What is tennis elbow?
The medical condition lateral epicondylitis is more commonly referred to as "tennis elbow." Pain on the outside of the elbow is a symptom of a disorder brought on by overuse of the arm, forearm, and hand muscles. You don't have to play tennis to understand this, but it can be a serious issue for some tennis players, which is why the word was coined.
Tennis elbow is brought on by a sudden or gradual injury to the muscles and tendons on the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow is a condition that affects the region where the tendons and muscles of the forearm join the elbow's lateral epicondyle, which is its outside bony portion. Lateral epicondylitis is what your doctor may refer to as. "Golfer's elbow" is another commonly used term.
Common Symptoms & Causes
- Pain or tenderness around the outside of the elbow
- Discomfort when gripping or lifting
- Forearm pain during wrist movements
- Reduced grip strength
- Pain that increases with repetitive arm activities
- Tenderness around the affected tendon
How Does Physiotherapy Help With Tennis Elbow?
Physiotherapy for tennis elbow begins with an assessment of your elbow, wrist, forearm, strength, movement, and the activities that may be contributing to your symptoms. This helps your physiotherapist understand the factors affecting your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment may include therapeutic exercises, progressive strengthening, mobility work, manual therapy, and education about modifying activities that may aggravate your symptoms. Your program can be adjusted as your strength and tolerance for activity develop.
Take the next step.
Our Scott Road clinic welcomes patients from Guildford, Newton, Scott Road, and North Delta for personalized occupational therapy focused on their individual functional goals. Book online or call 778-590-4243.
