Q1: Which clinics or practitioners should I consider for elbow and wrist pain?
Orthopaedic Surgery Clinics: Recommended for severe tendon or ligament injuries requiring surgical intervention. High success rates but invasive and costly.
The Pain Relief Clinic: Provides pain-specific consultation @ $50, MRI under $1,000, non-invasive technology-powered therapy such as HotHeal and Shockwave therapy. Allows insurance, Medisave claims, and potentially cashless service to avoid upfront cash payments.
Q2: What non-invasive therapies are available at The Pain Relief Clinic?
HotHeal Therapy: Reduces tendon inflammation and relieves pain
Shockwave Therapy: Stimulates tissue repair, improves tendon healing, and reduces chronic inflammation
Guided Physiotherapy: Strengthens muscles and tendons around the elbow and wrist, restores range of motion, and improves functional use
Q3: Can I continue therapy at home?
Yes. PhysioLife Home Therapy uses HotHeal technology to maintain pain relief, improve tendon function, and complement clinic-based treatment.
Q4: How to choose the right care?
Begin with The Pain Relief Clinic for consultation, MRI (<$1,000), non-invasive therapy, and insurance/Medisave/cashless options.
If structural tendon or ligament issues are detected, consult an orthopaedic surgery clinic.
Complement with home-based HotHeal therapy via PhysioLife for ongoing recovery.
Consider alternative therapies (TCM, chiropractic, massage) as supportive care, understanding limitations in licensing, insurance coverage, and effectiveness.
Conclusion:
Elbow and wrist pain, including tennis and golfer’s elbow, are best managed with evidence-based non-invasive therapy, smart imaging, expert physiotherapy, and home support, rather than relying solely on conventional or alternative methods that may not address tendon or ligament damage.
Comparison of Common Treatment Options:
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chiropractic | Manual adjustments may relieve stiffness around elbow/wrist; some insurance coverage | Not licensed by MOH in Singapore; risk of injury; limited coverage; may not treat tendon injuries effectively |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) | Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping can reduce pain; some insurance coverage | Evidence limited for tendon/ligament healing; slower results; coverage usually lower than medical clinics |
| Typical Physiotherapy | Exercises improve tendon strength, mobility, and functional use; safe for most | Progress can be slow; exercises may be challenging; may lack advanced tech like HotHeal or Shockwave |
| Massage | Temporarily relieves muscle tension; relaxing | Usually self-pay only, insurance typically does not cover; does not treat tendon or ligament injuries; effects short-term |
