Tennis elbow is a common condition affecting the tendons and muscles around the elbow joint, leading to pain and tenderness outside the elbow. Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for tennis elbow, and at Twin Boro Physical Therapy, you will receive professional treatment for tennis elbow with physical therapy.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the elbow due to overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. Despite the name, tennis players are not the only ones affected by this condition. Any repetitive activity that involves gripping or twisting with the wrist and forearm can cause tennis elbow. The condition is most commonly seen in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years old, and those who engage in activities that require repetitive forearm movements, such as painting, carpentry, or typing. People with jobs that involve repetitive forearm movement, such as butchers or assembly line workers, are also at a higher risk of developing tennis elbow. The symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, weakened grip strength, and difficulty with everyday activities that involve the use of the arm.
Treatments for Tennis Elbow
Treatment options for tennis elbow vary depending on the severity of the injury, but physical therapy is often the first line of defense before considering more invasive options like surgery. Physical therapy treatment for tennis elbow is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and Twin Boro physical therapists utilize a combination of the approaches to promote healing and pain relief.
Physical Therapy Exercises
Physical therapy is the foundation of treatment and includes stretching and strengthening exercises to improve strength and flexibility in the affected area. Your physical therapist will guide you through stretching and strengthening exercises such as:
- Wrist extension stretch – This exercise involves extending the affected arm out in front of you and using the other hand to gently pull the hand back towards your body, stretching the forearm muscles.
- Eccentric wrist extension exercise – This exercise involves holding a weight, such as a dumbbell, and slowly lowering it with the affected wrist to build strength in the forearm muscles.
- Forearm pronation/supination exercise – This exercise involves holding a weight, such as a dumbbell, and rotating the forearm from palm up to palm down, building strength in the forearm muscles.
Other Helpful Treatments
- Manual Therapy – Manual therapy techniques, such as massage or trigger point release, to help reduce muscle tension and improve mobility. Manual therapy can help to break up scar tissue and adhesions that may have formed due to the injury. These techniques can also help to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can speed up the healing process.
- Elbow braces – Elbow braces can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the elbow joint by limiting motion and providing support. Braces should be worn during activities that aggravate the elbow and can help to prevent further injury.
- Corticosteroid injections – In some cases, corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain in the elbow joint. Injections are typically administered by a healthcare professional.
Let’s Work Together
At Twin Boro Physical Therapy, you can receive professional treatment for tennis elbow with physical therapy. We will work with you every step of the way to develop an individualized treatment plan to get you back to doing the activities you love. Schedule your first appointment by calling 732.554.0775 or visiting our website at https://twinboro.com/.
