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Deal with that Pesky Elbow Pain with Expert-Led Rehab

Get back to living fully without the restrictions of elbow pain.

Elbow pain can stop you from training, working, sleeping, and even doing basic daily tasks like gripping a mug, typing, or lifting a bag. Whether your pain started gradually (classic overuse) or suddenly (a strain, a fall, or a flare), the right plan is usually not “rest forever”; it’s the right combination of load management, tissue capacity building, mobility work, and technique correction.

At Tualatin Valley Physical Therapy, you get 1-on-1 care with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. No handoffs, no rushed visits, and a plan built around your goals.

Common Types of Elbow Pain We Treat

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Pain on the outside of the elbow, often worse with:

  • Gripping, lifting, pulling

  • Shaking hands

  • Deadlifts, pull-ups, rows

  • Using tools, mouse/keyboard

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Pain on the inside of the elbow, often worse with:

  • Gripping + wrist flexion

  • Throwing, climbing, and martial art grips

  • Pressing movements

  • Repetitive work tasks

Triceps or Biceps Tendon Pain

Often irritated by:

  • Pressing, dips, push-ups

  • Pulling and heavy curls

  • Sudden increases in training volume

Nerve Irritation (Cubital Tunnel/Ulnar Nerve)

Symptoms can include:

  • Tingling radiating down into the ring/pinky finger

  • Burning pain, “zaps,” or sensitivity

  • Worse with prolonged elbow bending or leaning

Elbow Stiffness or Pain After Injury/Surgery

Common after:

  • Dislocations, fractures, sprains

  • Tendon procedures

  • Immobilization or prolonged rest

Why Elbow Pain Keeps Coming Back

Elbow pain often persists because the tendon or joint can’t tolerate the load you’re asking it to handle, especially if you’re doing CrossFit, martial arts, climbing, lifting, or repetitive work.

The most common drivers we see:

  • Too much too soon (spikes in volume, intensity, or grip demands)

  • Weakness or capacity deficits in the forearm/elbow/shoulder

  • Poor load distribution (wrist/shoulder mechanics forcing the elbow to “take the hit”)

  • Grip strategy issues (death-gripping bars, tools, or gi)

  • Nerve sensitivity or mobility restrictions

Under-dosed rehab (rest + random exercises instead of progressive loading)

diagram showing how overloading your tissues repeatedly will weaken the tissue and make it more likely to hurt.

Our Approach to Elbow Pain Treatment

1) Find the real pain generator (not just the label)

“Tennis elbow” is a useful nickname, but your plan should be based on:

  • Specific tendon involvement

  • Load tolerance and irritability

  • Movement patterns and training/work demands

  • Nerve involvement (if present)

2) Reduce symptoms without “shutting you down.” 

We prioritize:

  • Smart activity modifications

  • Targeted manual therapy when appropriate

  • Mobility work that supports training/work, not endless stretching

3) Build tendon + tissue capacity with progressive loading

Elbow tendons respond best to:

  • Graded strengthening

  • Progressive loading exposure

  • Specific grip + wrist endurance work

  • Plus shoulder/scapular and trunk contribution (when relevant)

4) Return to sport/work with a plan you can trust

You’ll leave with clear progressions for:

  • Lifting, pull-ups, pressing, gripping

  • Throwing or striking

  • Tools/keyboard workloads

  • Flare-up rules (“what to do if it spikes”)

Signs You Should Get Evaluated by a PT

Consider getting checked if you have:

  • New pain that isn’t getting better within 5-7 days (or recurring frequently)

  • Pain with grip strength, lifting, or daily tasks

  • Morning stiffness or “warming up” pain that returns later

  • Tingling/numbness anywhere from your elbow to your hand

  • Pain that limits training consistency or job duties

A physical therapist using a mobility tool on a patient's lateral elbow to help treat tennis elbow.
A stock image of someone grabbing their elbow because it hurts.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your evaluation is 1-on-1 with Dr. Benjamin Stokes, DPT, and includes:

  • A full history (training + work demands included)

  • Strength and movement testing

  • Grip and tendon loading tolerance assessment

  • Nerve screening when indicated

  • A clear diagnosis + plan

  • Exercises you can actually do at home (and progress)

Why Patients Choose Tualatin Valley Physical Therapy

  • Cash-based and transparent pricing (no insurance delays)

  • Same-day appointments when available

  • 1-on-1 care with a DPT (no handoffs to techs)

  • Focus on efficient recovery and long-term prevention

Plans designed for active adults (CrossFit, running, martial arts, lifting)

Foot and Ankle Pain Frequently Asked Questions

  • Many cases improve in 6–12 weeks with the right progressive loading plan, but timelines vary based on irritability, load exposure, and how long symptoms have been present.

  • Not necessarily. Most people do best with smart modifications (grip changes, load reductions, and exercise swaps) while rebuilding tendon and tissue capacity with a progressive plan.

  • No. Elbow pain can involve tendon overload, joint irritation, nerve sensitivity, referred pain from the neck or shoulder, or a combination of these.

  • “Tennis elbow” typically refers to pain on the outside of the elbow, while “golfer’s elbow” refers to pain on the inside. Both commonly relate to tendon overload from gripping and repeated wrist or forearm demands.

  • Often, yes, depending on severity. PT can help by improving nerve mobility and tolerance, contributing movement mechanics, and reduce provocative positions and loads.

  • Seek medical evaluation sooner if you have major swelling, deformity, significant loss of motion, rapidly worsening numbness/weakness, fever, or symptoms after a serious fall/impact. This may be a sign of a more serious condition and is likely not appropriate for physical therapy until cleared.

Stop Waiting. Start Recovering.

No referrals. No insurance delays. No techs or aides.
Just one-on-one care with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Whether you’re dealing with back pain, a sports injury, an auto accident, or a work injury, we make it simple to get started. Same-day appointments available.

Serving Hillsboro, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Aloha, and the greater Tualatin Valley.

Call us today at (971) 238-5755, or click the button below to schedule your initial evaluation online.

Unsure if self-pay physical therapy is for you? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation using the same button!

Our friendly team is ready to guide you on your path to recovery and lasting wellness.

Schedule Online

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Transparent pricing. Clear plan. No surprise bills.

Experience the TVPT Difference.