Despite its name, tennis elbow doesn’t only affect tennis players. In fact, it’s one of the most common overuse injuries and can impact anyone who performs repetitive arm movements. The good news? Tennis elbow treatment with the ElmTree Physical Therapy team can help relieve pain, improve strength, and prevent symptoms from coming back.
What Is Tennis Elbow? Understanding the Condition and Its Symptoms
Tennis elbow (also known by its medical name, lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. It typically occurs when the tendons that attach to the outside of your elbow become irritated or inflamed.
If left untreated, tennis elbow pain may become chronic and interfere with your ability to perform routine tasks.
What Causes it?
Tennis elbow can develop from a variety of repetitive motions, including:
- Swinging a racket or golf club
- Typing or using a computer mouse
- Gripping tools such as screwdrivers or hammers
- Repeated lifting or carrying of objects (i.e., working in a fulfillment center)
What Symptoms Should I Watch Out For?
- Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Discomfort that may radiate down the forearm
How Physical Therapy Helps: Proven Techniques for Lasting Relief
Physical therapy is one of the most effective approaches to tennis elbow treatment. Working through a customized program with one of our PTs can help you find lasting relief. In many cases, you can avoid medications or surgery altogether.
We start the process with a comprehensive assessment to help us understand your experience with tennis elbow. During the assessment, we’ll evaluate your:
- Pain levels and triggers
- Range of motion and mobility
- Muscle strength
This information helps us build a customized plan that targets the root cause of your pain.
Key Tennis Elbow
Treatment Techniques
Manual Therapy
- These hands-on techniques help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and restore mobility in the elbow and forearm.
Modalities
- Depending on your symptoms, we may suggest additional pain management techniques, such as ice or heat therapy, ultrasound therapy, or electrical stimulation. These tools can also help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Therapeutic Exercises
- A tailored exercise plan helps rebuild strength and mobility in the affected arm. These often include forearm stretches, grip-strengthening routines, and wrist exercises.
Bracing or Taping
- In some cases, a counterforce brace or kinesiology taping can provide support and relieve strain on the tendon.
Activity Modification and Ergonomics
- Learning how to adjust your daily movements can prevent re-injury. We’ll provide guidance on posture, lifting techniques, and equipment use.
Preventing Future Flare-Ups: Build Strength and Awareness
Recovery is just the beginning. Physical therapy also helps you build long-term habits that protect your elbow from future issues. For example, we might teach you:
- Proper warm-up and cool-down routines
- Safe strengthening progressions
- Workplace or sports modifications
By improving body mechanics and enhancing strength throughout your arm, you can return to the activities you love without pain.
Get Expert Help with Your Tennis Elbow Treatment
Don’t let elbow pain slow you down. With the right care, tennis elbow is treatable and preventable. ElmTree Physical Therapy offers a proven path to relief through targeted, non-invasive techniques.
Contact our Hawley, PA, Honesdale, PA, and Lake Ariel, PA clinic today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our personalized tennis elbow treatment plans. Let’s help you feel and move better!