Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons connecting your forearm and elbow. Repetitive wrist and arm motions, especially if they involve force, can cause a gradual or sudden onset of tennis elbow symptoms. A common sports injury, you can also get tennis elbow from overuse of your arm and forearm extensor muscles while on the job or engaging in a hobby. How can you use physical therapy for tennis elbow? IMPACT Physical Therapy shares more below! 

What is Tennis Elbow?

The muscles you use to twist, grip, and carry objects are all attached to rounded projections of bone on the outside of your elbow — that’s why an injury to the extensor tendons can cause elbow pain. The best treatment is rest, but physical therapy for tennis elbow can speed recovery and prevent a recurrence.

When to See a Physical Therapist for Tennis Elbow

If you have a mild case of tennis elbow that has developed over time, rest may resolve the issue. Still, you may want to get the opinion of a physical therapist for tennis elbow even if your pain level is currently low. Without proper treatment, tennis elbow can become chronic. If the onset of pain was sudden and acute, you likely have a tendon injury that requires treatment as soon as possible.

Diagnosing Tennis Elbow Issues

Tennis elbow can cause pain that radiates into your forearm and wrist. If you notice the following symptoms, you may need physical therapy for tennis elbow:

• Elbow stiffness
• Weakness in the forearm, wrist, or hand
• Difficulty with common activities like holding a cup, turning door knobs, or opening jars
• Increased pain and difficulty when using your wrist and hand to grip objects

Physical Therapy for Tennis Elbow

Physical therapy for tennis elbow can reduce pain, speed your recovery, and help prevent further issues. Your physical therapist will design a customized program to address any muscle weakness or bad habits that contributed to your injury. Treatments may include:

• Manual therapy
• Graston Technique
• ART Technique
• Astym® Treatment
• Special exercises
• Ice or heat treatments
• Bracing or support
• Recommendations for further testing, cortisone injection, or surgery

Tennis Elbow Home Treatment

It’s important to follow the guidelines of your physical therapist when it comes to the recovery process, but there are some things you can do at home to help with your tennis elbow:

• Rest- Resting your elbow helps to avoid further injury.
• Minimize range of motion- Avoid completely straightening or bending your elbow.
• OTC Meds- OTC pain killers and NSAIDs can help relieve discomfort and swelling
• Gentle stretching- While rest is important, performing gentles stretches under the guidance of a physical therapist can help with tennis elbow.
• Bracing- Using a brace can help support your arm.
• Ice or heat- Follow the recommendations of your therapist on icing and heat treatments.

Explore Your Options for Tennis Elbow Treatment Today

Physical therapy for tennis elbow can help reduce tennis elbow pain, improve your strength and flexibility, and prevent further injury. Let us put our knowledge, experience, and skills to your work for you! Request an appointment or find out what to expect at your first visit to an IMPACT Physical Therapy clinic.