Tennis Elbow Prevention and Treatment with Physical Therapy Expertise – Repeated, jerky movement of the arm overburdens the tendons in the elbow. The prolonged overburdening of these tendons can cause tennis elbow. A single forceful jerk or trauma to the elbow can also cause this condition. Note that tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players. Using tools for plumbing, gardening, or sawing may damage the tendons as well. The senior population faces an even higher risk of developing this condition.

What is a “True” Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is a handy term for people to refer to pain in the elbow area. But its implication is specific. Tennis elbow is a condition caused by the overloading of the common extensor tendon. Medical professionals have categorized it into two types; true tennis elbow and “pseudo,” or false, tennis elbow.

False tennis elbow covers every painful condition unrelated to the common extensor tendon. Elbow pain can heal in a few hours or days. True tennis elbow, on the other hand, can cause discomfort for weeks and months.

Tennis Elbow Prevention

The first step is to identify the activities that put you at the risk of injuring your elbow. Here are some preventative measures to take while playing sports or working:

Improve Your Mechanics

Use techniques that distribute weight in the forearms and biceps while performing tasks. Improve your mechanics of using sports equipment and work tools. Otherwise, incorrect habits will get ingrained in your muscle memory.

One option is to work with a physical therapy expert. They will monitor your movements and suggest exercises and corrective postures.

Arm Exercises

Develop forearm and biceps muscles to enable them to better bear the brunt. The muscle group in those areas absorbs shock while swinging and hitting. Strong muscles mean a lesser burden on the elbow.

Use Better Equipment

Ergonomically designed equipment is easier to grip and use. Sports players can use lighter racquets with cushioned and wider grips to ease tension on the tendons. The same applies to tools.

Use Elbow Bands

Athletes and professionals such as carpenters, plumbers, roofers, and mechanics can consider wearing elbow braces. Keep workplace safety in your mind and discuss the use of elbow braces with your employer. Elbow braces are designed to provide support to elbows during heavy exertion.

Stretching and Yoga

Develop a habit of stretching before exertion or include it in your morning routine. Repeated stretching sessions will increase your body’s flexibility and range of motion.

Get Problems Diagnosed Early

Elbow injuries may start developing without notice. The pain might be too low for you to detect. However, with time the pain can worsen, affecting your daily life. Consult a physical therapist if you notice a constant pain that doesn’t heal over a couple of days.

Tennis Elbow Treatment

“True” tennis elbow can last between six months to two years. An elbow splint or brace will prevent stress on the elbow from accidental jerks.

First Aid

Apply the RICE first-aid method to injuries, (rest, ice, compress and elevate). Rest the injured area. Apply ice to it. Lightly compress the injured area with an elastic medical bandage and raise it above the level of your heart (lie down and prop your elbow on a pillow).

Consult a doctor for medication to help with the pain and swelling and consult with a professional physical therapist.

Recovery

Physical therapy and range-of-motion exercises speed up elbow recovery. Intolerable pain, difficulty doing daily activities, and decreased range of motion necessitate consulting a physical therapist.

In physical therapy, a professional therapist will work one-to-one with you to monitor your progress. They can change the program according to your condition and also suggest other therapies for people who find exercises challenging. One such therapy is acoustic wave therapy.

Surgery

Surgery is the last resort. If physical therapy fails to address the condition, doctors can remove the damaged tendons surgically. After surgery, your tendons will need additional care and time to heal. The joint’s flexibility may also decrease, requiring physical therapy to achieve functionality again.

Tennis Elbow Physical Therapy in Utah

Mountain View Physical Therapy offers proven physical therapies for elbow injuries and other chronic injuries. Our physical therapists can create a custom rehabilitation program depending on the severity of your injury.

We offer acoustic wave therapy and red light therapy for patients who have difficulty doing exercises.

Get back to your favorite sport after completing your treatment. Contact us today to seek help with an injury or chronic pain.