Why do I have elbow pain when lifting heavy objects?

Elbow Pain When Lifting
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This question can have many answers, and finding the right answer for you is often easier when you’re working with an experienced physical therapist. 

Elbow pain is an issue that affects many Americans, and research shows that lateral elbow pain is especially common. Medical researchers report that up to 7 in every 1,000 Americans develop lateral elbow pain annually. A physical therapist can help you figure out why you have elbow pain when lifting heavy objects, and these specialists can also help you find treatment for your elbow pain. 

What causes elbow pain when lifting heavy objects?

Physical therapists are well versed in the elbow because they study the musculoskeletal system closely. They can tell you that the elbow joint is very complex: It contains cartilage, tendons, bones and more. 

Typically, elbow pain when lifting heavy objects is related to a problem or injury to an elbow structure. Some of the issues that can lead to this type of pain include: 

What can a physical therapist do to treat your elbow pain?

First, your physical therapist will likely recommend that you stop lifting heavy objects while you still have elbow pain. Then, they will evaluate your elbow to determine the cause of your pain. Based on the evaluation findings, your specialist will then build you a therapy plan to treat your elbow condition. This plan can include therapy methods such as: 

  • Dry needling that can reduce tension in soft tissue and decrease pain. 
  • Therapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles that move and support your elbow. 
  • Astym® therapy that can help break up myofascial trigger points in arm soft tissue. 
  • Aquatic therapy that allows you to work on lifting objects while putting less stress on your elbow. 

Find treatment for your elbow pain Excel PT

Want to find effective treatment for the issues causing your elbow pain when lifting heavy objects? Our physical therapy team at Excel Sports & Physical Therapy is here to assist you. We offer free screenings that can reveal the issue causing your elbow pain. Additionally, our physical therapists are adept at building individualized therapy plans to reduce and prevent elbow pain. 

Is your elbow too painful to drive? You don’t have to find anyone to drive you to a therapy session with us. We offer therapy services like virtual care and at-home therapy that you can use from home. 

Contact our team today for more information about all our treatment options for elbow pain or to schedule an initial appointment.