Elbow pain · Kirkwood, Missouri
Elbow pain care that looks at the wrist and shoulder too
Elbow pain can develop from overuse, repetitive movements, sports, or irritation of the muscles and tendons that attach around the joint. It may show up with gripping, lifting, throwing, or everyday activities. At Mend Health, we also look beyond the elbow, at the wrist, shoulder, and surrounding tissues to determine how they are working together—and what may be contributing to your discomfort.
What we discuss first
Tell Dr. Morrow whether the pain sits on the outside of the elbow (common with tennis elbow) or the inside (common with golfer's elbow), when it began, and which activities aggravate it: gripping, typing, lifting, racquet sports, or throwing. Mention any injury, numbness or tingling into the hand, and your medical conditions and medications. That helps a clinician decide whether hands-on care is appropriate or whether another evaluation should come first.
Care options and realistic expectations
Tendon irritation at the elbow is usually managed with a combination of load management, gradual strengthening, and hands-on work to the forearm muscles and surrounding tissues. Evidence for manual therapy on its own is limited, and recovery can take weeks to months. Treatment choices should reflect the assessment and your preferences rather than a fixed course of visits.
Share your health conditions and medications before treatment. Soft tissue work on an irritated tendon can leave the area sore for a day or two. Ask about expected benefits, risks, alternatives, and how progress will be measured, and discuss the need for further care as your symptoms change.
NCCIH: massage therapy evidence and safety
Learn more about Mend Health's soft tissue care and chiropractic approach. New patients start with the Mend Assessment; the pricing page explains appointment lengths and fees.
When to seek medical help first
Seek emergency care for an elbow that is visibly deformed, cannot bend or straighten, or was injured in a fall with severe pain and swelling. Get prompt medical assessment for elbow pain with fever, redness, or significant swelling, or with numbness or weakness in the hand. These need evaluation before any routine appointment.
Continue reading
Dr. Morrow's article on proactive care: why not wait until something hurtsEducational information can help you prepare questions. Individual care decisions belong in a conversation with a qualified clinician.
Common questions
Start with an assessment
Book a visit at the Kirkwood office or contact the practice with general scheduling questions. Discuss medical details privately with Dr. Morrow.
Care at our Kirkwood office
Plan your visit from Kirkwood or a nearby community. All appointments take place at the same Mend Health office.