Elbow Physical Therapy at OrthoRehab Specialists
The elbow is a vital hinge joint that enables daily functions like lifting, gripping, and carrying. It connects the upper arm bone (humerus) with the forearm bones (radius and ulna). Due to its complexity and constant use, the elbow is prone to injuries, especially from repetitive motion, trauma, or overuse. At OrthoRehab Specialists, we provide expert care and rehabilitation for a wide range of elbow-related conditions. Our goal is to restore your range of motion, reduce pain, and help you return to the activities you enjoy most.
Understanding Elbow Pain and Dysfunction
Elbow pain can significantly interfere with daily life. Simple tasks like turning a doorknob, holding a cup of coffee, or picking up a child can become difficult. Many elbow issues stem from tendinitis, where the tendons connecting muscles to bones become irritated. This is common in athletes and people with repetitive jobs. Other causes include arthritis, nerve entrapment, bursitis, and fractures. If left untreated, these conditions may lead to chronic pain, limited function, and compensatory injuries in the shoulder or wrist.
Conditions involving nerve entrapment, such as cubital tunnel syndrome or radial tunnel syndrome, may present as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers. These symptoms can affect your grip strength and fine motor skills, interfering with both work and hobbies. Without appropriate treatment, symptoms may worsen and limit upper body function more broadly. You might also notice that other parts of your arm or shoulder start to compensate for the pain, which can create secondary problems over time. This is why early, targeted intervention is key to long-term success.
Common Elbow Conditions We Treat
- Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
- Olecranon bursitis
- Ulnar nerve entrapment
- Radial tunnel syndrome
- Elbow arthritis
- Elbow sprains and strains
- Little Leaguer’s Elbow
- Fracture rehabilitation
- Post-surgical recovery
- Throwing injuries
- Dislocations
- Repetitive strain injuries
What to Expect During Your Treatment
During your first visit to OrthoRehab Specialists, we will complete a thorough evaluation of your elbow function, joint mobility, muscle strength, and soft tissue quality. We will also assess your posture and movement habits to identify underlying factors contributing to your pain or dysfunction. Our evaluations take time, because we want to fully understand your goals and how your elbow condition is affecting your lifestyle and routines.
Your therapist will design a custom rehabilitation program that may include:
- Manual therapy techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain
- Stretching and strengthening exercises targeted to your diagnosis
- Neuromuscular re-education to improve movement patterns
- Ergonomic and activity modification strategies
- Home exercise programming and self-management education
- Sports-specific drills for athletes in tennis, golf, baseball, or CrossFit
- Post-surgical protocols developed in coordination with your surgeon
Throughout your treatment, we will monitor your progress, adjust your program as needed, and collaborate with your referring physician or surgeon when appropriate. For most patients, we can begin care without a physician referral under Minnesota’s direct access law. Learn more about our approach on the Why OrthoRehab Specialists page.
Why Choose OrthoRehab Specialists
Our team of physical therapists brings decades of experience and advanced training to the table. We are a therapist-owned and operated clinic, which means that decisions about your care are made by clinicians, not administrators. At our Edina and Minneapolis locations, we deliver one-on-one care that focuses on patient education, long-term success, and prevention of re-injury.
Our clinicians regularly treat complex orthopedic conditions and collaborate with surgeons, sports medicine physicians, and other providers to ensure continuity of care. We offer private treatment rooms, advanced rehabilitation equipment, and a supportive environment that helps you feel empowered and motivated. To get to know the professionals who will be guiding your recovery, visit our About Us page. We take great pride in the results we achieve through compassion, innovation, and a relentless focus on quality.
Education and Prevention
In addition to hands-on treatment, we believe education is a powerful tool in recovery. You’ll leave each session not only feeling better but also understanding why your symptoms occurred and how to prevent them in the future. This may include guidance on safe lifting mechanics, workstation adjustments, body alignment for sports activities, and strategies to avoid overuse. Explore our Patient Resources for articles, videos, and downloadable tools to help you stay informed and active.
Patient Success Story
One of our patients, Sarah, came to us with severe tennis elbow that had not responded to previous care. She was struggling to hold her racket, type on her computer, and even carry groceries. After six weeks of customized treatment involving manual therapy, progressive strengthening, and biomechanics education, Sarah returned to competitive play without pain. She now continues her home program independently and checks in periodically for injury prevention support. Her success highlights the importance of a personalized plan and consistent follow-up care.
Another patient, Jason, a weekend golfer and carpenter, suffered from medial epicondylitis. He initially avoided treatment, hoping it would improve on its own, but eventually sought help when daily tasks became painful. Within eight weeks, Jason was back to work without restriction and playing nine holes on weekends. His outcome shows that you don’t have to accept pain as part of your routine—effective, evidence-based care can make all the difference. Jason now advocates for early intervention and encourages his friends to take elbow injuries seriously, especially when they start to interfere with hobbies or work.
We’ve also worked with office workers, parents, musicians, and individuals recovering from complex surgeries. Each person brings unique goals, and our commitment is to support them with evidence-based, compassionate care. Whether you want to return to your profession, your sport, or simply daily life without discomfort, we are ready to help you reach that goal with precision, expertise, and empathy.
Insurance, Access, and Scheduling
We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthPartners, and UnitedHealthcare. We verify benefits before your first appointment and work directly with your insurance provider to minimize surprises. Thanks to Minnesota’s Direct Access law, you may not need a physician referral to start treatment. This allows us to begin care sooner and get you on the path to recovery without delays. For more information, visit our Physical Therapy Services page.
Appointments are available early mornings and evenings to accommodate busy schedules. We strive to minimize wait times, and our administrative staff works hard to help you find an appointment time that fits your needs. Our convenient Twin Cities locations make it easy to access expert care without extensive travel or long commutes. Whether you are recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or addressing an acute injury, we will tailor your plan to your exact needs.
Make an Appointment
If you’re ready to take the next step toward recovery, we invite you to schedule a consultation. You can call our office at 952-922-0330 or use our secure online form. We accept most major insurance plans and will verify your benefits prior to your first visit. Whether your elbow pain is new or chronic, we’re here to help you heal and thrive. Visit our Contact Us page to get started.
Still have questions? Browse our Physical Therapy Services page to explore other areas we treat and discover how we can support your recovery journey from head to toe.
