Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Elbow Injection
Elbow injections are used to treat various conditions that cause significant pain and inflammation within the elbow joint. Physiotherapy after an elbow injection is important to help restore full, pain-free function and support a safe return to normal activities.
Elbow injection involves administering a combination of corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory) and analgesic (pain relief) directly into the elbow joint. This treatment can provide substantial relief from symptoms such as pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced range of movement. Elbow injections are typically recommended when conventional treatments—including painkillers, anti-inflammatories, rest from aggravating activities, and physiotherapy—have not fully resolved the symptoms. Elbow injections are effective for conditions such as:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) – inflammation of the tendons on the outer elbow.
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) – inflammation of the tendons on the inner elbow.
- Elbow osteoarthritis – degeneration of the joint cartilage causing pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid arthritis – inflammation of the joint lining causing pain, swelling, and reduced function.
- Bursitis – inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac) around the elbow joint.
- Post-traumatic elbow pain – persistent pain following injury or fracture.
Arthritis of the Elbow Joint
A major indication for elbow joint injections is osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Injections can provide relief from pain, swelling, and stiffness, helping to improve range of movement and overall function of the elbow joint.
Lateral (Tennis Elbow) & Medial (Golfer’s Elbow) Epicondylitis
Elbow epicondylitis is caused by inflammation and damage to the lateral (outside) or medial (inside) aspect of the elbow, often resulting from overuse or repetitive strain injuries.
Injection therapy is typically indicated for chronic pain, persistent inflammation, and reduced elbow function when conservative treatments—such as medication, rest, and physiotherapy—have not provided sufficient relief.
Olecranon Bursitis
Elbow injection therapy can also be used to treat symptoms of olecranon bursitis. The olecranon bursa is a small fluid-filled pad located over the olecranon process at the head of the ulna (the larger forearm bone opposite the thumb). It functions to reduce friction between the bone and surrounding soft tissues.
Olecranon bursitis occurs when this bursa becomes inflamed, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced elbow function, which is often aggravated by bending the elbow.
Procedure of Elbow Injection Therapy
After the skin has been cleaned, the injection is felt as a sharp scratch from the needle, followed by a brief hot or burning sensation lasting only a few seconds. The procedure itself takes just a few seconds to perform. It is common for the pain to temporarily worsen on the night of the injection; taking a simple painkiller, such as paracetamol, before bed is recommended. In some cases, the injection may take several days to take effect, and the relief can last from a few hours to several months. A small sticking plaster will be applied after the injection and can be removed the next day. Your doctor will advise if any activity restrictions are necessary. Driving is generally allowed after the injection. Usually, no more than three or four injections are administered to the same area.
Physiotherapy after Elbow Injection Therapy
Physiotherapy after elbow injection therapy is essential to help regain full, pain-free function in your elbow. Ace Physio Sports will help restore muscle strength and range of movement, ensuring the best possible recovery. A comprehensive rehabilitation programme at Ace Physio Sports supports the return of full or near-full function in the elbow joint and helps prevent recurrence of symptoms associated with the condition treated by the injection. Our programme is tailored to your personal treatment goals, which may include:
- Pain and swelling management using ice, compression, and gentle modalities.
- Restoration of range of motion through passive and active exercises.
- Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the elbow, including biceps, triceps, and forearm muscles.
- Muscle control and coordination exercises to improve functional movement.
- Endurance and conditioning exercises for sustained upper limb activity.
- Functional and task-specific training tailored to daily activities, work, hobbies, or sports.
- Education and guidance on posture, safe movement, and injury prevention.
Physiotherapy programme / activities:
Early Stages
During the early stages of rehabilitation, it is important to rest from activities that may have initially aggravated your condition. At this stage, your physiotherapy programme will focus on controlling any residual pain and swelling, although the injection may have already provided relief.
Physiotherapy will also aim to gradually introduce gentle activities to improve range of movement and function in your elbow joint.
- Gentle passive (assisted) range of motion exercises to maintain joint mobility.
- Light active (independent) range of motion exercises as tolerated.
- Pain and swelling management using ice, compression, or gentle modalities.
- Isometric strengthening exercises to maintain muscle strength without stressing the joint.
- Education and guidance on safe movements, posture, and activity modification.
- Gradual introduction of functional activities as tolerated.
Later Stages
After several weeks of successful physiotherapy following elbow injection therapy, your programme will focus on preventing the recurrence of symptoms from your initial condition.
At this stage, physiotherapy at Ace Physio Sports will aim to strengthen the muscles around your elbow and improve function and range of movement in the joint as much as possible.
Your physiotherapy may include:
- Progressive strengthening exercises for the elbow, forearm, and surrounding muscles.
- Active and resisted range of motion exercises to maximise flexibility and joint mobility.
- Functional and task-specific training tailored to daily activities, work, hobbies, or sports.
- Endurance and conditioning exercises for sustained upper limb activity.
- Coordination and muscle control exercises to optimise movement patterns.
- Education and guidance on posture, safe movement, and injury prevention.
Elbow injection therapy provides short-term relief from symptoms caused by various conditions affecting the elbow joint. The success and speed of recovery largely depend on your commitment and adherence to the comprehensive physiotherapy programme at Ace Physio Sports, as well as the initial condition of your elbow prior to injection therapy.
Summary
Elbow injections are used to treat various conditions that cause significant pain and inflammation within the elbow joint. Injections containing a mixture of local anaesthetic and cortisone (locally acting steroid) are frequently used to relieve symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis of the elbow, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and other inflammatory problems, including olecranon bursitis. Elbow injection therapy involves administering medication directly into the joint to alleviate pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced range of movement. Physiotherapy after elbow injection therapy is essential to maximize the success of the injection, reduce the likelihood of persistent symptoms, and help patients regain full or near-full function in the elbow joint. Ace Physio Sports provides a comprehensive rehabilitation programme designed to accelerate recovery and help you return to your job, hobbies, or sport as quickly as possible. For more information or to book an appointment, visit acephysiosports.com or call +65 81535374.
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