Elbow Pain
Elbow pain can be more than a passing twinge – it can make everyday tasks excruciating. Your elbow is where the humerus (upper-arm bone) meets the radius and ulna in the forearm. forming a complex hinge-and-pivot joint that you use countless times a day.
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Thomas Wynn-Jones
BSc, BOst, Registered Osteopath UK & UAE
About Thomas
Meet Your Expert Osteopath in Dubai
Thomas Wynn-Jones is a seasoned osteopath in his 20th year of practice, he was trained at the British School of Osteopathy (now the University College of Osteopathy) and registered with the General Osteopathic Council in the UK plus the DHA in Dubai. He specializes in providing holistic healthcare solutions for patients of all ages, including sports injury management. His diverse expertise covers various osteopathic approaches, such as cranial, structural, and visceral osteopathy. Thomas’s dedication extends to treating a range of conditions, from low back and neck pain to pregnancy-related discomfort, babies, animals and headaches.
Whether you’re typing at a desk, lifting shopping bags, or playing sports, the elbow’s bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons must all work together. When one part of this system is strained or injured – from overuse, injury or nerve irritation – the result is often sharp pain, stiffness and swelling. We understand how disruptive elbow pain is: even a simple cup of coffee or lifting your child can become daunting. Thomas Wynn-Jones the Osteopath on Al Wasl Road in Dubai, who sees patients from Jumeirah, Downtown, DIFC, Satwa, Al Wasl, Al Safa, Business Bay and teh rest of Dubai who’ve been held back by elbow pain. We work to get to the root of your pain (not just mask it),
The elbow joint is where your upper arm (humerus) connects to your forearm (radius and ulna. It acts like a hinge (bending and straightening) and a pivot (rotating forearm). The joint is cushioned by cartilage and stabilised by strong ligaments: for example, the ulnar and radial collateral ligaments on either side and the annular ligament wrapping around the head of the radius. Powerful muscles attach via tendons to move the elbow – the biceps flexes the elbow while the triceps straightens it. Three major nerves (the ulnar, median and radial nerves) pass through the elbow region, carrying signals that control movement and sensation. Because it is so busy, the elbow can be sensitive: strain in any ligament, tendon or nerve can spark pain in the joint and along the arm. so you can move freely again.
TAKE YOUR STEP TOWARDS OPTIMAL HEALTH
TAKE YOUR STEP TOWARDS OPTIMAL HEALTH
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Elbow pain has many possible causes. Common problems include:
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Pain on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow is often caused by overuse of the forearm extensor muscles. This is a type of tendinopathy where the extensor tendons attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Tennis players aren’t the only ones affected – any activity involving repeated wrist extension or gripping can trigger it.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Pain on the inside (medial side) of the elbow from overuse of wrist-flexor muscles. This occurs at the medial epicondyle where forearm flexor tendons attach. Despite the name, many everyday tasks (e.g. lifting, tossing, or any repetitive wrist flexion) can cause golfer’s elbow.
Olecranon Bursitis
Inflammation of the olecranon bursa – a fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow that cushions the joint. Bursitis causes noticeable swelling and tenderness over the bony tip. It often results from prolonged leaning on the elbow or a direct bump to the elbow.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
General overuse injuries from constant repetitive motions (typing, manual work, racket sports, etc.). RSI of the elbow happens when forearm muscles and tendons are chronically overworked, leading to tiny tears and pain at their attachment to bone. This “wear and repair imbalance” can cause long-lasting ache, stiffness or weakness.
Nerve Entrapment (e.g. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)
Compression or irritation of nerves at the elbow – most often the ulnar nerve (running behind the medial epicondyle). Known as cubital tunnel syndrome, it causes inner elbow pain, numbness/tingling or weakness in the ring and little fingers. It’s basically like your “funny bone” nerve (ulnar nerve) getting pinched.
Referred Pain (Cervical Radiculopathy)
Sometimes elbow pain is actually “referred” from the neck or shoulder. A pinched nerve in the neck (cervical spine) can send pain, tingling or numbness down the arm to the elbow region. In these cases, treating the elbow alone won’t fix the problem – the source in the spine or shoulder must be addressed.
Osteopathic Treatment for Elbow Pain
At our Dubai clinic, Thomas Wynn-Jones uses a holistic, hands-on osteopathic approach to alleviate elbow pain. Rather than just treating symptoms, he assesses the whole arm and related structures (neck, shoulder, spine and posture) to find the underlying cause. Every treatment and treatment plan is tailored to you – we don’t do one-size-fits-all therapy. Common osteopathic techniques include:
Joint Mobilisation and Manipulation
Gentle movements of the elbow joint (and nearby joints) to improve mobility and relieve stiffness. By restoring smooth joint motion, pressure on painful tendons or nerves is reduced.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Massage, myofascial release and stretching of the forearm and shoulder muscles to ease tension. Releasing tight muscles around the elbow can reduce pulling on inflamed tendons and improve circulation, speeding healing.
Postural Assessment & Correction
Checking your overall posture (neck, shoulders and back) to identify imbalances that put extra strain on the elbow. We may advise ergonomic changes or exercises. For example, correcting a forward head/shoulder posture can take stress off your elbow.
Neural Mobilisation
Gentle gliding/stretching techniques for nerves. If a nerve (ulnar, median or radial) is irritated, carefully mobilising it can alleviate “pinched nerve” sensations and improve symptoms.
Personalised, Hands-On Care
Every treatment is adapted to your diagnosis. We listen to your history, examine your arm’s movement, and apply only the techniques you need. This may include additional lifestyle or home exercise advice. Studies show that combining these manual therapies with strengthening and stretching exercises leads to better tendon healing and function.
Together, these osteopathic approaches address both local issues at the elbow and related factors (like posture or nerve tension) that could be contributing to your pain. Osteopathy is proven to be effective for conditions like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, bursitis and other musculoskeletal elbow problems, providing a drug-free alternative that targets the root cause.
TAKE YOUR STEP TOWARDS OPTIMAL HEALTH
Book an Appointment
Don’t let elbow pain limit your life or work. Thomas Wynn-Jones sees patients at 343 Al Wasl Rd, Al Bada’a, Dubai (near Al Safa) for expert osteopathic care. We welcome clients from Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, DIFC, Satwa, Al Wasl, Al Safa, Business Bay and all over the city. If you’re struggling with elbow joint pain or related arm symptoms, now is the time to act.
- Call us or book online: Schedule your personalized consultation today. Our clinic will assess your condition and begin targeted therapy to restore your arm function.
- Visit us locally: Conveniently located near Satwa and Al Safa, we serve Dubai’s central neighborhoods. Receive hands-on treatment in a friendly, professional environment.
Take the first step toward pain-free arms – book your appointment with Dubai’s experienced osteopath now and get back to doing what you love, without elbow pain.
Practicing At
Browns & Co
343 Al Wasl Rd – Al Bada’a – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 273 1555
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)?
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury where the tendons on the outside of the elbow become inflamed or micro-torn. It causes pain at the lateral epicondyle (outside bony bump of the elbow) where forearm extensor muscles attach. Common activities like racket sports, weightlifting or even excessive typing can trigger it.
How is golfer’s elbow different from tennis elbow?
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) and tennis elbow have similar mechanisms but occur on opposite sides of the joint. Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inner elbow, where the wrist-flexor tendons attach, often from repeated gripping or swinging. Tennis elbow affects the outer elbow and forearm extensors. In practice, the treatment for both involves reducing tendon strain and allowing healing.
Can osteopathy help with elbow pain?
Yes. Osteopathy can effectively treat many causes of elbow pain by using manual techniques and a holistic assessment. For example, it can reduce tendon inflammation (as in tennis or golfer’s elbow) and release tight muscles. Osteopathic treatment improves joint function and posture, often speeding recovery without surgery or drugs.
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is “ulnar nerve entrapment” at the elbow. It happens when the ulnar nerve (your “funny bone” nerve) is squeezed in the cubital tunnel on the inside of the elbow. This causes numbness/tingling in the ring and little fingers, plus pain on the inner elbow. Osteopathic techniques (like gentle nerve glides) can help relieve the compression.
What are common causes of elbow pain?
Elbow pain can arise from many issues. The most common include tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), olecranon bursitis (elbow bursitis), repetitive strain injuries, and nerve entrapments like cubital tunnel syndrome. Arthritis and trauma can also cause pain. An osteopathic exam will determine which specific factor is affecting your elbow, so we can treat it effectively.
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