What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players. It can affect anyone who performs repetitive movements of the forearm, wrist, or elbow, leading to small tears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. These microtears cause inflammation, pain, and tenderness around the affected area.

Common Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is often caused by repetitive strain or overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm that control wrist and hand movements. It can result from activities such as:

• Playing tennis or other racquet sports.
• Repetitive manual labor (e.g., carpentry, plumbing, or painting).
• Office work that involves extensive use of a computer mouse or keyboard.
• Repetitive gripping or twisting motions (e.g., using tools, gardening).

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.
• Weakness in the forearm or difficulty gripping objects.
• Pain that worsens with forearm or wrist movements, such as lifting, gripping, or twisting.
• Discomfort when extending the arm fully or shaking hands.

How Active Pulse Physiotherapy Can Help with Tennis Elbow

At Active Pulse Physiotherapy, we specialize in treating tennis elbow using a combination of hands-on therapy, exercises, and patient education. Our approach focuses on reducing pain, improving strength and flexibility, and preventing future recurrences. Here’s how we can help:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

We begin with a thorough assessment to diagnose the severity of your tennis elbow. This includes evaluating your elbow and forearm movements, assessing the strength and flexibility of your muscles, and identifying any contributing factors, such as improper movement patterns or repetitive tasks.

2. Manual Therapy

Our physiotherapists use hands-on techniques to alleviate pain and improve mobility. These include:

• Soft Tissue Massage: Targeting the muscles and tendons around the elbow and forearm to reduce tension and inflammation.
• Joint Mobilization: Gentle movements to improve the flexibility and alignment of the elbow joint, which can relieve pain and restore normal function.
• Myofascial Release: Releasing tight fascia (connective tissue) around the elbow and forearm muscles to promote healing.

3. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Rehabilitation for tennis elbow involves restoring strength and flexibility to the muscles and tendons in the forearm. Our physiotherapists will guide you through specific exercises, including:

• Stretching Exercises: Targeting the forearm muscles to reduce tension and improve flexibility, allowing the tendons to heal.
• Eccentric Strengthening Exercises: These exercises focus on slowly lengthening the muscles as they contract, which has been shown to be particularly effective in treating tendinopathy.
• Grip Strength Exercises: Strengthening your grip helps improve forearm stability and reduces the strain on the tendons around the elbow.

4. Shockwave Therapy

For chronic cases of tennis elbow that do not respond to conventional treatment, we offer shockwave therapy. This non-invasive treatment involves applying high-energy sound waves to the affected area to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration.

5. Dry Needling and Acupuncture

Dry needling or acupuncture may be used to relieve pain and reduce muscle tension in the forearm. These techniques involve inserting thin needles into trigger points or tight muscles to release tension and promote blood flow, accelerating the healing process.

6. Taping and Bracing

We may use specific taping techniques or recommend the use of an elbow brace to provide support and reduce strain on the forearm muscles and tendons during activities. This can help alleviate pain and prevent further injury while you heal.

7. Education and Activity Modification

To prevent future episodes of tennis elbow, our physiotherapists provide education on modifying your daily activities to reduce strain on your elbow. We may suggest:

• Ergonomic Adjustments: For those whose tennis elbow is caused by desk work, we can provide ergonomic advice to improve your posture and reduce strain on your forearm and wrist.
• Technique Improvement: For athletes or individuals involved in repetitive tasks, we offer guidance on proper techniques to avoid overuse injuries in the future.

8. Chiropractic Care

For patients with alignment or joint issues contributing to their tennis elbow, our chiropractors offer gentle adjustments to ensure that the elbow, wrist, and shoulder joints are functioning correctly. This can help alleviate pressure on the tendons and muscles, promoting faster healing.

9. Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can help relieve tension and improve circulation in the forearm and elbow, which can accelerate the healing process and reduce pain. Our massage therapists use deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release to target the affected areas and promote recovery.

Why Choose Active Pulse Physiotherapy for Tennis Elbow Treatment?

• Personalized Treatment Plans: We create a customized rehabilitation plan based on your specific condition and recovery goals.
• Multidisciplinary Team: Our team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists works together to provide a comprehensive, holistic approach to your care.
• Hands-On Care: We believe in a hands-on approach that includes manual therapy, exercise, and education to promote long-term recovery.
• Focus on Prevention: Our goal is not only to treat your current symptoms but also to prevent future recurrences by addressing the root cause of your tennis elbow.

If you’re experiencing tennis elbow, Active Pulse Physiotherapy is here to help. Our expert team will work with you to relieve pain, restore function, and get you back to the activities you enjoy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your recovery journey!