Tennis Elbow Conservative Treatment

WHAT IS TENNIS ELBOW?

Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a repetitive stress condition in which the muscles in the forearm, most commonly the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), has increased friction and swelling. This friction and swelling decreases glide, general mobility and function & strength of the wrist and elbow. Typically, tenderness to touch is felt on the outside portion of the elbow.

WHAT CAUSES TENNIS ELBOW?

While this injury is often referred to as “Tennis Elbow”, the cause is not only from tennis. Stress from repetitive motion on the lateral epicondyle causes friction and eventually micro-tears to the outside of the elbow. This creates the pain felt by many suffering from Tennis Elbow.  Movements similar to the repetitive motion of swinging a tennis racquet can create the stress on those muscles.  The most common risk factors are repetitive palm down (pronation) with wrist backward (extension) motions, repetitive gripping with palm down, and has some link to age or metabolic conditions.

HOW DOES HAND & PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP?

Hand & physical therapy are some of the best treatments for this condition providing stretching, mobilizing, massage techniques, exercises and more. Research has found that conservative treatment with eccentric loading and exercises have been incredibly helpful with treating this condition. In addition to general treatment strategies, learning strategies of how to modify activities, workstations, and how to position the arm can be extremely helpful at managing the condition and warding off future re-occurrences.

CAN OVER THE COUNTER SPLINGTING HELP?

Often, patients will try to use an over-the-counter opposing-force brace or arm strap to treat tennis elbow. While these braces can certainly assist with this condition, they do not offer long term help. Patients can often wear these braces too frequently, at the wrong times or improperly, creating more issues than resolutions. If someone is only managing this condition with use of the strap or counter-force brace, there is increased risk of reoccurrence or no resolution. It is strongly recommended that you receive some therapy or at least have an assessment to ensure you are donning and doffing this brace appropriately. It is strongly recommended to receive therapy along with the use of the brace.

Check out some of the exercises our Desert Hand & Physical Therapy team would recommend for treating tennis elbow.

Do you believe you have this condition, have some general elbow pain, or have someone you know that may benefit from an expert therapist assisting with this condition? Click HERE for information and schedule an appointment!

To read more about Brittany Moya MS, OTR/L, CHT,

please click HERE for bio link.