Category: Arm Pain

Where Does Radial Tunnel Syndrome Hurt?
Forearm pain can be frustrating, if not highly disruptive to your routine, especially when you can’t pinpoint exactly what’s causing it. If you’re having aching, burning, or sharp pain along your forearm that doesn’t seem to fit with common injuries or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, you might be dealing with radial tunnel syndrome.

Unlike carpal tunnel syndrome, which primarily affects the wrist and causes numbness and tingling in your fingers, radial tunnel syndrome creates a similar type of discomfort in the middle of your arm. This condition occurs when the radial nerve becomes compressed as it passes through a narrow space called the radial tunnel near your elbow.

Understanding where radial tunnel syndrome hurts and recognizing its strange symptoms can help you seek appropriate treatment and get back to your daily activities without pain.

What does radial tunnel syndrome feel like?

Radial tunnel syndrome pain has several distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other arm injuries. The typical starting point for radial tunnel syndrome pain starts at the outside of your elbow and radiates down your forearm toward your wrist.

Primary pain locations:
- Lateral elbow area: Pain often begins just below the bony prominence on the outside of your elbow
- Top of your forearm: Discomfort spreads along the back and outer edge of your forearm
- Wrist area: Pain may extend all the way down to your wrist and thumb side of your hand
The pain itself can vary significantly from person to person. Some describe it as a deep, aching sensation that feels like muscle fatigue. Others experience sharp, shooting pains that worsen with certain movements. Many people report that the pain feels similar to the soreness you might have after overusing your arm muscles during exercise.

Common forearm sensations include:
- Burning or aching pain that worsens with activity
- Tenderness when pressing on the outer part of your elbow
- Pain that increases when extending your wrist or fingers
- Discomfort that may worsen at night or first thing in the morning
- Weakness when trying to straighten your fingers or lift objects
One key difference between radial tunnel syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome is that radial tunnel syndrome rarely causes numbness or tingling. Instead, the pain tends to be more muscular and activity-related.

Who gets radial tunnel syndrome?

Radial tunnel syndrome can affect anyone, but certain activities and risk factors make some people more susceptible to developing this condition.

High-risk occupations for radial tunnel syndrome

Repetitive arm motions are the most common cause of radial tunnel syndrome. People who regularly perform activities that involve rotating the forearm, extending the wrist, or gripping objects tightly are at higher risk of developing it.
- Athletes: Tennis players, golfers, baseball players, and rock climbers
- Manual workers: Carpenters, mechanics, painters, and assembly line workers
- Office workers: Those who spend long hours typing or using a computer mouse
- Musicians: Violinists, guitarists, and drummers
Additional risk factors outside of the work or hobbies you do may include:
- Previous elbow injuries or trauma
- Tight muscles in the forearm and upper arm
- Poor ergonomics during work or recreational activities
- Sudden increase in physical activity involving the arms
- Age-related changes in muscle flexibility and nerve sensitivity
Radial tunnel syndrome can develop gradually over time or appear suddenly after an intense period of arm use. Many people notice their symptoms worsen during periods of increased activity and improve with rest.

How do you treat forearm pain from radial tunnel syndrome?

Effective treatment for radial tunnel syndrome typically involves a combination of rest, activity modification, and therapeutic exercises. Most people can successfully manage their symptoms without surgery.

At-home treatment options

The first step in treating radial tunnel syndrome is identifying and modifying activities that aggravate your symptoms. This doesn’t mean you need to stop all activities completely. Instead, focus on reducing repetitive motions and taking breaks when possible.

Tips for modifying activities based on your symptoms include:
- Alternate between different tasks throughout the day, when possible
- Use ergonomic tools and equipment when possible
- Take breaks every 30-45 minutes during repetitive activities
- Apply ice for 15-20 minutes after activities that cause pain
In addition, simple stretches can help reduce tension in the forearm muscles and improve flexibility around the radial tunnel area.

Finally, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and inflammation, especially during flare-ups. Use as directed and see your doctor or physical therapist if you are needing to take medication every day just to get through your work.

Professional treatment approaches

Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide targeted treatments to address the underlying causes of your radial tunnel syndrome. Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy techniques to improve tissue mobility
- Specific strengthening exercises for the forearm and shoulder
- Nerve mobilization exercises to reduce nerve compression
- Education about proper body mechanics and ergonomics
Activity-Specific Training: Physical therapists can help you learn how to continue enjoying your favorite activities while protecting your radial nerve. For example:
- Golfers can learn proper swing mechanics to reduce forearm stress
- Office workers can optimize their workspace setup
- Athletes can modify their training routines to include proper warm-up and recovery
Progressive Exercise Program: As your symptoms improve, a structured exercise program can help prevent future episodes and build resilience in your forearm muscles.

The key to successful treatment, whether self-guided or under the direction of a PT, is consistency and patience. Most people see significant improvement within 6-12 weeks of starting a comprehensive treatment program for radial tunnel syndrome.

Comprehensive elbow and arm treatments at Rehab Access

If you’re experiencing persistent forearm pain that might be radial tunnel syndrome, an evaluation by a Physical Therapist near you can make a meaningful difference in your symptoms quickly. At our clinics throughout New Orleans, our experienced Physical Therapists specialize in diagnosing and treating complex arm and elbow conditions.

We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and we work with you to create solutions that fit your lifestyle and activity level. Find out how a one-on-one approach can make a difference for you by calling a nearby Rehab Access clinic or by requesting an appointment online today.
October 14, 2025
What Causes Forearm Pain Below the Elbow?
You’ve been dealing with this nagging sensation for weeks now. It’s not your elbow that hurts, and it’s not your wrist either. The pain in forearm below elbow feels like it’s coming from deep within the bone itself—a persistent ache that makes you want to shake your arm or stretch it out, but nothing seems to help.

This type of deep ache in forearm can be incredibly frustrating because it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly where it’s coming from. You might feel like you need to constantly move your arm to find relief, but the discomfort just won’t go away. The sensation often worsens with certain activities like gripping, twisting motions, or typing on a keyboard.

If this sounds like your experience, you’re not going crazy, and you’re definitely not alone. We’ve helped treat more than a few people who struggled with this exact type of forearm pain below elbow, and there’s a good chance you may be dealing with a condition called radial tunnel syndrome—a treatable condition that responds well to physical therapy.

What is radial tunnel syndrome?

Much of our body’s aches and pains originate in or near the joints due to injury, inflammation, degradation, or simply overuse. However, nerves are often to blame for pain that is harder to locate or explain. When it comes to that mysterious ache in your forearm, the culprit is frequently the radial nerve that runs through the forearm.

Recognizing radial tunnel syndrome symptoms

Radial tunnel syndrome presents with several distinctive symptoms that can help you identify whether this condition might be causing your discomfort:
- Deep, aching pain in the forearm that feels like it’s coming from the bone
- Pain that worsens with activities involving gripping, twisting, or extending the wrist
- Difficulty pinpointing the exact location of the pain
- A feeling that you need to “shake out” or stretch your arm for relief
- Pain that may extend from just below the elbow down toward the wrist
- Weakness in the hand or fingers during gripping activities
- Discomfort that persists even during rest periods
What is radial tunnel syndrome?

Radial tunnel syndrome occurs when the radial nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it travels through a narrow space called the radial tunnel, which runs within the forearm from the elbow to less than halfway down the forearm. This tunnel is a group of muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues that surround the radial nerve, and when these structures become tight or inflamed, they can put pressure on the nerve.

The radial nerve is responsible for controlling several muscles in the forearm and hand, which is why compression can cause that characteristic deep, aching sensation. Unlike other types of arm pain that might be sharp or burning, radial tunnel syndrome typically produces a dull, persistent ache that can be difficult to ignore.

Several factors can contribute to the development of radial tunnel syndrome, including:
- Repetitive arm motions
- Prolonged gripping activities
- Direct injury to the forearm
- Sleeping in positions that compress the nerve
People who work in jobs requiring repetitive wrist and forearm movements, such as assembly line workers, musicians, or computer users, may be at higher risk of developing this condition.

How to treat radial tunnel syndrome

The good news is that radial tunnel syndrome is highly responsive to physical therapy treatments, and most people can find significant relief relatively quickly.

There are even conservative self-care measures you may want to try before scheduling an appointment with a physical therapist.

Self-care for forearm nerve pain

In some cases, rest, avoiding aggravating activities and motions, and over-the-counter pain medication is all you need to help your body to heal from radial tunnel syndrome. This approach works best when the condition is caught early and the nerve compression is relatively mild.

Key strategies include:
- Activity modification: Reduce or avoid activities that worsen your symptoms for several days.
- Rest periods: Take frequent breaks from repetitive motions.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation around the nerve.
- Ice application: Using ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help manage pain and swelling.
When physical therapy becomes necessary

For aches that won’t go away, or when you can’t stop doing certain activities that make the aching worse, physical therapy can help. This is often the most effective long-term solution for radial tunnel syndrome, especially for people whose symptoms persist despite rest and at-home treatment.

Although everyone’s treatment will be personalized to their condition, a few general treatments tend to work well for radial tunnel syndrome:
- Manual therapy techniques may include specific mobilization of the radial nerve to improve its ability to glide through the surrounding tissues. Therapists might also perform soft tissue work on the muscles and fascia around the radial tunnel to reduce compression.
- Targeted exercises form a crucial part of treatment. Your physical therapist will teach you specific stretches to improve flexibility in the forearm muscles and tendons. Strengthening exercises help build support around the affected area and address any muscle imbalances that might be contributing to nerve compression.
- Posture and movement education helps you identify and modify activities or positions that might be aggravating your condition. This is particularly important for people whose symptoms are related to work or recreational activities.
- Ergonomic assessments may be recommended to evaluate your workspace or daily activities and suggest modifications that can prevent recurrence.
The timeline for improvement varies from person to person, but many people begin to notice relief within a few weeks of starting physical therapy. Complete recovery may take several months, depending on how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms and the severity of the nerve compression.

Forearm pain relief at SSOR

If you’re struggling with persistent forearm pain below elbow that just won’t seem to improve with rest and self-care measures, it may be time to seek professional help. At Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (SSOR), we use the latest evidence-based practices to bring relief to folks in Kansas City from their joint and nerve pain, including from radial tunnel syndrome.

Start the conversation with our team by calling one of our clinics or by requesting your first appointment online today.
September 30, 2025
Dealing with muscle pain in your forearm? Check out these 6 possible causes
When your arm is in pain, it can make many little movements throughout the day difficult. You can feel an ache moving a box out of your closet or washing dishes. Your forearm, in particular, is responsible for the movement of your wrists and fingers. So when your forearm muscle is in pain, it can affect your entire arm, down to your fingertips.

It can be tempting to just brush off pain in the forearm muscle as no big deal, and wait for it to go away on its own. But by being proactive, you can reduce the negative impact it has on your everyday life. And by learning about the possible causes of pain in your forearm muscle, you can determine the best ways to treat it.

We’ll talk about potential reasons for muscle pain in your forearm. Then we’ll discuss how to deal with it on your own as well as how an occupational therapist can help.

6 potential causes of muscle pain in the forearm

Your forearm is the part of the arm that’s located from the wrist to the elbow. It’s made up of two bones, the radius and the ulna, as well as several muscles.

There are many reasons why your forearm muscles may be in pain. While some reasons can cause temporary pain due to mild issues, others have forearm muscle pain as a symptom of an injury or muscle condition.

Here are six possible reasons for forearm muscle pain:
- Strains — When you strain your forearm muscle, also known as “pulling” a muscle, it means that it has become overstretched or torn. A muscle strain can occur if you’re in an accident, if you’re overusing it due to repetitive arm movements, or if it’s being used incorrectly. Straining the muscle causes forearm pain as well as muscle spasms and reduced mobility.
- Golfer’s elbow — Medial epicondylitis, commonly known as golfer’s elbow, is a type of tendinitis that affects the tendons that connect the forearm to the inside of the elbow. It’s a repetitive strain injury, meaning that it’s caused by repetitive or excessive movements, particularly forceful wrist and hand movements, such as swinging a golf club or pitching a baseball. It causes pain as well as numbness in the fingers and weakness in the wrists.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome — You have a median nerve that runs from your forearm through the carpal tunnel, which is a passageway in your wrist that leads to your hand. When there’s pressure on the nerve, it can become compressed and cause pain in your forearm, as well as your hand and wrist. It’s another repetitive strain injury, often caused by frequent hand and wrist movements.
- Arthritis — There are many types of arthritis that can develop throughout the arm, but rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the elbow is commonly associated with forearm pain. It can develop if your immune system attacks your joint lining. Along with forearm pain, RA in the elbow can also cause stiffness and swelling.
- Fractures — Blunt force from an object or falling with an outstretched arm can cause a fracture in one of your forearm bones. Along with immediate pain, a fractured forearm can cause numbness down through your hand as well as excessive swelling.
- Cervical radiculopathy — When you have a nerve problem in your neck, known as the cervical spine, you can feel the effects down your arm, including the forearm. A pinched or irritated nerve in the neck can cause radiating pain as well as numbness or tingling.
How to ease forearm muscle pain at home

When you feel an ache in your forearm, it can make you want to lie down and not move again until the pain goes away. But, unfortunately, life doesn’t stop when you’re in pain. That’s why it’s important to see how you can reduce the pain on your own.

These self-care options can provide you with temporary pain relief to help get you through the day or between visits with a provider. If you feel like your forearm pain is consistent or worsening, you should book an appointment with your health care provider.

Here are a few home remedies to temporarily alleviate forearm muscle pain, though you may still need to consult with your physician or an occupational therapist:
- Rest — Similar to most cases of extremity pain, especially those caused by trauma or falling, rest is essential. By resting your arm regularly throughout the day, you can reduce the strain that can contribute to your forearm pain.
- Ice — Applying ice or a cold pack is a tried-and-true method for temporary pain relief, and for good reason. By putting ice on your forearm, you’re numbing the area by slowing down blood circulation to reduce the pain as well as potential swelling.
- NSAIDs — Ask your health care provider about taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for temporary pain relief. When it comes to muscle pain, they will likely recommend over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Occupational therapy treatments that can alleviate forearm muscle pain

While home remedies can come in handy at the moment, it’s important to address the underlying cause of your forearm pain with safe and effective treatments. Occupational therapy should be one of the first courses of action if you feel like your forearm muscle pain isn’t going away anytime soon or when it interferes with your overall quality of life.

Here are a few occupational therapy treatments that can help alleviate your forearm pain and stiffness:
- Evaluation — With so many possible reasons behind your forearm muscle pain, a proper evaluation is required to make sure that the safest and most effective options are included in your treatment plan for your particular injury or condition. During your first appointment, you’ll have an evaluation of your symptoms and capabilities so that your occupational therapist can determine the likely cause.
- Therapeutic exercises — Nearly every cause of forearm pain can benefit from guided exercises and stretches. An occupational therapist will show you arm exercises to alleviate the ache and improve the strength of the muscle to reduce the risk of future injury. You’ll also learn stretches to reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
- Manual therapy — If your occupational therapist determines that you likely have a muscle strain or inflammation, then hands-on treatment can make a big difference. They can use their hands for joint and soft tissue mobilization as a way to alleviate tense tissue causing forearm pain and stiffness.
- Dry needling — If you’re experiencing muscle spasms in your arm, then your occupational therapist may try to tackle the root cause with dry needling. This technique involves thin filament needles that stimulate muscle contractions as a way to release the tension.
Excel Rehab & Sports can help you figure out the cause of forearm muscle pain

One of the most frustrating parts about feeling random aches and pains in your body is that you don’t always know the cause. Without knowing the reason for your forearm pain, it can be difficult to properly treat your condition and return to your regular tasks.

At Excel Rehab & Sports, our occupational therapists use their expertise and understanding of the body to figure out the root cause of your muscle pain. Not only can our treatment alleviate your current symptoms, but together we can work to improve the strength, flexibility and overall function of the area to reduce the possibility of the pain recurring in the future.

Call us or request an appointment today to pinpoint the possible reason for your forearm muscle pain as well as treat it with safe and effective occupational therapy techniques.
May 29, 2025
Biceps Tendon Rupture: Signs and Treatments
If you’re experiencing shoulder or biceps pain or have recently felt a sudden pain or pop, you may have a biceps tendon tear. Fortunately, in many cases a biceps tendon tear can be healed naturally through rest and physical therapy, although some severe cases may require surgery to correct fully.

What does it feel like when a biceps tendon ruptures?

When a biceps tendon ruptures, there are immediate and noticeable signs that are hard to miss:
- Sudden, sharp pain in the biceps or elbow: Many describe the initial sensation as a “snap” or a popping sound in the arm during activity.
- Bruising: Bruising may quickly appear in the upper or lower arm, depending on where the rupture occurred.
- Muscle weakness: You will almost certainly notice difficulty lifting objects or performing movements that require bicep strength.
- Visible bulge or deformity: Often referred to as a “Popeye deformity,” the biceps may appear bunched up due to the torn tendon pulling the muscle upwards.
- Limited range of motion: Movements such as bending your elbow or rotating your forearm can feel restricted or painful.
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis and begin the right treatment plan.

How does a biceps tendon rupture occur?

Understanding what causes a biceps tendon rupture can be crucial in preventing this injury from occurring in the first place, or addressing it if it happens. This type of injury can happen both in response to a single high-strain event or over time due to consistent use of the tendon.

There are a few common risk factors and activities that may make a person more susceptible to biceps tendon injuries:
- Overuse from repetitive motions: Sports that involve heavy lifting, throwing, or pulling—like weightlifting, baseball, or rowing—can overstrain the biceps tendon over time.
- Sudden high-intensity force: Catching a heavy object unexpectedly or trying to lift something heavier than you normally do can lead to a rupture.
- Age-related wear and tear: Tendons naturally weaken with age, making individuals who are older more susceptible to a proximal biceps tendon rupture.
- Pre-existing conditions: Arthritis, tendonitis, or previous injuries to the arm can weaken the tendon, increasing the likelihood of a rupture.
- Steroid use or smoking: Both factors are known to affect tendon strength and overall tissue health, raising the risk of injury.
By recognizing these risk factors, athletes and active individuals can take measures such as proper training techniques and rest to reduce the likelihood of a biceps tendon rupture.

Does a ruptured proximal biceps tendon get better on its own?

The critical question people in pain have is whether they need professional help or if the issue will heal on its own. While some partial biceps tears might improve over time with rest and care, a full biceps tendon rupture typically requires medical attention for the best chance at full recovery.

For people who can afford to dramatically reduce the use of the affected arm, non-surgical treatments may be enough for a proximal biceps tendon rupture. These include:
- Resting the injured arm
- Applying ice packs regularly to reduce swelling
- Over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort
- Using a sling to limit movement during the early stages of healing
- Participating in a physical therapy plan
Physical therapy treatments for ruptured biceps tendon

One of the reasons physical therapy is so effective for many types of pain is that it’s highly personalized to target your injury while accommodating your lifestyle. If you’re still in pain after a few days of hurting your bicep, here’s what we may recommend when you come in for an evaluation:
- Range of motion exercises: Gradual stretches and movements help regain flexibility in the elbow and shoulder.
- Strengthening exercises: These focus on rebuilding bicep and surrounding muscle strength to protect the tendon during future activities.
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques like massage and joint mobilization can reduce stiffness and improve muscle function.
- Pain management techniques: Modalities like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation can be used to minimize discomfort without the side effects of medication.
- Activity-specific training: For athletes, therapists may incorporate sport-specific drills to ensure a safe return to activity.
Tendon rupture treatment in Apache Junction

Biceps tendon rupture isn’t an injury most people focus on trying to prevent, so when it happens, it can be shocking and upsetting. The good news is that for folks in Apache Junction, treatment is almost literally around the corner. Our clinic is here to help with tendon ruptures or whatever other kind of arm pain you’re dealing with that won’t go away on its own. Call us or request your appointment online to get back to your normal lifestyle today.
May 7, 2025
10 possible causes of left arm pain that don’t involve a heart attack
If you’re at a high risk for heart issues, pain in your left arm can be pretty concerning. But oftentimes, you may notice sensations that tell you your arm pain may have a mechanical cause — for instance, if it shows up gradually over time or it’s accompanied by grinding or popping in your joints.

Most of the time, pain in the left arm isn’t due to a heart problem. If you’re feeling pain in your wrist and hand joints, in your shoulder, or radiating down the arm, there are a number of other causes that might explain the pain you’re feeling.

This article covers 10 possible causes of left arm pain other than a heart attack.

What’s causing pain in my left arm?

Many musculoskeletal injuries to the left arm are irritation caused by overuse. These conditions can come on gradually, or you may not notice moderate to severe pain when they become aggravated. Some arm pain is caused by underlying issues that are a little more complex, like a brachial plexus injury or thoracic outlet syndrome. More on these below.

Acute arm pain can be tricky because it could be radiating from an injury in the wrist or hand. The tendons that connect your hand, shoulder and arm muscles to the bones can easily become sore and irritated because of weakness or imbalances elsewhere.

Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common overuse injuries because people usually don’t think to stretch out their shoulders before performing repetitive arm movements. Playing a game of baseball on the weekend or doing some repairs around the house can lead to an overuse injury rather quickly. Elbow joints do a lot of work when we use our arms. Conditions like bursitis, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow can also develop from overuse.

10 possible causes of left arm pain that don’t involve a heart attack

If you’re feeling pain in your left arm with no chest pain, sweating or other heart attack symptoms, it’s a pretty safe bet that there’s another cause. In some cases, some rest and an over-the-counter pain reliever may be all you need to start feeling better. Other times, you may need to see a physical therapist to get some relief and prevent your arm pain from becoming a chronic condition. If home remedies aren’t helping and your pain has lasted for more than a week, you should see your doctor or a physical therapist.

The following 10 conditions can cause pain in the left arm that isn’t related to a heart episode:
1. Injury — Most of the time, pain from a fracture, sprain or strain will show up right away and you’ll know what caused it. But that’s not always the case. It is possible to develop a stress fracture in your arm from overuse. You may overextend your elbow joint without realizing it, and if you’re under a lot of stress, you might not notice your pain right away.
1. Peripheral neuropathy — The nerves that run down your arms are connected to your spinal nerve at your neck and shoulders. When any of these nerves are damaged, you may notice arm pain along with a pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, or weakness.
1. Tendinitis — Tendons are the connective tissue that holds your bones and muscles together. They can become inflamed and sore from overuse or strain. You may notice cracking, popping or swelling with tendinitis.
1. Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow — These are both types of tendinitis that occur in the elbow. Tennis elbow is irritation on the outside or lateral side of the elbow, and golfer’s elbow is irritation on the inside or medial side. You may notice a weakened grip, tingling, numbness or pain when you make a fist.
1. Bursitis — Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion your muscles, bones and tissue. These can become irritated and swell up. Bursitis is especially common in the shoulders, elbows, knees and feet.
1. Carpal tunnel syndrome — Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain that starts in the wrist and radiates up the arm. It happens when the median nerve in your wrist is compressed, for instance, from holding a mouse or bending your wrists to use a keyboard. You may need to stretch out your wrists, do some exercises to keep them in shape or wear a brace to prevent further injury.
1. Brachial plexus injury — The brachial plexus is a nerve network that starts at your spinal cord in your neck and extends down across your chest to your armpit. When your arm or your head and neck are forcibly pulled from your shoulder joint, it can become injured. You may notice pain, paralysis or diminished control in your arms.
1. Pinched nerve — Cervical radiculopathy is the term for a pinched nerve in your neck. This means the surrounding tissue is compressing one of your nerves, sometimes due to a ruptured or herniated disc. It can cause pain, tingling and numbness in different parts of your body, including your arms.
1. Thoracic outlet syndrome — The thoracic outlet is the opening that connects your neck and your chest, where your spine, nerves and major blood vessels pass through. When something compresses the blood vessels or nerves in your upper chest or lower neck, it can cause upper arm pain. Thoracic outlet syndrome is rare, but researchers also believe it’s underdiagnosed because it causes a wide range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, weakness, skin that’s cool to the touch, and swelling or heaviness.
1. Shoulder impingement syndrome — This is when the top outer edge of your shoulder blade rubs against your rotator cuff, which is a muscle group. It can be caused by swelling and inflammation of the rotator cuff or bursitis near the shoulder joint. With this condition, you’ll notice pain when moving your shoulder and lifting things.
Back in Motion can help with left arm pain that’s not heart related

Narrowing down the specific cause of your arm pain may be difficult. The good news is that most of these conditions improve with some rest, gentle stretching and exercise. If home remedies aren’t working or your pain persists for more than a week, you should seek medical care.

There are several physical therapy treatments that can help improve circulation in your arms and break up stiffness from inflammation. Some patients see relief after just one or two treatments. Your therapist might use joint mobilization techniques to facilitate range of motion in your shoulder or elbow. Or they might use manual therapy to gently release stiffness in your tendons and soft tissue.

A physical therapist can help determine if there’s an underlying cause that needs to be treated. They can make recommendations on ways to keep the joints, muscles and other structures in your arms healthy. Incorporating specific stretches and exercises when you do certain activities that irritate your arm pain may help you stay pain-free in the long term.

Ready to find out if physical therapy can help relieve your left arm pain? Maine is a direct access state, so you don’t need a referral to see a physical therapist. We accept most private and workers’ compensation insurances at Back in Motion Physical Therapy. We also offer a reduced cash pay rate for patients without insurance.

Let’s talk about your arm pain symptoms and see if physical therapy services are a good fit. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our PTs today. Call us or request an appointment.
July 19, 2024
Dealing with muscle pain in your forearm? Check out these 8 possible causes
Sometimes, you don’t realize how important the muscles in your forearms are until you get injured. For such a small part of the body, the muscles, ligaments, bones and tendons in your forearms play a big role, and muscle pain in your forearm can be debilitating. It can prevent you from doing even the most simple things such as typing, using a steering wheel or even brushing your teeth.

According to one study, over 30% of adults deal with upper limb pain of some kind. While minor forearm muscle pain can go away on its own, if your forearm pain doesn’t resolve itself within a couple of weeks, it may be time to seek outside treatment. Discover what might be causing your forearm muscle pain and how physical therapy can help you reduce your pain and get you back to a higher level of mobility.

Causes of forearm muscle pain

Strains, sprains and chronic conditions can all be the cause of muscle pain in your forearm. However, before your physical therapist can help you make a plan to address that pain, they’ll want to know what’s causing it. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of forearm muscle pain:
- Overuse — Long-term, repetitive movement can put excess pressure on muscles in the forearm and cause them to strain. Sports such as tennis or weightlifting, as well as excessive computer use, can also cause this kind of strain. Computer-related strains are becoming more and more common with the growth of computer-centered labor.
- Arthritis — Arthritis is a category of inflammation-based disorders, and the conditions in this category can cause pain, soreness and swelling in many different joints in the body. In your wrist, these symptoms may be caused by two types of arthritis: osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis typically occurs as the cartilage in your elbow or wrist wears out as you age. Rheumatoid arthritis happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in your body. This tissue may include the cartilage in your joints. If the joints in your wrist or elbow become inflamed and irritated from one of these types of arthritis, you may experience muscle pain in your forearm.
- Elbow tendinitis — Tendinitis in the elbow can result from overuse of the muscles and tendons in the elbow. This causes pain in the muscles of the forearm and can be caused by manual labor, though the cause of elbow tendinitis isn’t always known.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome — Carpal tunnel syndrome is when swelling causes pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. This can create numbness in your hand and arm as well as pain that can radiate up the forearm. Repetitive activities such as typing or working on an assembly line can cause this condition.
- Sprain or strain — Acute trauma can also cause a sprain in your ligaments or a strain in your muscles or tendons. Activities that include bending, twisting, sudden movement or direct impact can sprain the ligaments in the forearm.
- Fracture — An acute trauma such as a car accident, a traumatic fall or a direct blow can cause a fracture in one of your forearm bones. If you fracture a bone in your forearm, you may be able to see bleeding or some kind of deformity from the injured bone, and you will likely feel pain in and around the injured area.
- Nerve entrapment — When nerves become compressed, they can cause pain, numbness or tingling in and around the affected area, which can affect the forearm. A pinched nerve in the neck, called cervical radiopathy, can also cause pain to radiate down your arm.
- Angina — This is a symptom of coronary artery disease and can cause pain in your upper body, including your chest, shoulders, neck, jaw and arms. While not usually life threatening, this condition can be a warning sign that you’re at risk of a heart attack or stroke, so contact your doctor immediately if you have angina.
While proper upper body mechanics may prevent some of these issues from causing forearm muscle pain, you can’t protect yourself from everything. If you’re dealing with forearm pain from any of these conditions, it’s better to address it sooner rather than later. Waiting until the problem gets worse will only increase the time it may take you to fully recover.

The majority of the time, pain or tingling in the forearm isn’t a cause for serious concern. However, if your pain comes on suddenly, or severely, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, don’t wait to get help. Symptoms to look out for include:
- You’re experiencing numbness or tingling in your arm.
- You have a swollen arm, and you feel hot and shivery or have a high fever.
- Your arm hurts when you exercise, but the pain stops when you rest.
- You have extreme pain and difficulty moving your arm.
- You heard a snapping noise when your arm was injured, or the shape of your arm has changed.
If you’re dealing with symptoms like these, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Call your doctor right away or get emergency care to make sure you aren’t dealing with a severe or life-threatening condition.

How physical therapy can help muscle pain in your forearm

While muscle pain in the forearm is annoying and limiting, it doesn’t have to rule your life forever. Physical therapy can help you reduce your pain and even regain your strength and mobility. Your Excel Sports & Physical Therapy physical therapist can help you determine what PT treatments may work best for you. Here’s a list of some common physical therapy methods your physical therapist may recommend.
- Manual therapy — Manual therapy is a hands-on method of treatment to help your body function better. In manual therapy, your physical therapist will use their hands to move and stretch the joints, muscles and tendons in and around your forearm. The goal with this treatment is to improve your range of motion and decrease pain in and around the injured area. Manual therapy can also increase circulation, triggering natural healing processes in the injured tissue. Types of manual therapy include soft tissue mobilization, strain-counterstrain therapy, muscle energy techniques, and high velocity, low amplitude thrusting.
- Joint mobilization — In joint mobilization, the affected joint is moved in a way that you would not be able to do on your own. The goal is to provide the right amplitude, velocity and direction of force to passively move the restricted joint and restore normal range of motion. Depending on your treatment goals, your physical therapist will determine the speed and type of joint mobilization your injury requires.Through joint mobilization, your therapist aims to reduce your pain levels, increase your range of motion, and improve the quality of the joint’s movement itself.
- Electrical stimulation — Electrical stimulation uses self-adhesive electrodes placed around the target treatment area on the body. These electrodes use electricity to stimulate the muscles and nerves. This can provide rapid pain relief and can also stimulate healing, which may assist in a faster recovery. Electrical stimulation can be used to address acute accident-related injuries, repetitive stress injuries, muscle strains and ligament sprains, all of which can cause forearm muscle pain.
These are just a few of the ways your physical therapist can help you deal with and reduce your pain in the muscles of your forearm. They may even want to combine multiple treatments to help you recover faster. You and your physical therapist can work together to determine the best treatment plan to help you get back to your old self.

No matter what issue caused your forearm muscle pain, there are treatment options available to help you. You shouldn’t have to navigate life with pain in your forearm and limited range of motion. When you’re ready to take the next step to treat your forearm muscle pain, call us or request an appointment today. Our Excel PT team is here to offer you the best treatment for your needs.
April 1, 2024
Which specific body parts are considered part of your upper extremity?
Upper extremities (UEs) are parts of a unit of the body that function in conjunction with each other. They are broadly categorized into three different parts, each with smaller systems or structures within it.

Health and strong upper extremities are extremely important to people’s daily lives. Research indicates that UE strength is necessary to complete everyday activities like reaching for, grabbing and holding a variety of items. It’s also important that UE health is regularly maintained to prevent future injury.

Body parts that are part of the upper extremities
- Upper arm: The beginning of the upper arm is at the shoulder joint. It includes the region containing the clavicle, shoulder blade, and humerus bones.
- Forearm: The forearm consists of the radius and ulna bones.
- Hand: In the hand are the carpal, metacarpal and phalange bones.
Each of these sections also has complex systems of muscles, tendons, soft tissue, nerves and veins running through them. Physical therapists are trained to understand the complexity of the parts within the whole of the upper extremities. If you’ve become injured from a fractured bone, a strained muscle, torn tendon, tight soft tissue or pinched nerve to name a few, PTs know how to build recovery and treatment programs to help you regain normal function.

Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for your upper extremities

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality physical therapy they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP specialist that’s near you and who can professionally provide care for your UEs.

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.

Are you still unsure what you should be looking for in a physical therapy clinic? Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.
October 28, 2022
3 common activities you should try to avoid after a forearm muscle strain
Your forearm is a powerhouse: It supports more than a dozen muscles and tendons, the flexions of your wrist and fingers, and your radius and ulna bones. With so many moving parts, your forearm can be easily injured. In particular, forearm strains occur when a muscle in the forearm partly or completely tears. You can strain your forearm if you:
- Suddenly put stress on your forearm muscles without properly warming it up.
- Stretch your forearm muscles beyond their capability.
- Overuse your forearm muscles over time.
- Experience a blow or sudden impact to your forearm.
3 activities you should avoid after straining your forearm muscle

If you strained a forearm muscle, you might feel pain that intensifies when you engage your fingers, elbows or wrists. You might also experience swelling around the strained muscle. Rest, ice and compression can help treat a forearm muscle strain. Refraining from certain daily activities can also help you avoid further injury and promote faster healing. Consider refraining from the following activities that can increase forearm pain:
1. Grocery shopping — Generally, carrying is not a good idea when you’ve strained your forearm muscle, and grocery shopping is not an exception. Carrying grocery bags even just a few feet could further tear your forearm muscle and cause severe damage. If you must carry a grocery bag, it would be best to use your uninjured arm.
2. Typing on the computer — Typing doesn’t just involve your fingers. In fact, most of your forearm is involved when you type an email, essay or search words. This is because tendons in your hands are connected to your forearm muscles. As a result, typing can be painful while recovering from a forearm muscle strain. If you have a deadline to meet on your computer, it may be best to get an extension to avoid injuring your forearm muscle more.
3. Playing sports — It’s important to avoid sports that engage your hands or arms when you have a forearm muscle strain. It can even be a good idea to avoid all sports while you’re recovering from a strain, regardless if those sports involve your arms. The field can be unpredictable, possibly leading to falls, slips or blows to your arm. Refraining from playing sports for a short period of time can help protect your forearm muscle so that the tear heals faster.
Border TS can help you recover from your muscle strain

If you’re suffering from a forearm muscle strain, a physical therapist can help you recover sooner. Our team of specialists at Border Therapy Services offers one-on-one sessions and treatment plans tailored to your injury. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
August 15, 2022
Top 3 reasons physical therapists can help your forearm muscle strain
Our forearms contain a lot of moving parts. Between the wrist and the elbow there are over a dozen different muscles and tendons, each with a specific purpose. But, because we use our forearm muscles for everything from playing sports to typing on a computer, they can sometimes become susceptible to muscle strain. This can cause pain in the elbows, wrists and hands.

What causes forearm muscle strain?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to forearm muscle strain. Some of the most common causes are:
- Repetitive motion — The muscles and nerves of the forearm can become stressed from repeating the same motions over and over again. This happens often in people who perform manual labor or office work.
- Overextension — The muscles in your forearm can become strained if they are stretched too far and too quickly. This is called overextension. People who play sports such as tennis are often at higher risk for overextending their forearm muscles.
- Injury — A sudden impact to the forearm can cause the muscles to become injured, often resulting in bruising and soreness in the affected area.
How can physical therapists help my forearm muscle strain?

Most cases of forearm muscle strain do not require surgery. In fact, many experts agree that it is best to avoid surgery, as it can cause more scar tissue to form in the affected areas. This can lead to longer recovery times as well as decreased mobility in the forearm. Physical therapy can help you treat your forearm muscle injury without the need for invasive surgery.

Here are three reasons to turn to physical therapy for your injury:
1. Reducing pain — The pain from a forearm muscle injury can prevent you from performing well at work, participating in sports or even enjoying everyday activities. Physical therapists employ techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and muscle energy techniques to help reduce the pain as your forearm muscle strain heals.
1. Restoring mobility — A forearm muscle injury can often lead to stiffness and a reduced range of motion in your arm. Using methods like therapeutic exercise can help restore your full range of motion and flexibility.
1. Strengthening muscles — Your physical therapist can guide you through exercises and muscle energy techniques. Such techniques are designed to strengthen the muscles in your forearm. This not only helps to treat your current muscle strain, but also can prevent these muscles from becoming injured in the future.
If your injury is preventing you from participating in activities that you enjoy, it may be time to turn to a licensed physical therapist for help. At Advent Physical Therapy, our team of trained physical therapy specialists would be happy to assist you. We can help determine the cause of your forearm pain and create a custom physical therapy plan best suited to your needs.

Don’t continue to live with pain! Contact our team today for more information on how Advent Physical Therapy can help.
February 14, 2022
6 Home Exercises to Cure My Repetitive Strain Injury

My name is Becca and I work for SOL Physical Therapy, but I’m not a physical therapist.

I’m curing the damage in my arm/shoulder/neck from 5 years of computer-induced repetitive strain injury (RSI). A few weeks ago, I promised I’d show you my home exercise program, and today I’m making good on that promise.

Now that you’ve witnessed me in all my home exercise program glory, here are three truths you should know about those exercises.

Truth #1: It took me about 20 minutes to complete all my reps.

Even though my Karate Kid style montage makes my HEP look like breeze, it took me about 20 minutes to complete from start to finish.

Every single exercise requires that I sit and think about the way my body is moving, and that takes me a lot of time. And (whether this is good thing or not), I find myself doing more reps than assigned because I don’t count the ones I feel I did with poor body posture or with incorrect movement.

Truth #2: Watching myself do my HEP on film has been really helpful.

I filmed myself because I thought it would be the best way to show you what I’ve been up to. But it’s had a serious side effect of showing me how well or how poorly I’m executing some of these exercises.

For example, in the video, when I’m crunching over the tennis balls, I can see that my form isn’t quite right. Instead of generating that movement from my abs, I can see my neck collapse.

Because filming myself has allowed me to see what I’m actually doing versus what I think I’m doing, I actually feel more confident in what I’m doing while I’m at home.

Truth #3: Since I filmed, I’ve been given several new exercises to do.

Physical therapy is a constantly evolving process. Based on my case, my motivation to do my HEP, and my feedback about how everything is going, my SOL PT keeps giving me new home exercises for my program.

As she adds exercises, she always reminds me that I don’t need to do all of them. I should mix them up, and use the ones I feel are going to most beneficial to me on any given day. I have a feeling when this is all done, I will have quite the arsenal of exercises to combat and prevent pain from RSI in the future.

I’m stoked to be on this journey and I definitely can’t wait to continue!

Important PS: These 6 exercises were prescribed to me to help cure my particular case of RSI. Although I imagine what I’m going through is pretty common, everybody is different. If you’re interested to see if these exercises (or perhaps other exercises) could help relieve your RSI pain please contact us at SOL.

September 18, 2014