Tennis Elbow: What It Is and How to Treat It | Foothills Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine
by Adam Halseth PT, DPT, SCS | Northeast Scottsdale
Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow is an uncommon condition. It just has an impact about 1 to 3 percent of adults every year. But your chances of developing it increase as you get older. Although the name suggests it is a condition exclusive to these sports, it is possible to develop tennis or golfer’s elbow even if you have never played either game in your life.
Below you will find important information about this painful condition, including why it occurs, how to determine if you have the condition, and what treatment options are available.
Understanding tennis/golfer’s elbow
Tennis/golfer’s elbow is one of the most common causes of elbow pain. It is often persistent and painful enough to warrant physical therapy and/or a doctor’s visit. This condition occurs when the tendons that connect your forearm to the outside of the elbow bone become swollen and inflamed.
If this happens, it can lead to microscopic tears in the muscles and tendons. These tears can cause a lot of pain, even though they are very small.
Usually people don’t experience these symptoms unless they do a lot of repetitive movements. While the general population is not highly likely to experience this pain, as many as half of all players will experience it at some point in their lives.
What causes tennis/golfer’s elbow?
If you’re wondering what the causes are, the answer is: a lot of things! As mentioned, tennis/golfer’s elbow usually occurs as a result of repetitive movements of the elbow joint. Besides tennis and golf, some other activities that can lead to elbow pain and discomfort include:
- Screens
- Squash
- Weightlifting
- Racketball
- Rake
- Typing
- To paint
- Carpentry
- To knit
- Gardening
- Swimming
Did some of the items in the list above surprise you? Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the chance of developing elbow pain or minimize symptoms if you already have it. Keep reading to learn more.
5 Symptoms of tennis/golfer’s elbow
Are you experiencing elbow pain that makes you wonder if you have tennis/golfer’s elbow or something else? Although a doctor or therapist should be consulted to make the most accurate diagnosis, these are five common symptoms:
- Discomfort when you lift something
- Weakness in your hand or forearm when making a fist or grabbing something
- Recurring pain just below the bend in your elbow (on the outside of your forearm)
- Pain that radiates from the elbow to the wrist
- Discomfort when turning the forearm (for example, when opening a jar or a door)
As you can see, the primary symptom is pain in the elbow area. Conditions that mimic tennis elbow include:
- Radiocapitellar arthritis
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Intra-articular plica
- Rotational instability
A visit to your PT can help rule out these conditions if you are unsure whether you have tennis/golfer’s elbow or another condition.
Prevention techniques
The best way to prevent developing this condition is to avoid doing repetitive movements too often. If you play a sport or other activity that requires repetitive use of your arm and muscles, make sure you take regular breaks. Stretch the muscles of your arms during your breaks.
It is also important to warm up the muscles of your arms before doing any physical activity that requires the use of your elbows and/or arms. When the muscles are warm, they can stretch and contract more easily without causing injury.
Once you’ve finished a sporting event or workout and stretched your arm muscles, consider applying ice to your elbows if you feel heat or inflammation in those areas. If you already have symptoms of tennis elbow despite your best efforts, consider getting physical therapy.
Physiotherapy treatment options
Physical therapy can help improve the flexibility and strength of your forearm muscles, making you less likely to develop tennis elbow. Physical therapy can also facilitate healing and reduce pain by stimulating blood flow to the affected tendons and muscles. Blood contains oxygen, which the muscles need to heal and function optimally.
Six common physical therapy treatment options recommended for tennis elbow:
- Muscle stimulation
- Ultrasound
- Ice massage
- Braces and tape to support the affected area
- Specialized stretches and exercises
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
During your recovery from tennis/golfer’s elbow, it is important not to rush things. If you push your body before it is ready and your condition has healed enough, you can set yourself back. Before returning to your previous activity level, make sure that you can grasp objects without pain and that your elbow no longer looks or feels swollen. When you can bend and move your affected elbow without difficulty or discomfort, you can resume your normal activities.
Get your quality of life back
If you are ready to get your life back and fully recover from the symptoms of your tennis/golfer’s elbow, we are here to help. Contact Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy today request your appointment.
