Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is one of the most common injuries of the arm, and a condition that we regularly see in the clinic. It is a degenerative, or failed healing response to the wrist extensor tendon, and most commonly affects the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. 

Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect anyone who engages in activities that involve repetitive wrist and arm motions, not just tennis players.

Tennis elbow is characterised by pain over the lateral (outside) aspect of the elbow with palpation, or resisted movements. There may also be a decrease in strength in the wrist extensor and posterior shoulder muscles. 

This condition can make simple tasks, such as lifting a cup, shaking hands, or turning a doorknob, extremely painful.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

It is generally a work or sport-related injury that is caused by quick, eccentric, monotonous repetitive contractions and gripping activities of the wrist. The dominant arm is more commonly affected, and it seems to be more severe in women. Common causes include:

Repetitive Motions 

Repeated use of the forearm muscles and tendons, especially with gripping activities, can lead to microtears in the tendon.

Overuse 

Engaging in activities that involve overuse of the wrist and forearm muscles, such as tennis, squash, badminton, weightlifting, and even activities like painting or carpentry.

Poor Technique

Using incorrect techniques in sports or other activities can put additional stress on the tendons in the elbow.

Age 

The condition is most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can affect people of all ages.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The primary symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Other symptoms may include: 

Pain 

This pain can extend from the outside of the elbow down to the forearm and wrist.

Weak Grip 

A noticeable decrease in grip strength when performing tasks.

Stiffness 

Difficulty and discomfort in moving the elbow, especially in the morning.

Swelling 

Mild swelling around the elbow joint.

Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow

During your session, we will be able to assess your injury and accurately diagnose whether you may have tennis elbow. The diagnosis typically involves a physical examination where the physiotherapist will check for pain points and evaluate the range of motion and strength of the arm. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

How We Can Help You With Your Tennis Elbow

At our clinic, we offer comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. As there are several different treatment options and approaches, we will discuss these with you and together form a treatment plan that best suits you. Here are some of the treatment techniques we may use:

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the elbow can help alleviate pain and prevent further injury. Specific exercises target the wrist extensors and the posterior shoulder muscles to improve flexibility and strength. Our physiotherapists will guide you through a series of exercises designed to rehabilitate the affected area.

Dry Needling Therapy

Dry needling involves inserting thin needles into the muscle knots or trigger points to relieve pain and improve muscle function. This technique helps to reduce tension in the muscles and promote healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the healing process in the affected tendons. This non-invasive treatment helps to reduce pain and inflammation, promoting faster recovery. It is particularly effective for chronic cases of tennis elbow that have not responded to other treatments.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can help to relax the muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain. Our therapists use various techniques to target the muscles and tendons around the elbow, helping to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

Brace or Support

Wearing a brace or support can help to alleviate symptoms by reducing the strain on the affected tendons. These devices can be particularly useful during activities that involve repetitive arm movements.

Education and Ergonomic Advice

Our physiotherapists will provide you with education on proper techniques and ergonomics to prevent further injury. This may include advice on modifying your work or sport activities, using appropriate equipment, and performing exercises correctly.

Prevention of Tennis Elbow

Preventing tennis elbow involves taking steps to reduce the strain on your tendons. Here are some tips to help prevent this condition:

Warm-Up and Stretch 

Always warm up and stretch before engaging in physical activities. Focus on stretching the forearm muscles and tendons to improve flexibility.

Use Proper Technique 

Whether you’re playing sports or performing repetitive tasks at work, using the correct technique can help to reduce the risk of injury. Consider taking lessons or seeking professional advice to ensure you are using the proper form.

Strengthen Your Muscles 

Regularly perform exercises to strengthen the muscles around your elbow, forearm, and shoulder. Stronger muscles can better support the tendons and reduce the risk of injury.

Take Breaks 

Avoid overusing your muscles by taking regular breaks during repetitive activities. This gives your muscles and tendons time to rest and recover.

Use Proper Equipment 

Ensure that you are using the right equipment for your activities. This includes using the correct racket size and tension in sports or ergonomic tools at work.

When to Seek Professional Help for Your Tennis Elbow

If you experience any pain or symptoms outlined above, it’s important to seek professional help. Persistent pain, especially if it affects your daily activities, should not be ignored. Our team of experienced physiotherapists can assess your condition and provide a personalised treatment plan to help you recover.

Take Action Against the Tennis Elbow Today!

Tennis elbow is a common yet challenging condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and recovery. By incorporating a combination of therapeutic techniques and preventive measures, you can overcome tennis elbow and regain full function of your arm.

At our Hervey Bay physio clinic, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality care to help you achieve a pain-free life. You can also visit any of our nearby locations for the same exceptional service.

Whether you are an athlete, a worker, or someone experiencing elbow pain, our team is here to support you every step of the way. 

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with tennis elbow and other musculoskeletal conditions.