Tennis Elbow Treatment: What Do Physical Therapists Do To Treat It?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, affects millions of people worldwide, and it’s not just tennis players who suffer from this condition. If you’re experiencing pain in the outer part of your elbow, which worsens with specific arm movements, you may suffer from a tennis elbow.
Physical therapists play an essential role in treating this condition, offering a range of evidence-based techniques to alleviate pain and restore function. These professionals tailor their approach to each patient’s needs, from manual therapy to specialised exercises.
But what exactly can you expect when you visit a physical therapist for tennis elbow treatment? Let’s discuss this and more in our latest blog.
In Melbourne? This guide explains what physiotherapy for tennis elbow involves. If you would like an assessment rather than a self-managed program, our physiotherapists treat tennis elbow at our Rosanna clinic in Melbourne’s north east — no referral needed, and new patients can book an initial consult for $85 with the code NEW85.
Elbow Joint Health Key Takeaways
- Physical therapists evaluate the affected areas to diagnose and create a personalised treatment plan for tennis elbows.
- We use manual therapy techniques, like joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage, to alleviate pain and promote healing.
- Specialised exercise programs are designed to strengthen and stretch forearm and wrist muscles for recovery.
- We use modalities like ultrasound, shockwave therapy, and TENS to effectively reduce inflammation and manage pain.
- Education on ergonomics and activity modification helps prevent future occurrences of tennis elbow.
Understanding Tennis Elbow Symptoms
When understanding tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis, it’s vital to recognise that this condition stems from overusing the muscles and tendons in your forearm. This overuse results in elbow pain that can radiate to your forearm and wrist, significantly impacting your ability to perform everyday tasks.
Tennis elbow is particularly common among individuals aged 30–50, and men are more prone to developing it. If you’re experiencing pain during wrist and hand movements, seeking a proper diagnosis is essential.
A thorough diagnosis involves evaluating your elbow and surrounding areas to pinpoint the source of the pain. Physical therapists are crucial in this process, often conducting special tests to assess muscle weakness and determine the extent of the condition. Sometimes, they may recommend X-rays to rule out other potential issues.
After diagnosis, therapy aims to reduce pain and restore function. Physical therapists develop customised exercise regimens to strengthen and stretch the affected muscles and tendons. These exercises help manage symptoms and aim to prevent future occurrences by improving muscle endurance and flexibility.
Physical Therapy Techniques
Effective management of tennis elbow requires a variety of physical therapy techniques:
Strengthening and Stretching Training Exercises
Building on the physical therapy techniques discussed earlier, a key element of tennis elbow rehabilitation is a structured program of strengthening and stretching exercises. Your physical therapist will guide you through targeted movements designed to enhance muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility in your affected arm.
Strengthening Exercises
The strengthening exercises for tennis elbow therapy concentrate on wrist extension, flexion, and forearm supination/pronation. You’ll use dumbbell hand weights to perform these exercises, gradually increasing repetitions and weight as your condition improves. Your therapist will make sure you maintain a proper form to prevent further injury.
Here is a great video tutorial from Rehab Science on three effective tennis elbow strengthening exercises:
Stretching Exercises
Stretches that enhance flexibility and reduce strain on the affected muscles and tendons complement these strengthening exercises. Wrist extension and flexion stretches are particularly beneficial for tennis elbow recovery.
Dr. Jo is a fantastic resource you should check out, here is a great video from her on tennis elbow stretches (and some exercises too):
Following your therapist’s instructions carefully and performing these exercises regularly is essential. You shouldn’t feel pain during the exercises but may experience some discomfort. If pain occurs, inform your therapist immediately.
Managing Pain and Progression
Pain management is a crucial component of tennis elbow therapy. Physical therapists use manual therapy techniques to lessen pain and enhance tissue mobility. They will lead you through an exercise program that gradually strengthens and rehabilitates the injured muscles.
Your therapist will closely monitor your response and adjust exercises accordingly as you progress. Your physical therapist will educate you on activity modifications and self-care strategies to improve treatment outcomes. This thorough approach enhances function, reduces pain, and promotes long-term elbow health.
You’ll learn to perform exercises correctly and understand the importance of gradual progression. We will regularly assess your pain levels throughout your therapy to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment plan. Your therapist may adjust the intensity or frequency of exercises based on your progress.
They’ll also teach you how to manage flare-ups and identify warning signs. Physical therapists create a holistic treatment plan by combining pain management techniques, targeted exercises, and patient education. This personalised approach helps you recover from the tennis elbow and regain optimal function, allowing for a safe return to daily activities and sports.
Preventing Future Injuries
While managing the pain and progression of tennis elbow is essential, preventing future injuries is equally vital.
Physical therapists emphasise proper muscle use and technique to guarantee you’re addressing current issues and protecting against future injuries. Understanding the risk factors associated with tennis elbow is pivotal. Learning to avoid them in your daily activities can significantly diminish the chances of recurrence.
| Strategy | Implementation |
|---|---|
Strengthening | Focus on supporting muscles through exercises tailored by physical therapists |
Regular breaks | Take consistent breaks during repetitive tasks to prevent overuse |
Personalised programs | Engage in exercise routines designed specifically for your needs and limitations |
Activity modifications | Adapt daily tasks to minimize strain on vulnerable muscles |
Strengthening supporting muscles is a crucial strategy physical therapists teach. By incorporating regular breaks during repetitive tasks, you can prevent overuse, a common cause of tennis elbow.
We craft personalised exercise programmes to meet your needs, ensuring effective prevention. Activity modifications, guided by therapists, help you adjust your daily routines to minimise strain.
Early intervention and these preventive measures can significantly lower the risk of future tennis elbow occurrences, allowing you to maintain an active lifestyle without the constant worry of reinjury.
When To Seek Professional Help
When should you consult a professional for tennis elbow symptoms?
- When self-treatment methods fail to alleviate significant pain, it's time to seek professional help.
- Tenderness over the lateral epicondyle or pain during specific activities like lifting or typing may indicate the need for intervention.
- You should also consider consulting a physical therapist if you feel pain when extending your wrists or fingers or if you're experiencing intense pain that spreads to your forearms and wrists.
- If your symptoms persist despite rest and primary care, it's advisable to seek professional support.
A physical therapist can provide a proper diagnosis and develop tailored treatment plans to address your specific needs. They’ll assess the severity of your tennis elbow and guide you through appropriate exercises and techniques to manage your condition effectively.
Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re experiencing intense pain, especially during activities involving the affected arm. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and help you recover quickly. Professional guidance is essential for adequately managing tennis elbows and preventing future injuries.
In Closing...
Early treatment is essential to prevent tennis elbows from becoming chronic. If left untreated, it can last for months and sometimes even years, emphasising the importance of addressing underlying muscle weakness and poor habits rather than just relieving pain.
Physical therapy for tennis elbows significantly improves pain and function by strengthening the affected muscles, promoting flexibility, and modifying activities to prevent overuse. Seeking professional help early can prevent future complications and enhance your quality of life.
You don’t need to put up with Tennis Elbow any longer. Our team of experienced Physios have the education and experience to get you moving pain free again.
Take control today by booking in online or call us today on (03) 8104 9270 to get this issue sorted once and for all.
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Rosanna Physiotherapist Elbow Joint Clinic
Rosanna Physio has been serving the people of Rosanna and its surrounding suburbs since 1989. We have the experience and education to effectively treat any muscle or joint injury that requires expert physical therapy care.
Tendon Injuries Article References:
If you would like a deeper understanding of the subject matter discussed in this article, please click on the below links:
- American Physical Therapy Association: https://www.apta.org/patient-care/evidence-based-practice/resources/cpgs/lateral-elbow-pain-and-muscle-function-impairments.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/globalassets/pdfs/a00790_therapeutic-exercise-program-for-epicondylitis_final.pdf
- The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy: https://www.jospt.org/doi/epdf/10.2519/jospt.1986.8.3.134
If your symptoms have not improved after several weeks of self-directed exercise, that is the point at which a professional assessment usually saves time. Readers in Melbourne can read more about tennis elbow physio at our Rosanna clinic, including how we use dry needling and shockwave therapy for stubborn cases.