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Common Conditions

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis Elbow Symptoms, Common Causes and Treatments

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is a painful condition over lateral elbow due to overuse or degeneration of the forearm muscles and tendons, especially the wrist and finger extensors.

Causes and Factors

  • Overuse of forearm extensor muscle group: Common activities triggering tennis elbow are: prolonged computer work, racquet sports such as tennis, badminton, playing musical instrument, laboring work such as sewing or using a screwdriver, prolonged cooking, painting 
  • Aging: Natural degeneration process leads to weakening of forearm muscles and tendons
  • Other risk factors: Smoking, Obesity

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The most common symptoms of tennis elbow include:

  • Pain over the lateral elbow region during wrist movement, especially extension (moving the back of the hand upward)
  • Radiating pain down the lateral forearm and fingers in severe cases
  • Weakness in the affected wrist and hand grip, making it difficult to grasp objects, open jars, or twist a towel

Treatment as Physiotherapists

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, different modalities would be used by Physiotherapists for treating tennis elbow.

Acute Phase Treatment

During the acute phase, physiotherapists aim to relieve pain through electrotherapy, cryotherapy, dry needling, and taping/bracing. Gentle stretching is encouraged to mobilize the elbow and reduce pain. Patients are also advised to adjust their lifestyle and use assistive devices at work to prevent further strain.

As the pain subsides, the rehabilitation program transitions to active strengthening exercises for the wrist and finger extensor muscles.

Later Stage Treatment

In the later stage, physiotherapists may utilize advanced treatments like shockwave therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, and interferential current to promote tendon healing and provide pain relief. Manual therapy is used to mobilize the elbow joint and relax the forearm muscles. Progressive exercises targeting the entire upper limb kinetic chain are introduced, including nerve gliding, grip strengthening, and shoulder/wrist muscle strengthening.

Emphasizing load management, posture correction, and lifestyle modifications is key to successful tennis elbow rehabilitation and preventing recurrence.

Forearm Muscle Strengthening Exercises

  • Wrist Extension: Extend your arm straight, with the palm facing down. Gently extend the wrist. Repeat 10-15 times, 2-3 sets per day.
  • Finger Extension: Make a fist, then slowly open and extend your fingers. Repeat 10-15 times, 2-3 sets per day.
  • Grip Strengthening: Squeeze your fist tightly, feeling the forearm muscles contract. Repeat 10-15 times, 2-3 sets per day.

 

These targeted strength exercises can effectively restore forearm function and prevent recurrence of tennis elbow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery time varies, most cases resolve within 6 to 12 months with conservative treatment. Some may experience longer recovery periods, potentially up to 2 years, especially with severe injuries or if conservative treatments are not followed consistently. 

It is common to experience weakness with gripping in case of tennis elbow. This is because grip strength could be significantly limited by pain due to inflammation of the tendon.

Tennis elbow is a type of overuse injury, caused by excessive strain on the forearm tendons and muscles, resulting in pain on the outer part of the elbow. It is a common upper limb condition.

⁠It is recommended to avoid or modify activities that cause pain, but complete inactivity is not advised. Studies have shown that inflamed or injured tendons often benefit from proper loading and movements as long as pain is kept to a minimum. Physiotherapists could help determine the appropriate load and movements that would facilitate recovery.

The key to preventing tennis elbow recurrence includes:

  1. Regularly performing upper limb strengthening exercises
  2. Using assistive devices like braces during activities
  3. Moderating the intensity and frequency of activities

Testimonials & Reviews

I came to them with chronic neck and knee issues, and they didn't just provide massage therapy. They took the time to thoroughly evaluate the source of my problems and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Through a combination of targeted hands-on therapy, customized strengthening exercises, and patient education, they helped me regain mobility and address the root causes of my pain. I learned the correct ways to strengthen the muscles and improve my posture to prevent future issues.
The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, taking the time to explain everything and ensure I understood how to continue my progress at home. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, I'm now pain-free and able to return to my regular activities without any limitations.
Arthur Liu
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I had never been a believer in physio therapy in the past or that my experience with multiple chain medical physiotherapy center had brought me nothing but temporary improvements. Until I had came across mobilize physiotherapy where they take the extra mile to examine your situation and tailor a physiotherapy session. The physiotherapists at Mobilize not only identifies the root cause and provide massages for pain relievers but also to provide take home exercises for improvements. I was never rush out the door for the next session and they ensure that I had receive the right treatment before the session ends.
I would highly recommend this physiotherapy center.
Edmond Chan
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As someone who regularly goes through the torment of backpain and neck pain, I was recommended by my friend to visit Mobilize Physiotherapy.
Everything - from appointment booking to the physiotherapy session itself - was very professional. Not only did Avery, my physiotherapist. give detailed explanations as he worked through my areas of pain, he taught me a few exercises that improve my core strength, which in turn could reduce my back and neck pain. Now, whenever I experience acute pain, I do these exercises and the pain eases away!
I highly recommend Mobilize Physiotherapy.
William Luk
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Excellent service. The physiotherapists are very professional, easy to communicate with and also give clear instructions on some home exercises that can help ease my pain. As a stay at home mom, I need a lot of strength on my daily routine and whenever I have any pain and problems I go to Avery for therapies and he is always helpful and caring
Highly recommended!
Samantha Lee
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I can't recommend my physio partner enough! They are always patient and provide valuable guidance to help me relieve chronic pain and improve my performance in jiu-jitsu. Their expertise has been invaluable to me. Highly recommended!
Felix Kung
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passionate, precise and comprehensive physiotherapy service, highly recommended for sudden onset or prolonged pain with unknown reason.
Sam Sam
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