In short,
- Physical therapy eases pain and improves function for people with tennis elbow.
- Specific exercises rebuild strength and flexibility.
- Early intervention for tennis elbow prevents chronic problems.
Physical therapy for tennis elbow is a common and effective treatment. Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, causes pain on the outside of your elbow. This condition often results from repetitive motions, especially in activities like tennis, but can occur in many other activities as well.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition causing pain on the outside of the elbow. It’s often caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm, leading to inflammation.
Mayo Clinic describes tennis elbow as an irritation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow.
This condition can make daily life difficult, making it hard to perform simple tasks. Activities like gripping, lifting, or even typing can become painful.
What Are Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow. Other symptoms can include:
- Weakness in your grip
- Pain that worsens with forearm activity
- Tenderness to the touch on the outside of your elbow
These symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly after an activity.
How Physical Therapy for Tennis Elbow Helps
Physical therapy for tennis elbow aims to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent tennis elbow from returning. Physical therapists develop treatment plans to meet your specific needs.
A physical therapist will assess your condition and create a tailored program. This may include exercises, hands-on therapy, and other techniques to help you recover.
Key Parts of Physical Therapy for Tennis Elbow
A typical physical therapy program includes several parts, each designed to help you regain full function.
- Pain Management:Techniques to reduce pain, such as ice, heat, and ultrasound.
- Strengthening Exercises:Exercises to strengthen the muscles of your forearm and wrist.
- Stretching Exercises:Exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Activity Modification:Guidance on how to change your activities to avoid making your symptoms worse.
- Ergonomic Advice:Advice on how to improve your posture and body mechanics.
These components work together to address the causes of tennis elbow and promote healing.
Effective Exercises
Specific exercises are important for rehabilitation to rebuild strength and improve range of motion. Your physical therapist will create an exercise plan that’s right for you.
These exercises target the muscles and tendons affected by tennis elbow. It’s important to perform them correctly and gradually increase the intensity as you get stronger.
Examples of Exercises
When it comes to physical therapy for tennis elbow, common examples of exercises include wrist extensions, wrist curls, and forearm pronation/supination exercises. These exercises gradually increase the load on the tendons, promoting healing and strength.
- Wrist extensions involve bending your wrist upwards against resistance.
- Wrist curls involve bending your wrist downwards against resistance.
- Forearm pronation and supination involve rotating your forearm so that your palm faces up and then down.
What Are the Benefits of Early Treatment?
Seeking physical therapy for tennis elbow early can prevent your injury from becoming a long-term problem. Early treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing further damage to the tendons.
- Faster recovery times
- Reduced risk of long-term pain
- Improved long-term function
Early treatment can help you avoid long-term pain and disability. It’s important to address tennis elbow as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening.
When Should You Seek Care?
If you have elbow pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s time to seek professional care or physical therapy for tennis elbow.
Emergency Signs
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Severe, sudden elbow pain
- Inability to move your elbow
- Deformity of your elbow joint
- Signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or warmth
Physical Therapy for Tennis Elbow in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia
If you’re experiencing pain and suspect you may have tennis elbow, physical therapy for tennis elbow can help relieve your symptoms and prevent long-term damage. The friendly staff at Watauga Orthopaedics is here to help you find answers
Call us at (423) 282-9011 or complete our online form to explore treatment options for your elbow pain.
