Elbow Pain

At Big Cat Performance & Physical Therapy, we’ve worked with countless athletes and active individuals dealing with both acute and recurring elbow issues. Our goal is not only to eliminate the pain but to make you stronger and more resilient than before. 

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What Is Elbow Pain?

Elbow pain is a common problem for athletes – particularly throwers and those who do a lot of pressing or overhead lifting. While the discomfort is felt in the elbow itself, the actual cause is often more complex. In many cases, the elbow ends up being the “victim” rather than the true culprit. Weakness, instability, or mobility restrictions in other joints – especially the shoulder – can create faulty movement patterns that place excessive stress on the elbow over time. 

At Big Cat Performance & Physical Therapy, we’ve worked with countless athletes and active individuals dealing with both acute and recurring elbow issues. From baseball pitchers and tennis players to weightlifters and CrossFit athletes, we understand how important it is to not just treat the pain but also address the upstream problems that caused it in the first place. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Elbow Pain?

Elbow pain can present in many ways, depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include: 

  • Aching or sharp pain during throwing, pressing, or gripping activities 
  • Swelling or stiffness around the joint 
  • Weakness when lifting or pushing 
  • Pain that worsens after repetitive motions 
  • Discomfort radiating from the elbow down into the forearm or hand 

For throwers, this pain can be particularly limiting – not just physically, but mentally. A lack of confidence in your ability to throw or press without pain can affect your performance, training schedule, and even your long-term athletic goals. 

What Is Our Approach To Fixing/Treating Elbow Pain?

At Big Cat Performance & Physical Therapy, our approach starts with a detailed assessment to uncover the root cause of your pain. We look at the entire upper bodt – shoulder, elbow, and wrist—because these joints work together during throwing, pressing, and lifting. Many times, we discover that instability or weakness in the shoulder is placing extra load on the elbow, causing irritation and pain. 

Once we’ve identified the source, we begin by addressing pain, swelling, and any acute inflammation. From there, we shift into performance-based rehab, where the focus is on rebuilding strength, improving stability, and restoring full range of motion. Our goal is not only to eliminate the pain but to make you stronger and more resilient than before. 

In our performance gym environment, you’ll work one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy to restore proper movement patterns, increase strength in both the elbow and shoulder, and make sure your mechanics are solid. This ensures you can throw, press, and compete with full confidence – without worrying about the injury coming back. 

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If you’ve been struggling with elbow pain – especially from throwing, pressing, or other repetitive arm movements – don’t wait for it to get worse. We’ve created a free elbow pain guide to help you understand the most common causes, what traditional approaches often miss, and the steps you can take now to start feeling better. 

Inside, you’ll find actionable tips to begin addressing your pain and preventing future flare-ups. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or simply want to get back to pain-free movement, this guide is a great first step. 

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