What Happens in an MSK Elbow Assessment?

Step 1: Discussing Your Symptoms and Medical History

Your appointment will begin with a detailed conversation about your symptoms. The clinician will ask questions such as:

• When did the pain start?
• Was there a specific injury or gradual onset?
• What activities make the pain worse or better?
• Do you experience stiffness, weakness, or tingling?
• Has the pain affected your work, sport, or daily tasks?

You’ll also be asked about previous injuries, treatments, medical conditions, and medications. This information helps narrow down potential causes before the physical examination begins.

Step 2: Physical Examination of the Elbow

Next, the clinician will carry out a hands-on assessment of your elbow and surrounding structures. This may include:

• Inspecting the elbow for swelling, redness, or visible changes
• Palpating (gently pressing) around the joint to identify tender areas
• Assessing your range of motion
• Testing strength in the forearm, wrist, and hand
• Performing specific clinical tests to check tendon and ligament function

These tests help distinguish between common conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, bursitis, nerve irritation, or joint-related problems.

Step 3: Ultrasound Imaging

In many cases, an ultrasound scan may be performed during the same appointment. Ultrasound allows the clinician to visualise soft tissues in real time, including tendons, ligaments, bursae, and joint spaces.

This can help confirm a diagnosis, identify inflammation or tendon damage, and rule out other causes of pain. Ultrasound is a safe, painless, and radiation-free procedure.

Step 4: Diagnosis and Explanation

Once the assessment is complete, the clinician will explain their findings in clear, understandable terms. You’ll be shown relevant images if an ultrasound was performed and given a clear explanation of:

• What is causing your elbow pain
• Whether the condition is inflammatory, degenerative, or overuse-related
• How is it likely to progress if left untreated

This ensures you fully understand your diagnosis and the reasoning behind any treatment recommendations.

Step 5: Treatment Planning

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific condition and may include:

• Activity modification and self-management advice
• Targeted rehabilitation or physiotherapy exercises
• Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory treatments
• Ultrasound-guided injections, where clinically appropriate

Importantly, injections are only recommended when necessary and when they are likely to provide meaningful benefit.

Reassurance and Next Steps

An MSK elbow assessment is not rushed. At Alton Pain Clinic, time is taken to listen, assess thoroughly, and answer any questions you may have. The goal is not just symptom relief, but long-term improvement and confidence in your care plan.