Bursitis, a painful condition that strikes the fluid-filled pads--or bursae--that cushion your tendons and bones, normally affects joints, such as knees, heels and elbows. Symptoms include swelling, pain and stiffness; MayoClinic.com advises consulting your doctor if your pain is disabling, is accompanied for fever or lasts for more than two weeks. Bursitis is usually caused by overuse or injury and treated with ice and anti-inflammatory medications. When the acute pain is gone, stretching the muscles in the area may help your elbow bursitis, but check with your doctor first.
Rotating Stretch
To begin this exercise, sit or stand comfortably and put your arm out straight with your palm toward the ceiling. Slowly turn your palm until it is facing the floor, holding the position for five seconds, then returning your palm to the upright position. Repeat the exercise nine more times. As your recovery progresses, use a small hand-held weight to increase the exercise's effectiveness.
Rubber Band Finger Extensions
This finger extension exercise can stretch muscles and help alleviate bursitis, according to Drugs.com. Place a rubber band around the fingertips and thumb of the hand on the affected arm so the band encircles them. Your hand should be in upright position, with fingers and thumb extended and straight. Spread your fingers wide apart, working against the resistance of the rubber band, and gradually bring them close together again, without allowing the rubber band to fall off your hand. Perform the exercise 40 times.
Biceps Stretch
Stand comfortably erect, with your arms at shoulder level and your palms raised upward. Pull your arms backward until you feel a stretching sensation in your biceps. Hold your arms in that position for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. This exercise stretches the muscles of the biceps, shoulders and chest; repeat nine times.
Triceps Stretch
Stand comfortably, with your feet spread to about the width of your shoulders. Raise the affected arm at your shoulder, elbow flexed, and place your forearm behind your head. Take hold of the affected elbow with your opposing hand, and draw it gently toward the center of your body until you feel a stretching sensation in your triceps. Keep gently pulling for three to five seconds, then let your arm go limp and relaxed for three to five seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Wrist Curls
You will need a 3-lb.weight or dumbbell to perform this exercise. Sit in a chair, leaning forward slightly, with your affected forearm resting on your thigh. Grip the hand weight lightly, with your palm toward the ceiling, then gently and slowly bend your wrist upward in a gradual, smooth motion. Lower the weight back toward the ground and repeat 19 more times.
Forearm Rotation
Sit in a chair, leaning slightly forward, while your forearm rests on your thigh. Hold a 2-lb. hand weight with your palm facing up, and rotate your forearm until your palm is facing toward the floor. Then slowly and smoothly return to the starting position. Perform this exercise 20 times.
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