Physical Therapy for Tennis Elbow
If you’re an avid tennis or pickleball player, you know how much your arms and elbows endure during every match. The repetitive motions and strain can sometimes lead to a common condition known as tennis elbow. Officially called lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is an overuse injury that causes pain and tenderness around the outer part of the elbow. Fortunately, physical therapy offers effective solutions to relieve pain, restore mobility, and get you back on the court stronger than ever.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow) become inflamed due to repetitive stress. This condition is not exclusive to tennis players; it can affect anyone who engages in activities involving repetitive wrist or arm motions, such as typing, gardening, or playing pickleball.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Pain or burning sensation on the outer elbow.
Weak grip strength.
Discomfort when lifting objects, shaking hands, or holding a racket.
Pain that worsens with repetitive motions.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy is a cornerstone treatment for tennis elbow, offering non-invasive techniques to alleviate pain, improve function, and prevent recurrence. Here’s how physical therapy works:
1. Pain Management
Physical therapists use advanced modalities to reduce pain and inflammation while accelerating healing. At Boulder Sports Chiropractic, we utilize:
Shockwave Therapy: This innovative treatment uses acoustic waves to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and break down scar tissue, offering significant relief for chronic and acute tennis elbow pain.
Class IV Laser Therapy: High-intensity laser therapy penetrates deep into tissues, promoting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain quickly and effectively.
Dry Needling: By targeting trigger points in the muscles around the elbow, dry needling helps relieve tension, improve blood flow, and promote healing in the affected tendons and surrounding muscles.
These modalities complement hands-on techniques and exercise therapy, creating a holistic approach to pain relief and recovery.
2. Restoring Mobility and Function
Tennis elbow can limit your ability to move your arm freely. Physical therapy focuses on restoring range of motion and improving the mechanics of your elbow, wrist, and forearm. This involves:
Stretching Exercises: Targeting the extensor muscles to improve flexibility.
Joint Mobilization: Techniques to enhance elbow and wrist mobility.
3. Strengthening Weak Muscles
Weak or imbalanced muscles in the forearm, wrist, and shoulder can contribute to the strain on the elbow. Strengthening these areas is key to recovery.
Grip Strengthening: Using tools like stress balls or grip trainers.
Eccentric Strengthening: Slowly lowering weights to build tendon resilience.
Shoulder and Upper Back Exercises: Supporting proper arm mechanics during activity.
4. Preventing Future Injuries
Physical therapists educate patients on proper biomechanics, ergonomics, and techniques to reduce the risk of re-injury. Whether it’s adjusting your racket grip, refining your swing, or improving posture during daily tasks, these insights can make a big difference.
Home Exercises for Tennis Elbow
In addition to in-office treatments, physical therapists often prescribe home exercises to support recovery. Some effective exercises include:
1. Wrist Extensor Stretch
Extend your arm straight in front of you, palm down.
Use your opposite hand to gently pull your fingers down and back.
Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat 3-5 times.
2. Forearm Supination with a Dumbbell
Hold a light dumbbell (1-3 pounds) in your hand with your palm facing down.
Slowly rotate your forearm to turn your palm upward.
Return to the starting position and repeat 10-15 times.
3. Eccentric Wrist Curls
Hold a dumbbell with your palm facing upward.
Use your other hand to lift the dumbbell, then slowly lower it back down.
Perform 10-15 repetitions per set.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
With consistent physical therapy, most people see significant improvement within 6-12 weeks. However, recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the condition and adherence to the treatment plan.
The Importance of Early Intervention
If you experience elbow pain during or after playing tennis or pickleball, don’t ignore it. Addressing the issue early can prevent it from becoming a chronic condition.
Tennis Elbow Treatment at Boulder Sports Chiropractic
At Boulder Sports Chiropractic, we specialize in treating tennis elbow and other sports-related injuries. Our expert team combines physical therapy techniques, chiropractic care, and advanced modalities like dry needling and shockwave therapy to target the root cause of your pain.
Why Choose Us?
Comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Expertise in treating athletes, including tennis and pickleball players.
Focus on long-term recovery and prevention.
Calling All Tennis and Pickleball Players!
Don’t let tennis elbow keep you off the court. Whether you’re battling elbow pain or want to prevent future injuries, we’re here to help you stay in the game.
Call us today at 303-444-5105 or schedule an appointment online to get started. Let’s work together to get you back to your best swing!
At Boulder Sports Chiropractic, we’re dedicated to keeping you active, pain-free, and performing at your peak. Reach out to us today!