What is Tennis Elbow?
Lateral epicondylitis is a painful orthopaedic condition that’s more commonly known as tennis elbow. In Tennis elbow the outside edge of the elbow hurts and feels tender. The name comes from the fact that in most tennis players we do get to observe this kind of tendinopathy. However, it’s not at all limited to tennis players – anyone could be affected, and potential risk factors include overextension of the back of the forearm while playing sports, working, doing home renovations (such as painting walls), mopping or sweeping the floor, making chapattis and breads at home, turning and twisting to rinse clothes, etc. Since tennis elbow is idiopathic – the direct cause is unknown – the best treatment options focus simply on reducing pain and restoring function, and physical therapy is optimal for treating this condition.
Tennis elbow is particularly categorized by pain in a localized area. The anatomical area affected is called the lateral epicondyle of the humerus – this is where the extensor group of forearm muscles are attached. The resultant pain naturally makes the affected arm more difficult to use for everyday tasks.
How physical therapy can help you
If you are diagnosed with tennis elbow and it is something to do with a very recent soft tissue injury then our recommendation is to follow the PEACE&LOVE protocol. However, if it is something that has been troubling you for more than 3 weeks then along with the supportive medications you need to start with vigorous physical therapy.
Our physiotherapists will assess the elbow and the make a customised plan for each individual to get them back to function. What we can do for you in tennis elbow is Pain management, Mckenzie technique, strengthening exercises and return to sport or activities of daily living.
