If you are struggling with pain around the outside of the elbow, you are likely suffering from lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as Tennis Elbow, Tendinitis, or golfer’s elbow. Treatment is essential to prevent this problem from worsening and becoming a lifelong condition. It is caused by repetitive strain that leads to micro-tears in the tendons, resulting in inflammation and high levels of pain.
However, one of BPC Physio’s services is elbow pain treatment, tackling the cause of the pain and ensuring clients get their full elbow function back as soon as possible. If you have any concerns or are experiencing wrist, forearm, or elbow pain, contact us now to find out about the care and epicondylitis treatment we can provide for you.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms and Treatment
If you are unsure whether or not you need Tennis Elbow physical therapy, here are some common symptoms to look out for:
- Weak grip
- Decrease in overall strength
- Pain or tenderness around the elbow
- Radiating pain from the elbow to the forearm or wrist
- Performance of regular tasks becoming a struggle
- Stiffness around the elbow joint
- Shaking hands
If you feel you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may need tennis elbow physiotherapy treatment. At BPC Physio, Tennis Elbow treatment may consist of physical therapy sessions to enhance function, flexibility, and strength, support and guidance with modification of daily activities, ice therapy sessions, and bracing or splinting. Additionally, we may recommend a course of anti-inflammatory medication and, in severe cases, corticosteroid injections or referral to a hospital when surgery is necessary.
Every client who walks through our door for tendonitis elbow treatment will receive a fully tailored and comprehensive approach to suit their specific needs. It will start with a consultation, where we address the pain and its cause; then, we design an individualised exercise program, customised manual therapy sessions and an ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation treatment plan. BPC Physio is dedicated to alleviating your pain, so you will receive every bit of guidance and support needed to get you back to your best health.
Benefits of Tennis Elbow Physical Therapy
Shortly after beginning tendonitis elbow treatment at BPC Physio, you will start to feel a plethora of benefits in your daily life. Some of the benefits you’re likely to experience when joining us for Tennis Elbow physical therapy include the following:
- Reduced Pain
With targeted exercise and manual physical therapy techniques, pain and inflammation are almost instantly addressed.
- Enhanced Flexibility and Strength
Stretching and strengthening exercises are carefully designed to improve muscle function and reduce strain on the tendons.
- A Speedy Recovery
When elbow pain treatment is structured correctly, the healing process will be accelerated, resulting in a fast and safe recovery.
- Recurrence Prevention
One of the most important benefits you will experience when taking part in epicondylitis treatment is the reassurance that you are unlikely to suffer from elbow pain in the future.
Elbow Pain FAQs
Can tennis elbow self-heal?
Tennis elbow may improve on its own, but complete self-healing is less common. Rest and avoiding aggravating activities are essential for recovery. Severe or persistent cases may benefit from medical treatment or physical therapy.
Does physical therapy help tennis elbow?
Yes, physical therapy can be effective in treating tennis elbow. Therapists use exercises, manual techniques, and modalities to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen the affected muscles and tendons, promoting healing and recovery.
What exercises should you not do with tennis elbow?
Avoid exercises that stress the forearm muscles, such as heavy lifting or repetitive gripping. Movements like tennis strokes should also be avoided during the acute phase to prevent further irritation of the affected area.
Should I ice or heat golfer's elbow?
In the early stages of golfer’s elbow, icing can help reduce inflammation. For chronic cases, heat therapy may improve blood flow and promote healing. Consult a healthcare professional or physiotherapist for the best approach.
How long does golfer's elbow take to heal?
The healing time for golfer’s elbow varies based on its severity and the effectiveness of treatments. It may take a few weeks to several months for complete healing. Rest, therapy, and proper management can expedite the recovery process.
Why is my elbow so stiff?
Elbow stiffness can result from various factors, including inflammation, muscle tightness, or joint immobility. Physiotherapy, stretching, and gentle exercises can help restore elbow mobility and reduce stiffness effectively.
Why does elbow tendinitis take so long to heal?
Elbow tendinitis involves repetitive strain and microtears in the tendons, leading to a slow healing process. Adequate rest, avoiding aggravating activities, and following a structured physiotherapy program contribute to healing.
Does tendinitis ever fully heal?
Tendinitis can heal with proper care, but it may recur if activities causing strain on the tendons continue. Complete healing is possible with adequate rest, targeted exercises, and lifestyle modifications to prevent reinjury.
How do I get rid of my tennis elbow?
To alleviate tennis elbow, rest the affected arm, apply ice, and consider over-the-counter pain relievers. Seeking physiotherapy for specialized exercises, manual therapy, and advice on modifying activities is essential for recovery.
Can you still work out with tennis elbow?
Depending on the severity, you may need to modify your workout routine to avoid activities that worsen tennis elbow. It’s best to consult a physiotherapist for appropriate exercises that promote healing while protecting the affected area.
BPC’s 4 step process was established by our team of expert physiotherapists to best guide you through a successful recovery while empowering patients to take charge of their health through our personalized exercise program.
The first step in recovery is to relieve immediate pain. We use state-of-the-art machines, including ultrasound, laser, and shockwave devices, to reduce the discomfort and pain your muscles are experiencing. This then allows your body to relax and return to its full function.
Using manual therapy, our therapists will use their ‘hands on’ clinical massage to loosen and improve the mobility of the joints, soft tissues and nerves. This will unbind your tense muscles and eventually provide the mobility leading to increased range of motion
Once your muscles are loosened, our therapists will work on increasing your range of motion. This allows your joints or muscles, which are no longer painful, to move closer to their full range. This process involves moving in the correct direction, speed, and technique to prevent further complications. As you get stronger, you will progress into the exercise phase of recovery.
To complete the process, we will work with you on proper form and exercise techniques to ensure your pain and complications do not return. This allows you to live a healthier and happier life both physically and mentally while spending more quality time with your loved ones.
