Expert Elbow Pain Physical Therapy in Northbrook, IL 

Elbow Pain Physical Therapy FAQs 

Still have questions? Call us at (847) 686-3235 — we're happy to help.

What causes tennis elbow and golfer's elbow, and how is physical therapy different from just resting it?

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are overuse injuries caused by repetitive stress on the tendons around your elbow. Rest alone rarely resolves them because the underlying movement pattern, muscle weakness, or load issue is never corrected. At Fuel Sports PT, we use a combination of manual therapy, dry needling, shockwave therapy, IASTM, and targeted therapeutic exercise to promote real tissue healing and address the root cause so the pain doesn't return.

Do you accept insurance, or is this a self-pay clinic?

Fuel Sports Physical Therapy operates as a self-pay, out-of-network provider. This model allows us to eliminate insurance-driven limitations and build truly individualized plans. Every session is one-on-one with a Doctor of PT for the full session—no aides, no shortened visits. We can provide a superbill for patients who wish to seek out-of-network reimbursement from their insurer.

How is Fuel Sports PT different from a traditional physical therapy clinic?

At most traditional clinics, you're seen by a PT briefly and then handed off to a tech or aide. At Fuel Sports PT, your Doctor of Physical Therapy is with you every minute of every session. We also go beyond pain relief—our performance-minded approach uses advanced testing (including return-to-sport testing and force plate assessment) to ensure you come back stronger, not just pain-free.

How many sessions will I need for elbow pain?

Every patient is different, and we won't give you a one-size-fits-all answer. Treatment length depends on the severity and chronicity of your elbow condition, your goals, and how your body responds to care. After your initial evaluation, your Doctor of PT will give you a clear, personalized plan with realistic timelines. Many patients experience meaningful relief within the first few weeks of targeted treatment.

What should I expect at my first elbow pain evaluation?

Your first visit is a thorough one-on-one assessment with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We review your history, assess your movement mechanics, evaluate strength and flexibility throughout the entire upper extremity kinetic chain, and identify the root cause of your elbow pain. You'll leave with a clear diagnosis, an understanding of what's driving your symptoms, and a customized treatment plan built around your specific goals.

Do you treat youth and high school athletes with elbow pain?

Yes. Our team has extensive experience treating young athletes and high school competitors dealing with overuse injuries, growth-related conditions, and sport-specific elbow stress. We build age-appropriate, sport-specific programs that focus on returning athletes to competition safely and building resilience to prevent recurrence.