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Tennis Elbow

September 21 | drsingh

The benefits of an athletic lifestyle are well-known, but the physical demands we put on our bodies can also come with a downside. For tennis aficionados, whether they play competitively or recreationally, a particular kind of tendinitis caused by repetitive gripping movements has become so closely associated with the sport that it has taken on the game’s name. Here’s what you need to know about tennis elbow and what to do if you think you might be affected.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

The term “tennis elbow” can be somewhat misleading because tennis players are far from being the only people affected by the painful condition. Formally known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the bony prominence at the outside of your elbow are strained from overuse. When you repeatedly use the forearm muscles that straighten and raise your hand and wrist, the tendons can develop tiny tears, resulting in pain and inflammation.

Tennis elbow acquired its name because although racquet sports aren’t the only possible cause, gripping and swinging a racquet is exactly the type of motion that can injure the affected tendons, through excessive repetition, poor form, or both. However, if you have a job or other hobbies that include repetitive arm movements or gripping, you can also be at risk for developing a case of tennis elbow. For example, plumbers, carpenters, painters, and cooks can be at increased risk—but even repetitive use of a computer mouse can be a problem. In short, if you have elbow pain, don’t assume it can’t be tennis elbow if you haven’t picked up a racquet.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Pain and tenderness in the bony knob on the outside of your elbow are the primary symptoms of tennis elbow. This pain can radiate down into your forearm and wrist or into your upper arm. You’re most likely to feel pain and weakness when you’re trying to do things with your hand, such as pick up an object, make a fist, turn a doorknob, or straighten your wrist.

To accurately diagnose a case of tennis elbow, your doctor will physically examine you, take a thorough history, and ask you to move your arm, wrist, and elbow to determine exactly where and under what conditions you’re experiencing pain. They may also suggest X-rays or other imaging exams rule out other possible problems.

Mild cases of tennis elbow can sometimes be successfully addressed through self-care measures, such as icing, over-the-counter pain medication, rest, and avoiding repetitive wrist movements. If your symptoms aren’t improving with these measures within a week or two, timely treatment can help alleviate pain and restore function. However, ignoring the pain in the hope that it will simply go away can lead to more permanent injury. Severe cases of tennis elbow may even require surgery to remove damaged tissue and repair the remaining tendon.

Treating Tennis Elbow

The specific treatment of a case of tennis elbow will depend on many factors, including the level of pain and the duration of the condition. At Singh Rehabilitation, we use both chiropractic and physiotherapy to address the tennis elbow. Chiropractic treatments such as Active Release Therapy (ART) and the Graston Technique have been shown to be effective in the treatment of tennis elbow, by breaking up adhesions and scarring in soft tissue. Through physiotherapy, we restore strength and range of motion with a carefully prescribed regimen of exercise, stretching, and massage. In addition, we work on prevention and education, to ensure that once you return to regular activity, your elbow pain won’t come back. The end goal is to restore you to full pain-free function.

At Singh Rehabilitation, we work with patients of all ages and levels of ability, from children to professional athletes. Our combination of high-quality physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help keep you in the best shape possible, whether you’re gearing up for a competition or simply enjoying an active lifestyle. To learn more about tennis elbow or to schedule an appointment, contact us here.