Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition affecting athletes and anyone who engages in repetitive arm and wrist activities. This pain usually comes from doing the same arm movements over and over. People often get it from playing sports like tennis, but it can also come from everyday activities like painting or using tools like screwdrivers and knives.

The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain around the elbow, spreading to the forearm and wrist. This can make tasks like opening a jar or shaking hands difficult. Effective management through tennis elbow physiotherapy treatment can manage symptoms and restore function.

Here we discuss the causes, symptoms, and physiotherapeutic approaches to treating tennis elbow, providing valuable insights for those seeking relief.

When Should You Opt for Tennis Elbow Physiotherapy Treatment? 

Knowing when to go for professional physiotherapy for tennis elbow is important to prevent the condition from getting worse and have a quicker recovery. 

• Persistent Pain: If you experience ongoing pain that doesn't improve with basic home care, such as rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain relief, it's time to consider physiotherapy. Persistent or recurring pain is a sign that the underlying issues are not resolving on their own. 

• Impairment in Daily Activities: When the symptoms of tennis elbow begin to disrupt your daily activities—such as difficulty holding or lifting items, problems with tasks that involve using your arm, or even persistent discomfort during rest—it shows a need for professional intervention. 

• Decreased Range of Motion: If you notice a reduction in how much you can move your arm or elbow without pain, physiotherapy can help restore mobility and reduce discomfort. 

• Lack of Improvement with Initial Care: Sometimes, initial treatments like rest or ice might not be enough. If there's little to no improvement after several weeks, physiotherapy can offer more specialised care to promote healing.

Diagnosing Tennis Elbow 

Getting the right diagnosis for tennis elbow is key to starting the right treatment and getting better. A physiotherapist or doctor will usually begin with a physical exam and might also use some tests to ensure the diagnosis properly. 

• Physical Examination: The doctor will check for pain and tenderness in the lateral epicondyle area, which is the outer part of the elbow. They'll ask you to move your arm or wrist in certain ways to see when and how the pain happens. 

• Imaging Tests: While not always required, tests like an ultrasound or MRI might be used if your elbow doesn't get better with initial treatments. These images can show more details about the inside of your elbow. 

• Grip Strength Tests: Sometimes, the doctor will check the strength of your grip. Weakening grip strength can be a sign of tennis elbow because the muscles and tendons affected by the condition are also used when gripping. 

• Pain Response Tests: Specific tests that apply pressure or require movement of the elbow, wrist, and fingers can help pinpoint whether the tennis elbow is the cause of the pain and how severe it is.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Tennis Elbow 

Physiotherapy provides a variety of treatments to ease the pain and help the healing process for those suffering from tennis elbow.

• Stretching Exercises: The therapist will guide patients through specific stretches on the forearm muscles. These stretches are designed to relieve tension in the muscles and tendons around the elbow, easing pain. 

• Strengthening Exercises: As pain begins to lessen, physiotherapists introduce strengthening exercises. These are aimed at building up the endurance and capacity of the muscles, which supports the elbow and prevents future injuries. 

• Manual Therapy: This involves hands-on techniques like massage and mobilisation of the elbow and forearm. These methods help to decrease pain and improve the overall function of the elbow joint by increasing mobility and reducing stiffness. 

• Ultrasound Therapy: For more stubborn cases of tennis elbow, ultrasound therapy may be utilised. This treatment uses sound waves to deeply penetrate the tissues, promoting healing and reducing inflammation within the elbow. 

Each of these treatments can play a significant role in recovering from tennis elbow, helping patients return to normal activities with less pain and increased functionality.

Preventing Tennis Elbow Through Physiotherapy 

Prevention is a key component of physiotherapy, helping individuals avoid the recurrence of tennis elbow. 

• Ergonomic Advice: Physiotherapists can advise on workplace ergonomics and technique modifications to reduce stress on the elbow.
  
  
• Regular Exercise: Incorporating regular stretching and strengthening exercises into daily routines can prevent stiffness and strengthen muscles. 

Tennis elbow physiotherapy treatment is an effective way to manage and recover from this painful condition. With the right approach, including specific exercises, advanced therapeutic techniques, and preventive strategies, individuals can achieve significant relief and return to their daily activities without discomfort. 

If you suspect you have tennis elbow, consider consulting a sports physio near me to begin your journey to recovery.