Let's Talk Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis, generally occurs from repetitive forces or activity (i.e. playing tennis or using a hammer).
This overuse activity can impact the area that causes inflammation and structural changes to the tendons. These inflamed or injured tendons can make it painful to move your elbow and hand, as well as grasp or turn things.
If you have tennis elbow you will likely be experiencing pain on the outside of the elbow that comes from inflammation and degeneration of the wrist extensors tendons.
The injury is classified as an overuse injury occurring at the common extensor origin (the bony knob on the outside of your elbow).
What is the best treatment for tennis elbow?
As a physiotherapist the most common questions we get asked are:
- How long does is take for tennis elbow to heal?
- What happens if tennis elbow goes untreated?
- How to do heal tennis elbow fast?
The good news is that Physiotherapy can help and there are a wide range of evidence-based treatment options available for you:
- Prescription of RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) protocols
- Soft tissue therapy including deep transverse frictions and myofascial release
- Home stretching and strengthening exercise program
- Education about modification of activity, including technique analysis
- Bracing or taping
Assessment is important
Your Physiotherapist will perform a detailed assessment to determine the stage of tissue healing and the extent of your injury. From here they will assist you with prescribing and providing the most appropriate treatment individualised for you, to get you back doing the things you love.
If left untreated, pain and disability is likely to worsen and overtime it may get more difficult to treat.