Elbow pain is an uncomfortable hindrance, especially in daily tasks. Whether it is your stronger and more dominant arm or your weaker side, most people tend to favor their writing hand.
It is a challenge to be ambidextrous so if it is your writing hand that’s affected, it is difficult to avoid relying on it and allowing that arm to fully rest.
Elbow Pain – Causes and Best Treatments
Elbow pain could be a result of tendonitis, arthritis, a result of overusing the dominant arm, a tennis or golfer’s elbow, or even a previous injury.
Quite a lot of elbow pain cases are caused by strained or inflamed tendons and ligaments.
Like any other form of pain or strain, the primary way for it to heal is to rest it. This means allowing a generous amount of time to consciously avoid using that arm unless you absolutely have to.
Depending on the root cause of the pain, it could take anywhere from 2 weeks to months of rest. Engaging in corrective physical therapy with a knowledgeable practitioner can help speed up the process of recovery.
Always remember that if you do not rest it, the pain will only get worse and take even longer to mend. While you’re resting your elbow, as a trigger point therapist helping people to solve their pain problems, here are some products I found that can be helpful in reducing the feeling of pain.
Are you suffering from more pain problems such as shoulder pain, neck pain, tight hip, and knee pain? Do check out my other articles helping you how to get rib of them!
How to Relieve Elbow Pain – Quick Summary
The following 10 pieces of equipment will give you immediate relief if you or someone you know are experiencing pain. They are all great in different ways: just determine which category suits your situation best and get the items required:
- Heating Pad
- Massage
- Cold Therapy
- Braces
- Home Remedies
How to Relieve Elbow Pain – 10 Treatments for Immediate Pain Relief in your Elbow
Relieve Elbow Pain with a Heating Pad
These are traditional and have stood the test of time. Easy to use and fairly portable, heating pads are always a great item to start your self healing collection. There are lots of options out there, but this is my favorite for elbow pain:
Kaizo Electric Heating Pad
The Kaizo Electric Heating Pad is an extra-large pad that will soothe any body part and can be wrapped around your whole arm. With three temperature settings, it’s perfect and very multi-functional when you need it for other aches and pains. There are so many reasons why this is my favorite heating pad! Not only is it machine washable, but it’s great for adults, children, or even your pets. It also has the option for dry or wet heat which is great for our Hong Kong environment.
Relieve Elbow Pain with Massage
Who doesn’t love a massage? Depending on where you live it could be expensive, especially if you need, or want to go regularly. Below are some great options that are affordable and convenient to have in the comfort of your own home for an effective DIY session.
Depending on your preference between self rolling using your body weight or the use of an electric pulse massager, both are great for muscle release.
StrongTek Trigger Point Roller Massager
The StrongTek Trigger Point Roller Massager is an ergonomic, handheld massager has two textures that you can choose between when rolling your body over it. Not only will it release tension, stress and pain, but it will improve your circulation.
As a result, it will minimize inflammation while restoring your mobility and flexibility. This option is lightweight and easy to transport, which is always a plus. I tell my clients to make rolling an integral part of their regular routine. Don’t wait until you are in pain to roll, help prevent the pain by rolling first!
Tens Unit Machine Pulse Massager
With a lifetime warranty, the Tens Unit Machine Pulse Massager is perfect for those who want to push a button and just sit back and relax. Very easy to use, this massager has numerous settings to choose from with a large LED display screen for added convenience.
With clear modes to select, it will show you what you need for your target area and with a click of a button you can choose the elbow! Not to worry, it comes with a manual so you will know exactly how to use the pulse pads and where to apply them.
Relieve Elbow Pain with Cold Therapy
Ice is important for any type of swelling and is a long lasting remedy that will always help in your road to recovery. It reduces aches and soreness while soothing both muscle and joint pain. These are both great options for your elbows!
ARRIS Elbow Ice Pack Wrap, Gel Pack with Elbow Support Wrap
The ARRIS Elbow Ice Pack Wrap is great as it will not restrict your movement, allowing you to continue to exercise. It is not only comfortable but has an adjustable strap that gives you control over the compression applied.
It offers both hot and cold options and is reusable for convenience. In addition to providing relief, it can also be used regularly for support while you are restoring an injured arm or elbow.
Wearing supports is one of the best way to protect the areas in pain and to prevent overuses of muscles, I have all kinds of support at home, from wrist support, knee support to back support.
Reusable Cold Therapy Gel Pack (2 Gel Packs + 1 Wrap)
The Reusable Cold Therapy Gel Pack are mini and condensed in size to suit the target area. As a result, they are easy to store in an office, car, or handbag so that they are available for when you need them. The ice packs can be kept in the freezer and are easy to slip in the wraps.
Back in the day it was very inconvenient to have to hold an ice pack on an affected area that needs reduced swelling. Now you can strap it on with no hassle allowing you to be hands free! It’s hard to find an ice pack that is moldable, especially for the elbow joint. These are great as they still bend and shape when frozen.
Ice Bag, Hot Cold Compress Therapy Reusable Ice Pack with Elastic Straps
These Ice Bags with Elastic Straps are super fun and remind me of the good ole days! You may have dejavu from watching cartoons as this traditional looking ice pack is big and fluffy, making it comfortable to use. It is very easy to operate and most appropriate for minor bumps, bruises, swelling and elbow joint pain.
These packs are perfect for all ages, including kids and teenagers and are leak proof. All you need to do is fill it with water and either ice cubes or crushed ice. Just remember to dampen the bag so it doesn’t stick to the skin! They also include elastic straps so that you can secure it to your elbow for convenience.
Relieve Elbow Pain with Braces
Braces can be viewed as ugly and the common misconception is they are for the weak. Oftentimes overlooked, it is very practical and gets the job done. There is no reason that anyone should suffer through pain.
It is important to remember that the reason for wearing a brace is so that it provides support while you build the strength back safely. It is when you wear these braces so long that you become reliable on them, that the purpose for wearing them as a remedy is defeated.
Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Support Sleeve
I love this brace, because it evenly distributes pressure across your elbow joint which especially helps with arthritis, tendonitis, joint inflammation, golf and tennis elbow. This brace is made for serious sports, providing joint support in maintaining high performance with a full range of motion in the elbow. It is a very comfortable sleeve and perfect for athletes that do not want to pause their training.
Elbow Brace 2 Pack for Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow Pain Relief
This compression gel pad is great for alleviating your forearm’s stress and fatigue while allowing you to keep active and continue your sport of choice. It will protect your tendon from further pain and can be strapped anywhere, whether worn by itself or underneath another brace. This is another great option for those who want to remain active.
Hypoallergenic Elbow Band with Compression Pad and Supportive Strap
The Hypoallergenic Elbow Band is another compression band for the elbow and is specifically for athletes to be able to continue to function at the highest level. This is targeted to relieve pain for anyone experiencing strains in the forearm, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. It wicks away sweat and is made of breathable material which is another plus for especially hot climates outdoors.
Relieve Elbow Pain with Home Remedies
It’s rare that we make the time to sit and enjoy a good read. This is something I really enjoy and why not learn a thing or two at the same time? This is a great way to combine reading and learning for a good cause towards injury prevention!
Overcoming Tendonitis: A Systematic Approach to the Evidence-Based Treatment of Tendinopathy
Doctors can be quick to prescribe a remedy and the key is knowing how to prevent injuries before they happen. The body is a wondrous thing and if you want to dive deep into the facts and know the how-tos in order to protect yourself, this is a great start.
“Overcoming Tendonitis” is a great book to learn the signs and symptoms to know which stage you are in so that you can act accordingly.
How to Relieve Elbow Pain – FAQs
What is a natural remedy for elbow pain?
Ice and rest immediately is one of the best natural remedies for elbow pain. You may want to try some gentle kneading and massaging with your fingers after resting it a few days after onset.
What causes pain in the elbow?
There are many causes of elbow pain: repetition of a single movement, work related injuries and/or trauma. Usually it’s caused by a tightness of overstressed muscles, which can often be alleviated by regular and targeted stretching of the related muscles.
Why won’t my elbow pain go away?
A lot of reasons may prevent your elbow pain from going away; the pain may be related may not be as isolated as you think, often involving many muscles that have all tensed up together leading to the pain. A sports recovery therapist or knowledgable massage therapist would be able to help you determine the root cause of the pain and work with you to unlock the tension through various strategies.
How should I sleep with tennis elbow pain?
Before you go to bed, ice and rest with minimal stress, then perform stretches given by your therapist. Make sure you use a protective elbow guard to sleep with to prevent sudden movements that might strain your elbow during the night.
How can I exercise with elbow pain?
Generally, you should avoid exercising when you experience elbow pain. If you must, avoid any pushing or pulling movements, or just do leg and core exercises for the time being until you have healed.
How to Relieve Elbow Pain – Final Thoughts
These are the best solutions you can get for easing your elbow pain temporarily. In the long term, you should seek a sports therapist or rehabilitation specialist to give you exercises and perform targeted massage to release the offending muscle knots.
If you are into golf, hiking, or tennis, then you are prone to repetitive stress and need to be aware of your body and what it’s telling you when you are in pain. Make sure that you take the correct precautions to avoid injuries that are most associated with your activity of choice.