Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, it’s not limited to tennis players—it often affects anyone who performs repetitive arm, elbow, and wrist motions. This includes activities like painting, typing, using hand tools, or even gardening.
The pain stems from inflammation or microtears in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outer elbow). Overuse or repetitive strain causes tiny tears in these tendons, leading to pain, weakness, and reduced grip strength.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
- Pain or burning sensation on the outer part of the elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Pain worsening when lifting, gripping, or twisting the forearm
- Difficulty performing simple tasks like turning a doorknob or holding a coffee cup
How Physical Wellness Physiotherapy Can Help
Physical Wellness Physiotherapy offers a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to managing and treating tennis elbow. Here’s how physiotherapy can assist:
- Pain Reduction
- Techniques such as manual therapy, soft tissue massage, and ultrasound therapy help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Modalities like ice therapy and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) are also used to control pain.
- Improving Strength and Flexibility
- Targeted exercises help strengthen the forearm muscles, reducing strain on the tendons.
- Stretching exercises improve flexibility, aiding tendon healing and preventing stiffness.
- Correcting Biomechanics
- Physiotherapists assess your posture, movement patterns, and technique (especially in sports or work-related activities).
- They provide guidance on proper ergonomics and modify movement patterns to prevent further injury.
- Gradual Return to Activity
- A structured rehabilitation plan ensures safe and gradual return to normal activities, reducing the risk of recurrence.
- Physiotherapists design sport-specific or job-specific exercise programs tailored to your needs.
- Education and Prevention
- Physiotherapists educate patients on activity modification, proper equipment use, and preventive exercises.
- This empowers individuals to avoid future flare-ups and maintain long-term arm health.
Summary
Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by repetitive strain on the tendons of the outer elbow. Physical Wellness Physiotherapy offers effective treatments by reducing pain, improving muscle strength and flexibility, correcting movement mechanics, and guiding safe return to activities. With physiotherapy, patients can recover more quickly and prevent future injuries, leading to improved overall arm function and quality of life.
