you?
- Lifting a kettle or shaking hands hurts on the outside of your elbow?
- Your wrist or thumb aches after typing, tools or training?
- Pins and needles wake you at night?
What we treat
Elbow we see every week
If yours isn't listed, book an assessment and we'll work out what is going on.
Inside the problem
How it works
The elbow joins the upper arm to the two forearm bones, and the muscles that move your wrist and fingers attach to the bony bumps on either side. Repeated gripping, lifting or typing loads those attachments, which is why tendon pain at the elbow is so common and why it often starts at work or in the gym.
In more detail
Common problems explained
What each one is, what it feels like and how we manage it.
Lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow)
Pain on the outside of the elbow, worse gripping, lifting a cup or shaking hands. It is a tendon overload problem, not inflammation. Treatment is progressive loading, activity changes and sometimes a strap. It can take several months, and we set realistic expectations early.
Medial epicondylalgia (golfer's elbow)
The same process on the inside of the elbow, with pain gripping or lifting. Treatment follows the same principles: load management, strengthening and addressing the neck and shoulder if they contribute.
Wrist and thumb tendon pain
Overuse of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, or the wrist itself, can cause pain when gripping or turning. Treatment includes activity changes, taping or splinting where useful, and graded strengthening.
Carpal tunnel-type symptoms
Pins and needles, numbness or night-time hand symptoms can come from nerve irritation at the wrist, but also from the neck or elbow. We assess where the nerve is irritated and advise whether you should see your doctor for nerve testing.
How we help
Our four-step approach
Every plan is built around your problem, your work and your goals.
Assess
We assess your elbow, wrist, shoulder and neck, as arm pain often has more than one contributor.
Explain
You'll know what is irritated and which tasks to modify while it settles.
Treat
Hands-on treatment, bracing or taping where useful, and exercises to settle pain.
Rebuild
Graded strengthening so your grip and arm cope with work, training and life.
Shockwave therapy is available for stubborn tendon pain such as tennis elbow.
Questions
Before you book
Does tennis elbow only happen to tennis players?
No. It is common in people who grip, type or use tools a lot. It is a tendon overload problem.
Will a brace help?
A brace or strap can help some people short-term. Your physio will tell you if it suits your situation and how to build strength alongside it.
How long does tennis elbow take to settle?
Tendon problems are usually slow to settle, often several months. Your physio will give you a realistic estimate after assessing you.
What happens at the first appointment?
Initial appointments are 60 minutes, so there is time for a thorough assessment. We assess the problem, explain what is going on, start treatment and give you a clear plan. No referral needed.
Can I claim on my health fund?
Yes. If your extras cover includes physio, you can claim on the spot with HICAPS and only pay the gap. We also see Medicare care plan, WorkCover, CTP, DVA and NDIS patients.
Your next step
Book your assessment
Book online any time, or call (07) 5564 9009 and we'll find a time that suits.
General information only, not individual medical advice. Results vary from person to person. © Focus on Physio