If you have been swinging a racket and suddenly feel a sharp pain in your elbow, you might be experiencing tennis elbow. This condition, medically termed lateral epicondylitis, affects more than just tennis players and is caused by repetitive arm motions.
Athletes can also develop this from sports, exercise, and their occupation. The pain can be challenging, but do not worry; tennis elbow responds well to conservative treatment such as physical therapy.
Let us discuss how physical therapy techniques can be used for tennis elbow relief.
Causes and Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
According to studies, tennis elbow affects approximately one to two percent of the population each year. The injury is usually caused by overusing the muscles and tendons in your forearm. The repetitive motions cause small tears to develop in the tendon that connects the forearm muscles to the elbow.
Athletes, particularly tennis players, are susceptible to this injury, with up to 50 percent developing it. Mechanics and those who work in construction are also at risk. You can also get tennis elbow from household tasks such as gardening or cleaning.
The symptoms of tennis elbow include:
- A sensation of pain or burning located on the outer part of the elbow.
- Weak grip strength.
- Discomfort when twisting your arm, lifting objects, or performing daily activities.
If you are experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, search for an “arm and shoulder doctor near me” or consult a sports injury doctor. These orthopedic specialists can accurately diagnose and guide you toward the right treatment plan.
Diagnosing Tennis Elbow
Sports injury doctors diagnose tennis elbow by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical exam. They check for pain and tenderness around the outer elbow, especially when you move your arm, wrist, or fingers.
Resistance tests, such as extending your wrist or fingers against pressure, help confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays may rule out other conditions, while MRIs or ultrasounds provide a closer look at soft tissue damage.
These steps help orthopedic doctors identify tennis elbow and differentiate it from other elbow conditions.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment for tennis elbow, focusing on reducing pain, improving strength, and restoring function. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises to stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles and tendons, which helps to relieve strain on the elbow. These exercises typically focus on wrist extension, flexion, and grip strength.
Here are some top techniques a physical therapist may use to treat the issue:
- Eccentric Strengthening: This involves lengthening the muscle under tension to improve strength and flexibility.
- Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretches targeting the forearm and wrist muscles help alleviate tension.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques can reduce pain and restore mobility.
Combining these methods under the guidance of a sports injury doctor can accelerate recovery and prevent recurrence.
Common Physical Therapy Exercises for Tennis Elbow Relief
Here are some common physical therapy exercises used to treat tennis elbow:
1. Wrist Extensor Stretch
- Stretch your arm out in front of your body while keeping your palm facing downward.
- Use your other hand to gently pull your fingers back towards your body, stretching the top of your forearm.
- Hold for 15–30 seconds, then release.
2. Wrist Flexor Stretch
- Extend your arm straight with your palm facing up.
- With your other hand, gently pull back the fingers. You should feel a stretching of the underside of your forearm.
- Hold for 15–30 seconds.
3. Towel Twist
- Hold a towel with both hands.
- Twist it as if wringing out water, first in one direction, then the other.
- Repeat 10–15 times.
4. Wrist Curls
- Hold a light dumbbell in your hand, palm facing up.
- Slowly bring your wrist up in a curling motion and then lower it back to its starting point.
- Repeat 10–15 times, and switch sides.
5. Eccentric Wrist Extension
- Hold a lightweight with your arm resting on a table, palm facing down.
- Slowly lower the weight by bending your wrist, then use your other hand to bring the wrist back to the starting position.
- Repeat 10–15 times.
These exercises help strengthen the forearm muscles, reduce strain on the elbow, and promote healing.
To use your arm normally again, consult a sports injury doctor. An experienced provider can create a comprehensive program that combines physical therapy treatment for tennis elbow.
Sports Injury Doctor Near Me in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Total Orthopaedic Care offers comprehensive and individualized care for your tennis elbow injury. Our sports injury doctors oversee your physical therapy treatment in our Pembroke Pines or Lauderdale Lakes facility.
Our team ensures you experience relief from your symptoms in a convenient and relaxing environment. We are proud to offer same-day appointments for new injuries. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (954) 735-3535 or use our appointment request form.
We look forward to helping you recover successfully from your injury!
