The elbow joint is formed between the lower end of the upper arm bone and the upper ends of the two bones in the forearm.  The joint is designed to allow the elbow to bend and straighten and the forearm to twist to allow the palm of the hand to face upwards and downwards.  Arthritis may occur at the elbow joint when it will be painful and stiff to bend the elbow towards the face and also to fully straighten the elbow.  Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common arthritis to affect the joint but stiffening with osteoarthritis may also be found that is usually painless.  If an osteoarthritic joint is suddenly overstretched, as in falling onto the hand or strap hanging in the tube, then a painful traumatic arthritis may arise making it difficult to take the hand to the mouth.

The inflamed joint needs to be rested but physiotherapy can help by recommending the use of ice if swelling is present and by using gentle massage and mobilisations with the advice to keep the joint moving without provoking the pain.  The amount of movement will increase as the inflammation settles and guidance will be given on how to increase activities to return to full function, without aggravating the joint.

If the elbow doesn’t respond to this conservative management, an injection may be given into the joint.

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Gloria Adigwe graduated from the University of East London 1999 with a Bsc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. She since went on to achieve a Post Grad Teachers Training Cert in Higher Education 2005, followed by an MSc in Physiotherapy 2007. She is currently pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Physiotherapy.

Her interest lies in Musculoskeletal and Sports injuries of which she has extensive experience. She was a Senior Lecturer in the University of East London in charge of running the Clinical Physiotherapy Skills Module and The Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions.

Gloria is committed to high quality and best clinical practice and enjoys treating complex musculoskeletal conditions

She is a member of the CSP and HPC.

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Subacromial bursa

 The subacromial bursa sits like a flattened balloon containing fluid under the hard cap of bone (the acromion) at the shoulder, where it acts to lubricate shoulder movement and to protect the tendons lying underneath in the ‘subacromial’ space.

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Chronic subacromial bursitis

 The subacromial bursa sits like a flattened balloon containing fluid under the hard cap of bone at the shoulder where it acts to lubricate shoulder movement and to protect the tendons lying underneath. 

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Acute subacromial bursitis

 The subacromial bursa sits like a flattened balloon containing fluid under the hard cap of bone at the shoulder where it acts to lubricate shoulder movement and to protect the tendons lying underneath. 

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Acromioclavicular joint pain

The acromioclavicular joint sits at the top of the shoulder and is formed where the collar bone (clavicle) meets the bony prominence (acromion process)

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SHOULDER CONDITIONS

‘Frozen shoulder’; shoulder adhesive capsulitis

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We have vacancy for a part-time physiotherapist to cover maternity leave for approx five months from the beginning of July.  We need some morning sessions covered but can be flexible with times.

A broad range of experience in the management of musculoskeletal conditions is preferred. Completion of courses in Orthopaedic Medicine an advantage.

Please email woodford@elaineatkins.com with your CV.

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