Elbow impingement is a condition where structures inside the elbow joint become pinched or compressed, often during bending or straightening movements. This compression causes pain, stiffness, and sometimes a catching or locking feeling. It usually affects people involved in repetitive or forceful elbow motions, such as throwing or weightlifting.

An analogy…

Think of the elbow like a door hinge that gets dirt or debris caught inside it. Over time, the hinge doesn’t open or close as smoothly, and it may start to stick, grind, or hurt. In elbow impingement, joint structures, like bone or soft tissue, get caught, causing pain and restriction.

What are other names that elbow impingement can be referred to?

Posterior Impingement Syndrome, Posterior Impingement of the Elbow

What causes elbow impingement?

Elbow impingement happens when bone spurs, inflamed tissue, or loose fragments inside the joint get trapped during movement. This is most common in the posterior (back) part of the elbow during forceful extension (straightening). Repeated stress or overload leads to joint irritation, swelling, and bony changes, especially in athletes (like throwers) or people who lift heavy weights.

What are the signs and symptoms of elbow impingement?

• Pain at the back of the elbow, especially during extension
• Clicking, catching, or locking with movement
• Loss of full range of motion, particularly straightening the arm
• Swelling or tightness in the joint
• Pain that worsens with throwing, pressing, or pushing
• Discomfort during or after activity, especially with high repetition or force

What tests are used to diagnose elbow impingement?

Physical examination: to assess joint range, pain location, and movement quality

Elbow extension impingement test: pain at full extension may suggest posterior impingement

How long does elbow impingement take to heal?

Mild cases may settle in 2 to 4 weeks with proper rest and treatment. More persistent or moderate cases can take 6 to 12 weeks. If there are bone spurs or loose bodies that don’t respond to conservative care, surgical removal may be needed, and recovery may take 3 to 6 months post-op.

How does elbow impingement happen?

• Repetitive extension movements, especially throwing or pressing
• Overuse or high-volume training, especially without rest
• Bone spurs or joint degeneration
• Poor lifting technique or muscle imbalances
• Occupations or sports involving high elbow strain

What treatment can help elbow impingement?

• Ice and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain
• Manual therapy (joint mobilisation, massage, dry needling) to reduce tension
• Corrective exercise program to improve strength and joint mechanics
• Elbow taping or bracing may help reduce load on the joint

What exercises or stretches can I do for elbow impingement?

• Pain-free elbow range of motion drills
• Forearm and triceps stretching to reduce pressure on the joint
• Scapular and shoulder stability work to offload the elbow
• Wrist and grip strength training to improve overall arm function
• Slow return to extension-based loading (e.g. push-ups, presses) in later stages

What products can help with elbow impingement?

• Trigger Ball
• KT Pilates Band Pack