Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that affects not just tennis players but anyone who repeatedly uses their arm and wrist in certain ways. It’s a painful condition that can significantly impact your ability to perform everyday tasks, from holding a cup of coffee to shaking hands or lifting your child. The good news is that physiotherapy offers a highly effective, non-invasive solution for managing and treating tennis elbow.
What Exactly Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is essentially an overuse injury that affects the tendons in your forearm. Repetitive motions — particularly those that involve gripping, twisting, or lifting — can lead to small tears in the tendon, which results in pain and inflammation around the outer part of your elbow. While tennis players are indeed prone to this condition, many others are affected as well. People in professions such as painters, plumbers, and even office workers who spend long hours typing are also at risk.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The symptoms of tennis elbow usually develop gradually. They may start with mild discomfort and then worsen over time. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which can extend into the forearm and wrist.
Weakness in the affected arm, making it hard to grip objects.
Pain during activities like shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or holding a coffee cup.
Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning.
If left untreated, tennis elbow can become chronic and debilitating. The sooner you start treatment, the quicker you can regain strength and mobility.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for tennis elbow, offering a personalized and holistic approach to healing. Here’s how physiotherapy can help you recover:
1. Pain Management
A physiotherapist can use various techniques like manual therapy, soft tissue massage, and modalities such as ultrasound or ice/heat therapy to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
2. Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
Strengthening the muscles of your forearm and improving the flexibility of the tendons are key to recovery. Your physiotherapist will guide you through targeted exercises to build strength and prevent further strain on the tendons. They will also introduce stretching exercises that improve the range of motion and relieve tension in the affected area.
3. Activity Modification
Your physiotherapist can help you identify the activities or movements that are aggravating your tennis elbow and show you how to modify them. They may suggest ergonomic adjustments to your workstation, recommend wearing a brace, or advise you on ways to reduce strain during sports and daily activities.
4. Progressive Load Program
A progressive loading program involves gradually increasing the stress placed on the tendon in a controlled and systematic way. This helps the tendon adapt and regain its strength without risking further injury. A physiotherapist will monitor your progress closely and adjust the program as needed.
5. Preventing Re-injury
Once your pain subsides and your strength improves, the final phase of physiotherapy focuses on preventing a recurrence. This often includes advanced strengthening exercises, posture correction, and education on proper technique for activities that involve repetitive arm movements.
When to Seek Physiotherapy for Tennis Elbow
If you experience persistent pain around the elbow that’s impacting your daily life, it’s important to seek treatment early. Physiotherapy can help stop the pain from becoming chronic and reduce the risk of long-term damage. Whether you’re an athlete, a tradesperson, or someone dealing with pain from typing, physiotherapy provides a tailored approach to ensure your recovery is complete and long-lasting.
The Takeaway
Tennis elbow may be painful and disruptive, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. With the right physiotherapy approach, you can regain strength, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries. Physiotherapy not only focuses on treating the current condition but also equips you with the knowledge and exercises you need to avoid re-injury.
If you're experiencing the symptoms of tennis elbow, don't wait until it worsens. Contact us to help you on the road to recovery and get back to doing the things you love—pain-free.
Comments