Understanding and Managing Tennis Elbow: Your Guide to Treatment and Recovery
Tennis Elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis), is an annoying and frustrating condition we frequently see and treat at the clinic.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply looking to understand the condition better, here are some in depth details of this common issue, its symptoms, and the range of treatment options available.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow tendinopathy, is a painful condition affecting the outer part of the elbow.
It results from overuse of the forearm muscles, particularly due to repetitive motions involving wrist and arm extension. This overuse can cause tiny injuries in the tendons attaching to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (the bony bump on the outer elbow), leading to pain and inflammation.
Despite its name, this condition isn’t limited to tennis players. Most of our patients suffering from Tennis elbow are in fact Golfers (there is a Golfer’s elbow but for pain on the inside of the elbow), or office workers who have a bad desk set-up and reach out too much their arms forward.
Common Signs and Symptoms
The main symptom is pain on the outer side of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm or even towards the shoulder. Other common symptoms include:
- Burning Sensation: Many people describe a burning pain in the elbow area.
- Pain with Movement: Actions like gripping, lifting, or twisting—such as turning a tap or opening a jar—can worsen the discomfort.
- Weakness: Patients often experience weakness in their grip, making it difficult to hold objects firmly.
Who is at risk?
Tennis elbow can affect anyone but is most common in individuals aged 30-60. It affects 3-5% of the population, especially those who engage in repetitive arm and wrist activities. No significant gender differences have been noted in the incidence of this condition. Interestingly, 84% of tennis player will suffer from tennis elbow at some point in their career!
Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
Manual Therapy (Massage) and Manipulation
- Deep Friction Massage: This massage technique applies targeted pressure to the tendon, helping to break down scar tissue that has built up from repeated strain. By reducing stiffness in the area, it can relieve pain and promote healing.
- Mill’s Manipulation: Named after the Mill’s test (used to diagnose tennis elbow), this technique involves stretching and manipulating the forearm muscles to release tension and restore flexibility. It’s performed with care to avoid aggravating the condition while encouraging healthy movement
Strengthening and Rehabilitation Exercises
- Grip Strengthening: Tennis elbow often affects grip strength, so we may recommend exercises with grip trainers or light weights to gradually build up the muscles of the hand and forearm.
- Wrist Extension and Flexion Exercises: Exercises involving controlled wrist movements help to build strength in the forearm. We start with light resistance and progress as strength improves.
- Eccentric Loading Exercises: Focusing on controlled, lengthening movements, these exercises aim to strengthen the muscles while reducing strain on the tendon, promoting resilience and recovery.
Have a wee look at some great exercises you can try to help with your tennis elbow
Shoulder Strengthening:
Strong shoulder muscles can provide better support for the arm and elbow. Shoulder-strengthening exercises, such as rows and shoulder presses, help build stability and reduce strain on the elbow.
Tennis Elbow Straps
These are placed just below the elbow to reduce pressure on the affected tendon.
They’re particularly useful for those needing to maintain daily activity while managing pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves placing fine needles in specific points around the elbow and forearm, which can help stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
Shockwave Therapy
This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to stimulate healing by increasing blood flow to the injured area.
Shockwave therapy can reduce pain and inflammation, usually requiring a series of short sessions.
Ergonomics Review
Last but not least, we will review what can have caused this to happen and modify it accordingly.
For example, we will run a full Desk Assessment for patients suffering from Tennis Elbow when using their mouse.
If that does not help,
Injection Therapy
- Corticosteroid Injections: For more severe cases, corticosteroid injections can provide quick relief from inflammation. These are administered directly to the painful area and may offer temporary relief; however, repeated injections are generally avoided as they can weaken the tendon over time.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: PRP therapy uses a concentrated solution of your own platelets (from a small blood sample) to promote healing. PRP is injected into the affected tendon to encourage tissue repair, especially in cases where chronic inflammation or degeneration has occurred.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is generally a last resort, considered only when other treatments haven’t provided sufficient relief over a prolonged period (6-12 months). The surgery, known as “lateral epicondylitis release”, involves removing damaged tissue and reattaching the healthy tendon. It’s a minimally invasive procedure with a good success rate, followed by physical therapy to aid recovery.
Your Path to Recovery
Recovery from tennis elbow varies based on the severity of the condition and the treatments used. We’ll design a personalised rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs, which may involve a combination of the above treatments to ensure optimal healing and minimise the chance of recurrence.
Our approach includes:
- Early Pain Management: We focus on reducing discomfort and inflammation through manual therapy, taping, acupuncture or shockwave therapy.
- Restoring Function: Gradually introducing strengthening exercises as pain subsides to build resilience and support long-term recovery.
- Preventative Guidance: Teaching safe techniques for everyday activities and hobbies to prevent re-injury.
We’re here to support you through every step of your recovery. If you have any questions or would like to discuss a treatment plan tailored to your needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
email: info@benjiphysio.co.uk
07760615804