If you’re wondering what tennis elbow is, you’ve come to the right place. Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons in your forearm are overworked, usually by repetitive wrist and arm motions. Despite its name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop this condition. At The Movement Guild, our physical therapists in Chicago, IL, often treat individuals who develop tennis elbow from various daily activities, jobs, and hobbies.
This guide will explain what tennis elbow is, its common causes, symptoms, and the effective treatment options available to help you manage pain and get back to your routine. Understanding this condition is the first step toward a full recovery.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
So, what is tennis elbow? It’s a form of tendonitis—inflammation of the tendons—that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. The pain originates from the lateral epicondyle, which is the bony bump on the outer part of your elbow where the forearm tendons connect. Repetitive strain on these tendons and muscles leads to tiny tears, causing inflammation and pain that can radiate down your forearm.
While it’s often associated with racket sports, any activity that involves repeated wrist extension or gripping can lead to tennis elbow. This includes everything from painting and plumbing to typing and cooking.
What Are the Common Causes of Tennis Elbow?
The primary cause of tennis elbow is overuse of the forearm muscles, specifically the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle. Activities that can lead to this condition include:
- Racket Sports: Improper technique or grip size in sports like tennis, badminton, and squash can put excessive strain on the elbow tendons.
- Occupational Activities: Jobs that require repetitive arm movements are a common source of tennis elbow. This includes professions like carpentry, painting, plumbing, and butchery. Even extensive use of a computer mouse can contribute to the problem.
- Hobbies: Activities such as gardening, knitting, playing musical instruments, or weightlifting can also lead to overuse and inflammation.
- Age: While it can affect anyone, tennis elbow is most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.
Recognizing the activities in your life that might be contributing to your pain is crucial for developing an effective treatment and prevention plan.
Symptoms to Look For
The symptoms of tennis elbow often develop gradually. The pain might start as a mild discomfort on the outside of your elbow that slowly worsens over weeks or months. Key symptoms include:
- Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow.
- Pain that radiates from the outside of your elbow to your forearm and wrist.
- Weak grip strength.
- Difficulty with movements like shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or holding a coffee cup.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, especially if they interfere with your daily life, it’s important to seek professional help. Ignoring the pain can lead to chronic issues and more significant damage. Our team specializes in treating elbow, wrist, and hand pain and can provide an accurate diagnosis.
How Can Physical Therapy Help with Tennis Elbow?
Physical therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for tennis elbow. At The Movement Guild in Chicago, IL, our approach focuses on reducing pain, improving function, and preventing recurrence. Your personalized treatment plan may include:
Pain and Inflammation Management
The initial goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain and inflammation. Your therapist may use techniques like ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to provide relief. They will also teach you how to modify activities to avoid further aggravating the tendon.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques are a core component of our treatment. Massage therapy can help release tight muscles in the forearm, while joint mobilizations can restore normal movement to the elbow and wrist. Techniques like dry needling may also be used to target trigger points and reduce muscle tension.
Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
Once the initial pain subsides, your physical therapist will guide you through a series of exercises designed to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility. These exercises are crucial for healing the tendon and preventing future injuries. Examples include:
- Wrist Curls: Using a light dumbbell to strengthen the wrist flexors.
- Wrist Extensions: Strengthening the extensor muscles that are typically affected.
- Grip Strengthening: Using a stress ball or hand gripper to improve grip.
Education and Prevention
A key part of recovery is understanding how to prevent the problem from coming back. Your therapist will educate you on proper body mechanics for your specific activities, whether it’s adjusting your tennis swing or setting up an ergonomic workstation. This proactive approach ensures long-term results.
Your Path to Recovery in Chicago, IL
If you’re dealing with the persistent pain of what is commonly known as tennis elbow, you don’t have to manage it alone. The expert team at The Movement Guild is here to help you move out of pain and back to the activities you love. We create personalized treatment plans that address the root cause of your symptoms, ensuring you not only recover but also build resilience against future injuries.
Don’t let elbow pain dictate your life. Schedule an appointment at one of our Chicago, IL, clinics today and take the first step toward a pain-free future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for tennis elbow to heal?
The recovery time for tennis elbow can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s commitment to treatment. With consistent physical therapy, most people see significant improvement within 6 to 12 weeks. More severe cases might take several months to heal completely.
Can I continue my sport or activity while treating tennis elbow?
Your physical therapist will advise you on activity modification. In many cases, you may need to take a temporary break from the activity causing the pain. As you progress through therapy, your therapist will guide you on how to gradually and safely return to your sport or hobby with improved technique and strength to prevent re-injury.
Is surgery ever necessary for tennis elbow?
Surgery is typically considered a last resort for tennis elbow. Most cases (about 80-95%) can be successfully treated with non-surgical methods like physical therapy, rest, and bracing. If symptoms do not improve after 6 to 12 months of conservative treatment, surgery might be an option to repair the damaged tendon.
What can I do at home to help my tennis elbow?
In addition to following your physical therapist’s exercise program, you can manage symptoms at home by applying ice to the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times a day. Wearing a counterforce brace on your forearm can also help reduce strain on the tendon. Most importantly, listen to your body and avoid activities that cause pain.
Find Lasting Relief
Understanding what tennis elbow is and how it affects your body is the first step toward finding relief. This common condition, caused by overuse of the forearm muscles, can be effectively managed with the right approach. Physical therapy offers a comprehensive solution that not only alleviates pain but also addresses the underlying causes to prevent it from returning.
By working with a skilled physical therapist, you can regain strength, improve function, and get back to living your life without limitations. If you’re in the Chicago area and struggling with elbow pain, reach out to The Movement Guild to start your recovery journey.