Long Eaton
128 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 4ER
Our Long Eaton clinic is our main hub, we offer individual physio appointments and classes in our Pilates studio.
Mon-Fri: 8am – 8.30pm
Sat: 10am – 1pm
Same‑week appointments in Derby & Long Eaton.
Elbow & forearm pain — causes, fixes & when to see a physio
Elbow and forearm pain is common, and most of it gets better with the right changes and exercise. Whether it’s pain on the outside of your elbow when you lift the kettle, an ache on the inside after a day of gripping tools, a swollen elbow after leaning on it, or tingling in your little finger, we’ll help you understand what’s going on and get you moving again.
Quick answers
Should I rest it?
Not completely. Cut back on or change the tasks that set it off, but keep the elbow moving. Resting it for more than a few days can leave it weaker and stiffer.
Do I need an X-ray or scan?
Usually not. Most elbow problems are diagnosed from your symptoms and an examination. An X-ray is for a suspected fracture after a fall or blow.
How long until it improves?
It depends on the cause. Bursitis usually settles in a few weeks. Tennis and golfer’s elbow often take months, and can last a year or more, but most people get better.
Common symptoms and patterns
Try this now: safe self-care
Do
- Keep the arm moving and change how you do things: lighter loads, a different grip, regular breaks.
- Start gentle wrist and forearm exercises and build up slowly. Some discomfort is fine if it’s no worse the next morning.
- Use paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory gel if they suit you, and a wrapped cold or hot pack for up to 20 minutes.
Avoid (for now)
- Resting it completely for more than a few days.
- Leaning on your elbow, and long spells with it fully bent.
- Heavy gripping, pinching and vibrating power tools while it’s sore.
If you’re unsure, book an assessment — we’ll tailor this to your goals.
Book an assessmentWhen to see us
Ready to get moving?
Same-week appointments at Long Eaton, Pride Park, and Kedleston Road. Prefer to be seen at home? We also offer home visits across Nottingham & Derby. Book an appointment online or call 0115 972 1319.
What our Elbow & forearm patients say
What our patients say
Kamran F.
2 years ago on Google
I was referred to this clinic through my GP for right shoulder tightness and pain. I thus met Fran Clarkson who proved to be an absolute gem. Fran has been thorough, accurate, accommodating (when my problem moved down to the elbow), friendly, attentive and very clear explaining the issues. I now feel at least 90% improvement on my condition and am grateful to her for putting up with the unpredictable and varying nature of my discomfort. Thank you.
Google review of Kedleston Road
Read Kamran F.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Michael M.
2 weeks ago on Google
Very pleased with my progress since i started physio.Easy to talk to and very benificial
Google review of Pride Park
Read Michael M.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Benjamin D.
1 month ago on Google
I wanted to give a bit of a longer review. I saw Jo about 3 weeks ago about knee pain i'd been having. After a conversation and some diagnostics Jo was able to tell me, accurately, the inury I had and provide me loads of helpful information on treatment. I returned to see Jo today and although my knee is still painful (I have a meniscus tear which will take time to heal), lots of progress has been made and its certainly headed in the right direction. I really could not recommend Jo highly enough, she's friendly, knowledgable and has really helped me. If you're in pain or stuggling with an injuriy that won't go away – get yourself booked in you won't regret it!
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Benjamin D.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Dominic M.
1 month ago on Google
I have been to Impact a number of the times over the years and the team are excellent. I recently seen Peter regarding my disc herniation and he was professional and really support offering excellent advice that has massively helped my recovery. Would recommend to anyone who needs support with their recovery journey
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Dominic M.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Kirsty B.
2 months ago on Google
Great and friendly service. Alan Beers massively helped me with my frozen shoulder. Would highly recommend.
Google review of Pride Park
Read Kirsty B.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Maryse W.
2 months ago on Google
The review below was prepared 7 years ago…..My views about Impact Physiotherapy haven't changed….I am still very pleased with both the Pilates classes and the physiotherapists…..almost 20 years after starting……. My husband and myself have attended Pilates classes at Impact Physiotherapy in Long Eaton for well over 10 years. We highly recommend the classes run by their physiotherapists (small groups and individual attention when it's necessary to adjust exercises because of physical injury etc). When we suffered from back and knee problems respectively, we had no hesitation in contacting Impact physiotherapists for private treatment. We were both very satisfied with the outcome: following a first meeting for medical assessment, the sessions helped us get better, offering professional treatment, plenty of advice and a programme of exercises to do at home. Although sessions are quite pricey, you don't have to wait for an appointment for very long and staff don't try to book you in for more sessions than necessary. We liked their very active approach of getting patients involved in their own recovery!
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Maryse W.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Pamela H.
2 months ago on Google
After having a hip replacement I was left weak and still struggling to drive after 3 months. I went to Impact and saw Krishna. He has helped me enormously giving me strengthening and stretching exercises. Very professional service and I would highly recommend.
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Pamela H.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Helen D.
3 months ago on Google
I highly recommend the Strength & Conditioning classes at Impact Long Eaton. I have suffered with Menopause aches and pains for a few years now and was beginning to struggle with moving around without moans and groans as a young 54 year old! I thought exercise was now a no go! Another menopause gift! Combined with some weight loss the Strength & Conditioning classes really helped with building my strength back up and my confidence around weights and to push myself out of my comfort zone. Our instructor Maya takes onboard any issues you may have and the session can be tailored to individual needs. There is always variety between each session and support on how to correctly perform each type of movement. Studio is always clean, tidy and welcoming with all the right equipment provided. I recently saw Julie at Derby Uni for some physio treatment and she could see immediately the difference in my body from the classes. Thank you Team Impact x
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Helen D.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Mark D.
3 months ago on Google
I highly recommend the Strength & Conditioning class with Maya at Impact Physio (Long Eaton). As a physiotherapist, Maya brings expert guidance to every movement, providing complete peace of mind that you are training safely. What I Loved: Physio-Led Safety: Maya offers real-time form corrections and expert coaching. Structured Sessions: The layout flows perfectly from warm-ups to technique work and core strength. Tailored for Everyone: Exercises are easily scaled for fitness levels or injury recovery. Confidence Boosting: The supportive, clinical environment eliminates any gym intimidation. It is a fantastic, welcoming class for anyone looking to build a stronger body safely. I will definitely be back!
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Mark D.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Karen S.
3 months ago on Google
Very good and friendly staff, very clean and very quick in seeiing patients to help their recovery
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Karen S.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Peter G.
3 months ago on Google
I went to Chris at impact physio following hip resurfacing surgery with an aim to get running again. couldn't recommend Impact highly enough, all physio sessions, advice and exercises have really helped me get back to full fitness
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Peter G.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Mandy S.
4 months ago on Google
Fantastic friendly service. Very professional and would highly recommend. Finally has really helped me not only with an exercise plan but with her explanations so I can understand my position without technical words!! I feel much more confident going forwards and can't express my gratitude enough.
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Mandy S.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
andrew S.
4 months ago on Google
I’ve been experiencing knee pain while running so I visited Pete Grey. He examined me thoroughly and offered some valuable tips on improving my running technique. His helpfulness, knowledge and friendly demeanour made the entire visit enjoyable. I highly recommend him and I’ll definitely return if I ever need his expertise again.
Google review of Long Eaton
Read andrew S.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Phil B.
5 months ago on Google
I’ve been seeing Alan Beers for an issue I’ve had with my shoulder. He’s a great guy and extremely knowledgeable. I left the session with a good understanding of what had been going wrong and a realistic plan to manage my recovery. The results have been excellent
Google review of Pride Park
Read Phil B.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Jo C.
5 months ago on Google
Jo is a very approachable, knowledgeable and experienced Physiotherapist. I learnt alot about my issue (and Physiotherapy research in general) during my visits which helped me to understand the problems I was experiencing. Jo was able to give me a physio programme that I could implement in the home very easily. I have confidence that with the continued prescribed strengthening exercises, my issues will be more manageable. Thankyou Jo for your advice, knowledge and humour! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Jo to anyone needing evidence-based advice from a friendly and experienced Physio.
Google review of Kedleston Road
Read Jo C.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Caroline
5 months ago on Google
I went to Impact with ongoing shoulder and knee pain that were hindering both gym practice and sleep. After only two sessions and some very helpful exercises (complete with videos), I was ready to be signed off. The support from Julie was warm, friendly, non-judgmental and totally encouraging from start to finish. Explanations and demonstrations were clear and gave me all I needed to know to carry out the exercises at home. Julie was very effective in helping me get back on track and I would highly recommend if considering whether it is right for you.
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Caroline’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Bob H.
5 months ago on Google
Had a couple of consultations with Sheridan who has helped me no end with gentle exercises to my arthritic knee No pushing or pulling just really caring support and advice Highly recommended
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Bob H.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Simon H.
6 months ago on Google
Excellent care and assistance. Has made and injured should many times better. Highly recommend.
Google review of Pride Park
Read Simon H.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Jane
6 months ago on Google
Great experience this pm with Jo. She was kind helpful and empathetic and happy to do hands on physio to ease my symptoms. Felt so much better after even one session.
Google review of Kedleston Road
Read Jane’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
C L.
6 months ago on Google
After bouncing around NHS GP & Walk In Centre, finally got the expertise and care I needed here. Very knowledgable physios with the best rehab gym I’ve seen.
Google review of Kedleston Road
Read C L.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Susannah
6 months ago on Google
Cannot thank Pete enough for literally getting me back up and running. Also excellent knowledge and insight into injury, arthritis, bone and muscle conditions – dispelled a number of 'myths' surrounding certain conditions.
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Susannah’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Rob A.
6 months ago on Google
Alan is excellent, friendly and a pleasure to visit. He has given me the exercises I need to help my knee get better. After just over a month and two sessions doing the exercises, I am getting far less pain than I was before.
Google review of Pride Park
Read Rob A.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Adrian S.
6 months ago on Google
I have struggled for years with swimming related shoulder pains, despite seeing many physios. 1 appointment with Pete Gray was enough to clearly diagnose the issues and develop a rehab programme that has worked. Highly recommended.
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Adrian S.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
amelia
6 months ago on Google
Would 100% recommend, I've had 3 sessions with Pete, he's great at what he does, really knowledgeable and helpful, lovely guy
Google review of Long Eaton
Read amelia’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
Claire H.
6 months ago on Google
I recently had a couple of sessions with the physio Julie Lee to help with my low bone density. I have osteoporosis and need to do weight bearing exercises. Julie was excellent she was knowledgeable, extremely helpful and gave me advice and the exercises to help with my condition. I came away feeling more reassured that with time and guidance I can hopefully reverse and improve my bone decline. Thank you Julie couldn’t have done this without your help and support. Xx
Google review of Long Eaton
Read Claire H.’s review on Google (opens in a new tab)
How we help
Step 1: Assess
We check your neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and grip, test the tendons and nerves, and look at your work, sport and daily tasks. Scans are rarely needed.
Step 2: Plan
A graded strengthening programme for your wrist and forearm, practical changes to grip, load and work set-up, and advice on straps or splints where they help.
Step 3: Return
A step-by-step return to work, sport and lifting, with a clear plan for what to do if it flares.
We also offer PhysiotherapyHand therapy as part of your plan — always alongside active rehab.
Did you know? We also run Pilates, Yoga and Strength & Conditioning classes at our Long Eaton clinic, and Tai Chi in Toton.
Elbow & forearm conditions and symptoms
Sounds like me
Pain on the outside of my elbow that can spread down my forearm. Gripping, lifting the kettle, shaking hands or opening jars hurts, and my grip feels weaker. It came on gradually and I can’t think of an injury.
Likely causes
The tendons that attach your wrist and finger muscles to the outside of the elbow have been overloaded, usually by repeated gripping and twisting: computer work, DIY, manual jobs or racquet sports. Despite the name, fewer than 1 in 10 cases come from tennis. It’s most common between the ages of 35 and 54.
What helps
- Change, don’t stop: carry less, change how you grip or lift, and take regular breaks from the task that sets it off.
- Strengthen gradually: wrist and forearm exercises, built up slowly. Some discomfort is fine if it settles by the next morning.
- Pain relief: paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory gel if suitable (ask a pharmacist), and a wrapped cold or hot pack for up to 20 minutes.
- A forearm strap or brace may ease pain in the short term.
How physio helps
- Diagnosis: we check the pain isn’t coming from your neck or a nerve, which can feel similar.
- Progressive loading: a strengthening programme for the wrist and forearm muscles, including slow lowering exercises.
- Work and sport changes: grip, tools, mouse and keyboard set-up, racquet grip size and training load.
- Hand therapy: our hand physiotherapist also treats tennis elbow.
Quick questions
- How long does it last?
- Most people get better, but it often takes months and can last a year or more.
- Should I have a steroid injection?
- UK guidance advises against it. It can ease the pain for a few weeks, but people tend to be worse off by 6 months.
- Do I have to stop playing tennis?
- Not necessarily. Cut back on the play that aggravates it for now and stay active. A thicker racquet grip can help, and we’ll plan your build-back.
- Will a strap help?
- It may ease pain in the short term, but the evidence is limited. Use it alongside exercise, not instead of it.
Sounds like me
Pain on the inside of my elbow that can spread down my forearm. Gripping, lifting, carrying bags and twisting make it worse, and it’s usually my dominant arm.
Likely causes
The tendons on the inside of the elbow, which you use to grip and bend your wrist, have been overloaded. Repeated gripping, lifting and twisting at work, in the gym or on the golf course are common triggers. It’s much less common than tennis elbow.
What helps
- Change how you grip and lift: carry less and take regular breaks.
- Gentle exercises: start wrist and forearm exercises and build up slowly.
- Pain relief can help you keep moving.
- An elbow support may help in the short term, though the evidence is limited.
How physio helps
- Diagnosis: tingling in your ring and little fingers points to the ulnar nerve instead, so we check for it.
- Progressive loading: strengthening for the muscles that bend your wrist and grip.
- Work, gym and golf changes to take the strain off while it settles.
Quick questions
- Is it the same as tennis elbow?
- It’s similar, but on the inside of the elbow, in the muscles that bend your wrist and grip. The treatment is much the same.
- Do I need an injection?
- Steroid injections aren’t recommended. Any relief tends to be short-lived, and the pain is more likely to come back.
- How long will it take?
- It often takes months. If it isn’t improving within 6 weeks, or is getting worse, get it assessed.
Sounds like me
A soft, squashy swelling on the point of my elbow that appeared over hours or days, often after leaning on it or a knock. It may be sore or warm, but bending my elbow is mostly fine.
Likely causes
The small fluid-filled sac (bursa) over the tip of the elbow gets irritated and fills with fluid. Pressure, repeated knocks or a fall are the usual causes, and sometimes gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Occasionally it gets infected, usually through a cut or graze.
What helps
- Protect it: don’t lean on it, and use padding if your work or sport puts pressure on it.
- Ice wrapped in a towel for about 10 minutes, every few hours.
- Pain relief: paracetamol or ibuprofen if they suit you.
- A tubular compression bandage if it’s comfortable.
How physio helps
- Check it’s bursitis and look for signs of infection or other causes that need your GP.
- Protect and adapt: padding and changes to how you work or train, so it can settle and is less likely to come back.
- Keep the arm strong while the swelling settles.
Quick questions
- How long will it take to go?
- It usually settles within a few weeks. See your GP if it isn’t better after 1–2 weeks of self-care, or is getting worse.
- Does it need draining?
- Not usually. A doctor may drain it to check for infection or gout, or to ease symptoms.
- When is it urgent?
- If it’s hot, red and increasingly painful, the redness is spreading, or you feel feverish or unwell, get help the same day from NHS 111: it may be infected.
Sounds like me
Tingling or numbness in my ring and little fingers. It comes and goes, and it’s worse when my elbow is bent for a long time, like holding my phone, or when I lean on it. I may ache on the inside of my elbow, feel clumsy or drop things.
Likely causes
The ulnar nerve, the ‘funny bone’ nerve, is squeezed or irritated where it passes the inside of the elbow. Long spells with the elbow bent, leaning on it, sleeping with your arm folded, an old elbow injury or arthritis can all play a part. Often there’s no obvious cause.
What helps
- Keep the elbow straighter at night: a folded towel wrapped loosely around it stops it bending fully.
- Change your habits: use a headset for calls, don’t lean on your elbow or on armrests, and leave more space between you and the desk.
- Take regular breaks from gripping and twisting.
- Early cases often settle with these changes alone.
How physio helps
- Find the cause: we check your neck and the nerve’s whole route down the arm.
- Splints and positioning: advice on night splinting and positions that take pressure off the nerve.
- Exercises for the nerve and the small muscles of the hand.
- Onward referral for nerve tests or a specialist if there’s weakness or muscle wasting.
Quick questions
- How long until it improves?
- With these changes, symptoms may take 8–12 weeks to improve. Mild cases usually recover fully.
- Will I need surgery?
- Only if it’s severe or doesn’t respond to other treatment. The main aim of surgery is to stop weakness getting worse.
- When should I worry?
- Constant numbness, a weak hand, or thinning of the muscle between your thumb and index finger need prompt assessment. Sudden numbness or weakness, especially with a drooping face or slurred speech, is an emergency: call 999.
Sounds like me
A deep ache at the front of my elbow, in the crease, that’s worse when I turn my palm up against resistance, like using a screwdriver, or when I lift. It’s sore when I start an activity and may be stiff in the morning.
Likely causes
Irritation of the biceps tendon where it attaches just below the elbow, usually after a change in load: more lifting, a new gym routine or heavier manual work. A sudden ‘pop’ with bruising is different: it can mean the tendon has torn.
What helps
- Ease the load: cut back on heavy lifting and pulling for now, without stopping using the arm.
- A wrapped cold pack can help early pain.
- A sudden pop with bruising needs checking the same day.
How physio helps
- Rule out a tear and refer you on quickly if we suspect one.
- Graded loading to rebuild the tendon’s strength.
- Rehab after a repair, following your surgical team’s plan.
Quick questions
- I felt a pop lifting something heavy. What should I do?
- Get it checked the same day, at A&E or an urgent GP appointment. If the tendon has torn, surgery may be considered, and the sooner the better.
- Can it heal on its own?
- Most tendon irritation improves without surgery, over weeks to months. A complete tear won’t heal back on its own, but some people manage well without surgery.
- How long does recovery take after a repair?
- Your surgical team will give you a rehab plan. Full recovery can take up to 18 months.
Sounds like me
An aching, burning or throbbing pain in my forearm that has built up gradually with repetitive work: typing, tools, assembly work or hairdressing. It might feel stiff, weak or tingly.
Likely causes
Pain linked to repeated movements, awkward postures or regular use of power tools. It often has more than one cause, and plenty of people do the same work for years without a problem, so we look at the whole picture.
What helps
- Keep active: limit the task that aggravates it at first, then build back up. Don’t rest it for more than a few days.
- Move and break often: change position regularly, take short breaks, and check your chair, desk and screen set-up.
- Pain relief: paracetamol, or ibuprofen tablets or gel (ask a pharmacist), and a wrapped cold pack for up to 20 minutes.
- Talk to your employer about changes, such as mixing tasks.
How physio helps
- Find the drivers: workstation, tools, technique and load.
- Strengthening and posture exercises.
- A plan to stay at work, or get back to it.
Quick questions
- Should I stop working?
- Usually not. Staying at work with changes helps recovery, and you don’t need to be pain-free to work.
- Will it go away on its own?
- It often does. See us or your GP if it isn’t going away or is getting worse.
- Is my mouse to blame?
- It can be one factor. Changing position regularly, taking breaks and setting up your desk properly all help.
Insurance and funding
We work with all major private health insurers, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Cigna, WPA and Simplyhealth. Please check your policy for physiotherapy cover and, if needed, ask us for our provider/registration details.
We also hold NHS contracts for services in primary and secondary care.
Prefer to self-fund? You can pay for your own sessions — we’ll explain options and provide clear pricing.
Elbow & forearm pain: your questions answered
Book an appointment- Usually not. Most elbow problems are diagnosed from your symptoms and an examination. An X-ray is used if a fracture is suspected after a fall or blow, and nerve tests are sometimes used for tingling or numbness that isn’t settling.
- Keep using it, but change how you do things. Cut back on the tasks that aggravate it, take breaks and build up gradually. Resting it completely for more than a few days can leave it weaker and stiffer.
- It depends on the cause. Bursitis usually settles in a few weeks. Tennis and golfer’s elbow often take months and can last a year or more, though most people recover. Ulnar nerve symptoms may take 8–12 weeks to improve once you’ve made the right changes.
- They may ease pain in the short term, but the evidence is limited. Use them alongside exercise rather than instead of it.
- Not for tennis or golfer’s elbow. UK guidance advises against them: the pain often eases for a few weeks, but people tend to be worse off by 6 months and it’s more likely to come back. They’re sometimes used for bursitis that isn’t infected and hasn’t settled.
- The evidence is mixed. NICE describes it as inconsistent, and the British Elbow & Shoulder Society advises against it for tennis elbow. Progressive exercise is the main treatment.
- Usually, with changes. Ease off the movements that aggravate it, often heavy gripping, pulling or lifting, and build back gradually as pain and movement improve. After a fracture, avoid contact sport for at least 6 weeks and until it’s pain-free.
- They can play a part. Repeated gripping, typing, mouse use and power tools are common factors. Mixing tasks, taking breaks, setting up your desk properly and changing your grip can all help. Talk to your employer or occupational health if work makes it worse.
- Paracetamol, or an anti-inflammatory gel such as ibuprofen gel, are the usual first choices. Check with a pharmacist, especially if you take other medicines. Never use ibuprofen gel near a flame or while smoking.
- Use whichever helps. Wrap it in a towel and use it for up to 20 minutes at a time. Don’t use either if the area has reduced feeling or poor circulation, and avoid heat on a freshly injured or swollen elbow.
- Rarely. Most elbow problems settle with time, changes to activity and exercise. Surgery is considered for a few: a torn biceps tendon, severe ulnar nerve compression, or tennis elbow that hasn’t improved after many months.
- Go to A&E or call 999 if your elbow has changed shape after a fall, a bone is showing, or your arm is numb after an injury. Get same-day advice from NHS 111 for a hot, red, swollen elbow with a high temperature, or a sudden pop with bruising at the front of the elbow.
Who you'll see
Our team includes HCPC-registered physiotherapists and CSP members, including Helen Tunstall, our hand physiotherapist, who treats tennis and golfer’s elbow and nerve problems around the elbow. You’ll get a clear diagnosis, a plan that fits your life, and support back to the things you love.
Clinics and booking
Book online in three steps.
- Choose your clinic
- Choose Physiotherapy (or a named physio)
- Pick a time
Pride Park, Derby
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Derby DE24 8JB
Our Pride Park clinic is inside the iconic Derby Arena. Especially convenient for businesses on Pride Park.
Mon: 10am – 4pm
Tue: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Wed: 5pm – 7pm
Thu: 8am – 12pm
Fri: 7am – 4.30pm
Kedleston Road, Derby
University of Derby Sports Centre, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB
Ideally situated in the Human Performance Unit (HPU), you can benefit from the gym and indoor running track
Mon: 8am – 6.30pm
Tue: 7.30am – 3.30pm
Wed: 8am – 4pm
Thu: 8am – 8pm
Fri: 1pm – 4pm
Classes run at Long Eaton (Tai Chi in Toton). See classes