Common Elbow Injuries and How Massage Therapy Can Help
Our elbows may not always get the spotlight, but they play a crucial role in daily movement—lifting, gripping, carrying, and supporting nearly everything we do with our arms. When elbow pain shows up, it can be more than just inconvenient. It can affect work, exercise, hobbies, and even simple tasks like pouring coffee or opening a jar.
Massage therapy is a safe and effective way to address many common elbow injuries. Here’s a closer look at the most frequent issues people experience and how massage can help with recovery.
1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Despite the name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop this injury. Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons on the outside of the elbow become irritated from repetitive motions like typing, lifting, or gripping.
Massage can help by:
Reducing tension in the forearm muscles that pull on the elbow.
Increasing blood flow to promote tendon healing.
Breaking up adhesions or scar tissue that limit mobility.
2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow and is often caused by repetitive wrist flexion (like swinging a golf club, carrying heavy bags, or even prolonged computer use).
Massage can help by:
Relieving tightness in the wrist flexors and forearm muscles.
Improving flexibility and range of motion.
Supporting recovery alongside stretching and strengthening exercises.
3. Bursitis
The elbow contains a fluid-filled sac called the bursa that cushions the joint. Repetitive pressure or injury can cause inflammation, leading to pain, swelling, and tenderness.
Massage can help by:
Improving circulation in the surrounding muscles to reduce stress on the joint.
Supporting lymphatic flow to decrease swelling.
Relieving compensatory tension in nearby muscles.
4. Elbow Strains & Overuse Injuries
Sometimes pain isn’t from a single condition but from general overuse—too much lifting, sports training, or repetitive movement. This can lead to strained muscles, stiffness, or soreness.
Massage can help by:
Reducing muscle fatigue and promoting recovery.
Restoring mobility in tight tissues.
Encouraging relaxation so the body can repair itself more effectively.
Supporting Recovery Beyond Massage
Massage therapy is an excellent tool for elbow pain, but it works best when combined with other approaches:
Stretching and strengthening exercises to restore balance in the forearm and shoulder muscles.
Ergonomic adjustments at work or during activities to reduce repetitive strain.
Rest and gradual return to activity to allow tissues to heal.
Don’t Ignore Elbow Pain
Elbow injuries can worsen over time if left untreated. Whether it’s nagging soreness or sharp pain, getting the right care early makes recovery smoother and faster.
Massage therapy offers a natural, hands-on approach to easing discomfort, improving function, and getting you back to the activities you love—whether that’s swinging a golf club, lifting weights, or simply carrying groceries without pain.
📅 If elbow pain has been holding you back, schedule a session and discover how massage can help restore comfort and mobility.