Find Relief from Elbow Pain in Fargo, ND
Elbow pain can make everyday tasks surprisingly difficult. Simple activities like lifting a coffee mug, typing at your computer, carrying groceries, or gripping a golf club can become painful when the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around the elbow are irritated.
At Bodyworks Physical Therapy, we help patients throughout Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, Horace, and the surrounding communities recover from elbow pain and treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions through personalized, evidence-based physical therapy. Whether your symptoms developed from repetitive work, sports, weightlifting, or a recent injury, our goal is to reduce pain, restore strength, and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
No referral is needed for most major insurance plans, making it easy to get started.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Elbow pain can develop for many different reasons. Some of the most common orthopedic conditions we treat include:
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
Elbow strains and sprains
Tendon overuse injuries
Sports-related elbow injuries
Repetitive work injuries
Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, a thorough evaluation helps determine what's contributing to your pain and the best treatment approach.
Symptoms That May Benefit from Physical Therapy
You may benefit from physical therapy if you're experiencing:
- Pain on the inside or outside of the elbow
- Pain with gripping or lifting
- Weak grip strength
- Difficulty carrying objects
- Pain during sports or exercise
- Stiffness or reduced elbow mobility
- Tenderness around the elbow
- Pain that worsens with repetitive movements
Whether your symptoms started suddenly or developed gradually over time, early treatment can often prevent the problem from becoming more persistent.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Despite its name, tennis elbow affects far more than tennis players. This condition develops when the tendons on the outside of the elbow become irritated from repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist movements. People commonly notice pain when:
Lifting objects
Opening jars
Shaking hands
Using tools
Working at a computer
Strength training
How Physical Therapy Helps Tennis Elbow
Treatment may include:
Progressive tendon loading exercises
Forearm strengthening
Stretching and mobility work
Activity modification
Shockwave therapy when appropriate
The goal is to reduce irritation while improving the tendon's ability to tolerate everyday activity.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. While golfers can develop this condition, it's also common among people who perform repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist-flexion activities at work or during recreation.
Treatment May Include
- Progressive strengthening
- Flexibility exercises
- Manual therapy
- Movement retraining
- Activity modification
- Gradual return to sport or work
Elbow Strains and Sprains
Elbow strains and sprains can occur after lifting injuries, falls, sports participation, or sudden movements. These injuries often cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced function.
Physical Therapy Can Help By
- Restoring range of motion
- Reducing pain and swelling
- Rebuilding strength
- Improving stability
- Guiding a safe return to normal activities
What to Expect During Physical Therapy
Your first visit begins with a comprehensive evaluation. We'll assess:
- Elbow mobility
- Strength
- Grip function
- Movement patterns
- Work or sport demands
- Activities that increase symptoms
From there, we'll develop an individualized treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy
- Therapeutic exercise
- Progressive strengthening
- Mobility training
- Dry needling (when appropriate)
- Shockwave therapy for certain tendon conditions
- Education to reduce future flare-ups
Why Choose Bodyworks Physical Therapy?
At Bodyworks Physical Therapy, we don't just treat where it hurts, we identify why it's happening.
Our therapists create personalized treatment plans designed to: Reduce pain, Improve strength, Restore mobility, Prevent recurring injuries, Help you confidently return to work, sports, and everyday life
Whether you're recovering from an overuse injury, sports injury, or recent strain, we're here to help you move better.
FAQs About Elbow Pain
Do I need a referral for elbow pain physical therapy?
No. Most major insurance plans allow you to begin physical therapy without a physician referral.
How long does elbow pain take to improve?
Recovery depends on the condition and how long symptoms have been present. Many patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks with a consistent treatment plan.
Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery for elbow pain?
Many elbow conditions respond very well to conservative treatment. Physical therapy is often recommended before considering surgical options.
Is shockwave therapy available for elbow pain?
Yes. Shockwave therapy may be recommended for certain chronic tendon conditions, including some cases of tennis elbow.
Schedule Your Elbow Evaluation
If elbow pain is making everyday activities, work, or exercise more difficult, you don't have to simply work through it. At Bodyworks Physical Therapy, we'll help identify what's causing your symptoms and create a personalized plan to help you move comfortably again.