Do you ever feel like your arm is burning and weak while playing a game of tennis or any other activity? If so, you may be among millions worldwide suffering from tennis elbow.
Read on to find out more below about what symptoms to look out for and learn how physiotherapy can help treat your tennis elbow injury. Let’s get started.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
If you’re not sure whether or not you have tennis elbow, here are some symptoms to look out for.
It is characterized by inflammation and tenderness in the tendons on the outside of the elbow. The most common symptom of this condition is pain or burning at the bony prominence at the outside of the elbow and along the forearm.
Other potential signs may include weakness, numbness, and stiffness in affected arm muscles. People who play racquet sports such as tennis, badminton, or squash are prone to developing this type of injury due to overexertion during their game.
However, it can also be caused by anyone who is prone to a repetitive elbow injury, such as those working with tools.
Can Physiotherapy Help Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that often affects the dominant arm of tennis players. While known as tennis elbow, there are many other sports and activities that can cause this problem.
Physiotherapy is an effective treatment which can help to reduce the symptoms of tennis elbow, as well as speed up recovery time. Through a combination of strengthening exercises and soft tissue massage, physiotherapists are able to relieve pain and improve the function of the joint.
Not only this, but your physiotherapist should be able to give specialized advice on how to prevent future injury. Making sure you have the right equipment and positioning yourself correctly during activities can significantly reduce your chances of developing this troubling condition.
All in all, physiotherapy is an effective remedy for treating tennis elbow and could be a convenient answer for those seeking long-term relief.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by the overuse of the tendons and muscles surrounding the elbow joint. It can be triggered by excessive grip or repetitive swinging motions, both of which involve twisting movements of the elbow joint.
Tennis elbow is also caused by poor form while playing sports, as well as spending long periods of time holding tools that force gripping movements on the wrist and forearm.
The best way to prevent tennis elbow is to make sure it’s treated promptly if experienced and to practice proper form while playing any sport or using tools.
Additionally, using ergonomic tools which offer adequate support for your wrist and forearm can help reduce the risk of developing tennis elbow in the future.
Physiotherapy Exercises for Tennis Elbow
Physiotherapists offer a range of exercises for treating tennis elbow. Strengthening exercises can help improve muscles around the elbow, forearm and wrist to reduce the tension that aggravates tennis elbow symptoms.
Isometric exercises are particularly effective, as they involve holding a muscle in a static contraction against an immovable object or another body part.
Mobility exercises use repetitive movement to increase the range of motion and flexibility in the elbow joint to slowly restore functionality. Stretching is also important as it helps maintain elasticity and range of motion in tendons, ligaments and muscles.
Ultimately, these exercises can reduce pain and inflammation at the site of injury, relieving the symptoms of tennis elbow. It’s important to follow your physio’s advice to know which exercises are best for you.
Other Treatments for Tennis Elbow
While physiotherapy is commonly used to treat the pain associated with tennis elbow, there is a range of other treatments which can also be effective.
Depending on the severity of the individual’s condition, treatments such as massage therapy, activity modification, deep transverse friction massage and joint manipulation may be recommended by a medical professional.
In addition, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) can reduce pain and swelling, while other treatments such as acupuncture, ultrasound and instrument-assisted soft tissue massage are also beneficial for healing tennis elbow.
Ultimately, it is important to discuss all possible treatment options with your doctor or physio to determine which is most suitable for each individual situation.
How Quickly Does Tennis Elbow Go Away?
The amount of time required for the pain of tennis elbow to disappear completely depends on a number of factors, such as how severe the injury is, the activity level of the affected person, and if treatment is sought.
In most cases, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, with additional rest and proper medical care potentially lowering that timeline. It is important to note that even when the pain has subsided, full rehabilitation may take up to two years in order to gain back full strength and range of motion in the joint.
Can I Still Play Sports or Work with Tennis Elbow?
This is a tricky question as it depends on the severity of your conditions and what activities you need to perform. In severe cases, complete rest is usually advised until your symptoms improve.
Although tennis elbow can limit athletic activity or work involving strenuous movements of the elbow joint, there are still ways to stay active with this condition.
For those suffering from tennis elbow, low-impact exercise such as swimming or biking can provide some relief while giving the opportunity for physical activity. As always, the best idea is to get expert advice from your physiotherapist, as they’ll know the exact nature of your condition.
Final Thoughts
Tennis elbow can feel debilitating, especially if it stops you from doing something you love. Thankfully it can be cured with the right mix of physiotherapy, medication and rest. The recovery time varies from person to person, but there are many different ways you can still stay active.
