How Physical Therapy Assists in Tennis Elbow Recovery 

Learn how physical therapy can effectively treat tennis elbow, alleviate pain, and restore function in Flint and Grand Blanc, MI. Find out more about sports therapy methods and customized therapy programs to meet your requirements.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Synonymously known as tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis is characterized by pain resulting from repetitive strain injuries to the forearm muscles and their tendons. The forearm muscles are attached to the lateral epicondyle by a tendon, a bony prominence located on the outer side of the elbow. Although the name suggests otherwise, it is not a professional tennis player's problem. Still, it is suffered by many in the occupation of doing repetitive motions, like painters, carpenters, plumbers, and even typists working long hours at the computer.

The condition arises due to repetitive strain leading to micro-tears and degeneration of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon. Pain is characterized by sharp or dull aching over the lateral elbow, poor grip strength, and inability to perform daily activities such as lifting or gripping objects.

Causes and Risk Factors

Tennis elbow primarily arises due to repetitive wrist extension, grip, and twisting action, putting strain on the tendons. Contributing factors are:

• Repetitive activities in a job or sports involving extensive use of the wrist and arm
• Poor racquet game technique in tennis or other racquet sports
• Overuse with insufficient rest or recovery
• Dial forestry muscles that cannot withstand stress
• Age—the most commonly affected patients are between the ages of 30 and 50

Having an understanding of these causative factors enables therapists to tailor rehabilitation towards the resolution of biomechanical deficits and reducing recurrence.

How Physical Therapy Treats Tennis Elbow

Physical therapists use multi-modal therapy to reduce pain, promote tissue healing, regain strength, and prevent re-injury. Among the most significant techniques are:

Manual Therapy

Hands-on treatments involving deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and joint mobilization relax scar tissue, ease muscle spasms, and improve perfusion to the damaged tendons. The techniques alleviate pain and provide an improved environment for healing.

Exercise Therapy

Therapists create individual exercise programs to strengthen wrist extensors and increase flexibility. Eccentric exercises, in which muscles lengthen under load, have been found especially effective in enhancing tendon repair and recovery of function. Strengthening exercises are gradually progressed to normalize mechanics without exacerbating symptoms.

Modalities for Pain and Inflammation

Physical therapy can incorporate therapeutic modalities like ultrasound, laser, cryotherapy (ice), and electrical stimulation. These devices decrease inflammation, promote healing, and control pain in the early stages of rehabilitation.

Education and Activity Modification

Therapists instruct on ergonomics, movement techniques, and activity modifications to reduce unnecessary stress on the elbow during sports, occupations, or daily activities. Instructed patients are more likely to avoid aggravating factors and follow recovery routines.

The Personalized Sports Therapy Method

Sports physical therapy tailors treatment to the specific needs of your sport or work. Through an examination of movement patterns and the detection of flaws or overcompensation, therapists modify rehabilitation to fix form and fortify adjacent muscles.

The specialty not only works to heal, but conditions athletes or active workers to resume their specific activities with enhanced performance and lower future injury risk.

Stages of Recovery: What to Expect

First Stage: Pain Management and Protection

Emphasis is placed on reducing swelling and pain through rest, ice, and passive range of motion exercises. Protection and pain coping skills are taught by therapists as aggravating activities for pain are not done.

Second Stage: Strengthening and Rehabilitation

Strengthening of the wrist and forearm increases as pain subsides. Eccentric loading and functional movements are prioritized according to your sports or daily demands.

Third Stage: Functional Training and Return to Activity

Treatment consists of sport- or activity-specific drills, load management, and neuromuscular training to facilitate a safe return to full activity. Education of the patient continues to avoid recurrence.

Advantages of Physical Therapy in Flint and Grand Blanc, MI

Selecting a local neighborhood physical therapy clinic ensures:

• Easy scheduling and access to the building
• Therapist education in the local sports and occupational demands
• Application of current education and treatment methods adapted to community ways of living
• Personalized treatment and continuous progress evaluation

Flint and Grand Blanc therapy clinics, like Max Well Therapy, offer successful, individualized programs that allow clients to experience long-term tennis elbow relief.

Prevention of Future Tennis Elbow Injuries by Taking These Steps

Preventing the recurrence of tennis elbow takes commitment to strengthening, ergonomic awareness, preparation, and protective gear. Physical therapists point out these five key strategies:

Strengthening Forearm and Wrist Muscles Regularly

Developing forearm and wrist muscle strength stabilizes tendons surrounding the elbow and mitigates stress in repetitive activities. A tried-and-tested exercise to perform is the tennis ball squeeze. Other helpful exercises include wrist curls, reverse wrist curls, and supination/pronation activities using light weights or resistance bands. These strengthen tendon toughness and allow the tissues to absorb workload better without damage.

Utilization of Suitable Ergonomic Tools and Techniques during Work or Sporting Activities

Ergonomic tools and techniques utilized during work or sporting activities have a significant bearing on elbow strain. In sporting activities such as tennis, the selection of an appropriate racquet grip size and string tension will prevent excess torque on the elbow tendons. In the workplace, ergonomic factors like the thickness of tool handles, the type of grip, and vibration-reducing features may decrease the likelihood of repetitive stress.

Warming Up Properly Before Activity

Pre-warming muscle and tendon tissues before use enhances circulation, enhances tissue elasticity, and prepares joints for motion, thereby lessening the chances of injury.

Missing warm-ups may cause your tissues to become tensed up and susceptible to microtrauma, so make it a part of your routine.

Taking Breaks to Prevent Repetitive Strain

Even with good technique and strength, repeated use without rest leads to tendon overload. To avoid this, take frequent breaks during activities that involve gripping or wrist movement for extended periods.

Using Braces or Straps If Your Therapist Suggests

Wrist splints or lateral epicondyle straps are external support devices that supply the forearm tendons and muscles with support, shifting stresses from the damaged area during exercise. They are instrumental in the initial stages of recovery, returning to work, or resuming sports.

Your physical therapist can prescribe the ideal kind of brace and teach you how and when to use it to reap maximum benefit without habituation.

These products are a protective aid while still enabling you to keep functioning and minimize pain during physical endeavors.

By regularly incorporating these exercises into your regimen and staying in contact with your physical therapist, you can properly reduce the risk of tennis elbow's return and have long-term arm health and function.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does tennis elbow take to heal with physical therapy?

A: Recovery is variable but usually between six weeks and several months based on severity and consistency of therapy.

Q: Will physical therapy totally heal tennis elbow?

A: Yes, with prompt intervention and consistent treatment, most patients completely recover and resume their activity free of pain.

Q: Are injections or surgery required?

A: Conservative care, such as physical therapy, is usually effective in most cases. Injections or surgery are reserved for cases that are severe or resistant.

Q: Is safe participation in sports possible while undergoing therapy?

A: Modification of activity is usually required at first. A gradual return under the guidance of your therapist ensures safe participation.

Max Well Therapy: Returning You to Your Best in Flint and Grand Blanc

At Max Well Therapy, we're committed to helping you heal from tennis elbow with care that matches your life. We blend hands-on treatments, customized exercises, informative education, and the most up-to-date therapy technology to help you move better and feel stronger.

Contact Max Well Therapy today and begin your personalized journey to recovery, regaining a pain-free and active lifestyle.

References:

Buchanan, B. K., & Varacallo, M. A. (2023). Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431092/

Pathan, A. F., & Sharath, H. V. (2023). A review of physiotherapy techniques used in the treatment of tennis elbow. Cureus, 15(10), e47706. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.47706