Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons in the elbow. It can cause pain and discomfort in the outer part of the elbow and can make simple tasks such as gripping objects or lifting weights difficult. While rest and ice may provide temporary relief, physiotherapy treatment has been proven to be an effective long-term solution for pain management and managing tennis elbow.
In this guide, we will discuss the various techniques used in physiotherapy treatment for tennis elbow and how they can help alleviate pain and improve function.
Understanding tennis elbow
To understand how physiotherapy can help treat tennis elbow, it is important to first understand the condition itself. Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive movements of the wrist and forearm, which puts strain on the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outer part of the elbow). This repetitive strain can lead to micro-tears in the tendons, causing inflammation and pain.
Tennis elbow is not limited to just tennis players; it can also affect anyone who performs activities that involve repetitive use of the wrist and forearm, such as typing, painting, or even gardening.
What is Tennis elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?
Tennis elbow is a type of tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon) that affects the outer part of the elbow. The medical term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis, with ‘lateral’ referring to the outer part of the elbow and ‘epicondyle’ referring to the bony bump on that area.
It is frequently linked to repetitive motions, such as those in racquet sports, but can affect people in various occupations and activities.
If left untreated, tennis elbow can become chronic and lead to more severe symptoms.
Causes and symptoms
As mentioned earlier, tennis elbow is caused by chronic overuse or repetitive strain, which results in microtears or degeneration of the extensor tendon attachment at the lateral epicondyle. The condition is characterised by chronic discomfort and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.
Common symptoms include:
- Tenderness or discomfort in the elbow
- Pain that intensifies with gripping or twisting motions
- Stiffness around the elbow joint
- Reduced grip strength
- Difficulty performing specific activities
In severe cases, individuals may also experience pain when extending their arm fully or lifting objects.
Diagnosing tennis elbow
If you are experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, it is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis.
How is tennis elbow diagnosed?
Here at Waverley Clinic, our experienced physiotherapist, James Leyland, provides thorough assessments to address your concerns. This includes evaluating your range of motion, testing muscle strength, and conducting a detailed examination of the affected area through palpation.
Diagnosing tennis elbow involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and, when necessary, imaging techniques. During the assessment, James will carefully evaluate your range of motion, test muscle strength, and perform targeted tests to identify tenderness or pain in the outer elbow.
Your medical history plays a vital role in understanding any prior injuries or activities that may have contributed to the condition. In some cases, additional imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of elbow pain.
With James’s expertise and a comprehensive approach, you’ll be in the best hands for diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment options
The best treatment for tennis elbow depends on the cause, severity, and location of symptoms.
How to treat tennis elbow
The ideal treatment for tennis elbow varies based on the underlying cause, severity, and location of the symptoms. Common approaches include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and physiotherapy. For mild cases, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief can effectively reduce discomfort.
However, more severe cases often require physiotherapy to properly address the condition and promote recovery.
Physiotherapy for tennis elbow at Waverley Clinic
At Waverley Clinic, our experienced physiotherapist, James Leyland, has extensive knowledge and skills in treating tennis elbow. His approach focuses on reducing pain, restoring function, and preventing future injury.
Physiotherapy techniques
Our physiotherapist, James, specialises in effective, personalised physical therapy treatments for tennis elbow designed to support optimal recovery. Through targeted physiotherapy, he focuses on improving strength and flexibility in the forearm muscles to alleviate symptoms and prevent future discomfort.
Treatment techniques include:
- Soft tissue massage: This technique involves applying pressure to the affected area to improve blood flow, reduce tension in the muscles and promote healing.
- Stretching exercises: Specific stretches can help improve flexibility and relieve tension in the tendons of the forearm.
- Strengthening exercises: Weakness in certain muscles may contribute to tennis elbow. Strengthening exercises can help improve muscle strength and prevent future injury.
- Shockwave therapy: This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain. Learn more about shockwave therapy here
- Kinesiology taping: By applying this special type of tape to the affected area, it can help support and stabilise the muscles and tendons, reducing strain and promoting healing.
James may also provide additional recommendations, such as ergonomic adjustments or changes in daily activities, to prevent the reoccurrence of the condition.
Physiotherapy exercises
James will create a personalised exercise plan to specifically target the affected area. These exercises can be performed at home and are designed to improve flexibility, strength, and movement in the elbow joint.
Initial exercises
The initial exercises are designed to relieve pain while stretching and strengthening the muscles. These may include wrist extension stretches, wrist range of motion movements, and isometric wrist extensions. By reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow to the affected area, these exercises support recovery and promote overall muscle health.
Progressive exercise
Once the pain eases, targeted exercises can aid in the recovery from tennis elbow. Effective options include grip squeezes, isotonic wrist extensions, and resisted wrist supination (wrist rotations). These exercises are designed to enhance pain-free grip strength while alleviating discomfort, promoting a smoother path to recovery.
Benefits of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a clinically proven and effective treatment method for tennis elbow. By addressing the underlying causes of pain and discomfort, it can improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent recurrence. With expert guidance from our experienced physiotherapist, James Leyland, you can expect to see significant improvements in your condition.
Effective treatment for elbow pain
If you’re dealing with elbow pain, seeking professional help is essential. Physiotherapy offers effective pain relief while enhancing your overall well-being. Targeted exercises can strengthen and stretch the forearm muscles, promoting recovery and reducing discomfort. With the right approach, physiotherapy not only alleviates symptoms but also restores function and improves mobility.
Research evidence
Research has shown that physiotherapy is a key element in treating tennis elbow, as it offers both short-term and long-term benefits.
Studies supporting physiotherapy
Studies reveal that manual therapy and manipulation are effective in alleviating pain, while exercise therapy consistently proves to be one of the most beneficial treatment methods. Physiotherapy enables patients to achieve significant recovery milestones, with 60% improvement within six weeks and up to 90% recovery within a year.
Creating a personalised treatment plan
It is important to create a personalised treatment plan to address the specific needs of each patient.
Working with a physiotherapist in Farnham
Here at Waverley Clinic, our physiotherapist, James, will create a personalised treatment plan to meet your specific needs. With his expertise and experience in treating tennis elbow, he will guide you through tailored exercises and techniques to alleviate pain, promote healing, and prevent future injury. By addressing the underlying cause of your symptoms, we aim to improve your overall well-being and help you get back to living an active, pain-free life.
Regular follow-up appointments ensure we can track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan for optimal results.
Self-Management Strategies
Managing elbow pain
Managing elbow pain is crucial for individuals suffering from tennis elbow. Here are some self-management strategies that can help alleviate symptoms and promote tissue healing:
- Rest and ice: Giving your elbow a break is essential. Avoid activities that aggravate the pain and apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. This helps reduce inflammation and provides pain relief.
- Stretching and foam rolling: Gentle stretching and foam rolling can work wonders in reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow to the affected area. Focus on stretching your forearm, wrist, and elbow to promote flexibility and ease discomfort.
- Strengthening exercises: Engaging in exercises that strengthen your forearm and wrist muscles, such as wrist extensions and flexions, can significantly improve pain-free grip strength and reduce pain. These exercises support the muscles and tendons, aiding in recovery.
- Ergonomic adjustments: Making ergonomic adjustments to your workspace and daily activities can help reduce strain on your elbow. For instance, using a wrist rest while typing or taking regular breaks to stretch can make a big difference in managing elbow pain.
- Manual therapy: Consider seeking manual therapy from a physical therapist or healthcare professional. Techniques like massage, joint mobilisation, and soft tissue mobilisation can help reduce pain and promote tissue healing by improving blood flow and reducing muscle tension.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, always consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medication to ensure it’s appropriate for your condition.
- Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. This should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Shockwave therapy: Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help reduce pain and promote tissue healing. It involves the use of high-energy shockwaves to stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation, aiding in the recovery process.
- Lifestyle modifications: Making lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk of chronic tendinitis. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding repetitive strain on your elbow are key steps in preventing and managing tennis elbow.
- Seek professional help: If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek professional help from a healthcare professional or physical therapist. They can provide personalised guidance and treatment to help you manage your elbow pain and promote tissue healing.
By incorporating these self-management strategies into your daily routine, you can help alleviate elbow pain and promote tissue healing. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or exercise program.
Don’t let tennis elbow hold you back: Schedule a physio session with James today!
Don’t let tennis elbow prevent you from enjoying your favourite activities or performing daily tasks.
Book a physiotherapy session here at Waverley Clinic with James today and take the first step towards a pain-free and active lifestyle. With his expertise in treating tennis elbow, James can help you overcome your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.Book your appointment today using our online system or give us a call at 01252 716611. Let us help you get back to doing what you love, free from limitations.
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