Are you struggling with persistent elbow pain that interferes with your daily activities? You might be dealing with tennis elbow. Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a prevalent condition that is thought to affect anywhere from 1% to 3% of the adult population in a given year. If you’re looking to alleviate the symptoms of tennis elbow and expedite your recovery, understanding the connection between tennis elbow and physical therapy is essential.
Ready to get started with physical therapy for tennis elbow? Call our team at Harter Physical Therapy in Goddard, KS, Cheney, KS, and Clearwater, KS today to learn more!
Defining Tennis Elbow and Exploring Causes
Characteristics of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the outside of the elbow, typically occurring due to overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect anyone who engages in repetitive arm movements, such as gripping, lifting, or typing. Some activities commonly associated with tennis elbow include playing racquet sports, manual labor, gardening, and repetitive computer mouse use.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, weakness in the affected arm, and difficulty performing gripping tasks. Pain may radiate from the elbow into the forearm and wrist, particularly during activities that involve gripping or lifting. The pain may also worsen with activities such as lifting heavy objects, shaking hands, or turning a doorknob.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Causes of tennis elbow may include repetitive activities, improper technique during sports or work-related tasks, or sudden forceful movements. Repetitive stress and poor ergonomic practices can lead to micro tears, inflammation in the tendons, and poor biomechanics.
How Tennis Elbow and Physical Therapy Go Hand-in-Hand for Lasting Relief
Comprehensive Evaluation
Beginning your physical therapy journey for tennis elbow starts with a thorough evaluation by our skilled team to assess your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
The evaluation may include assessing range of motion, strength, muscle flexibility, joint stability, and functional limitations related to activities of daily living and work tasks. Understanding the specific aggravating factors and activities contributing to the onset of symptoms is crucial in designing an effective treatment plan to help you find lasting relief.
Treatment Methods
During your sessions, we may utilize several different treatment methods. Some of the most common techniques we may use and tailor to your specific needs include manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercises.
Manual Therapy Techniques
Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilizations, and myofascial release, aim to alleviate muscle tension, improve tissue mobility, and promote healing. For some, manual therapy can also offer immediate relief from discomfort.
Therapeutic exercises
Therapeutic exercises focus on strengthening the wrist extensor and flexor muscles, improving muscular endurance, and correcting biomechanical imbalances that contribute to the development of tennis elbow. Depending on your symptoms and goals, we will tailor your therapeutic exercises to your unique needs.
Why Seek Physical Therapy at Harter Physical Therapy in Goddard, KS, Cheney, KS, and Clearwater, KS for Tennis Elbow?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, seeking physical therapy is crucial for finding relief and restoring function in your elbow. By partnering with our clinic, you’ll gain access to comprehensive treatment options designed to address your specific needs and goals, helping you get back to the activities you love.
Call us today to learn more about tennis elbow and physical therapy techniques for relief!
