Treatment as Physiotherapists

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

During the acute phase, Physiotherapists would aim to relieve pain by using electrotherapy, cryotherapy, dry needling and taping or bracing. Gentle stretching is encouraged to mobilize and reduce pain over the elbow. Moreover, adjusting the lifestyle and using assistive devices during work are essential in reducing further trauma over the elbow. Once the pain is controlled, active exercise would be added into the rehabilitation programme. Physiotherapists would educate patients to perform strengthening exercises for the wrist and finger extensor muscles with symptoms tolerated.

In later stage, physiotherapist may utilize different treatment options such as shockwave therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture and interferential therapy for pain relief and to promote the healing of the overused tendon. Manual therapy may also be used to mobilize the stiff elbow joints and relax the forearm muscles. Progressive exercise including nerve gliding, grip strengthening, wrist and shoulder muscle strengthening will also be taught to improve the whole upper limb kinetic chain. Load management and education is the key to successful rehabilitation for tennis elbow. Our treatment will also emphasize on the modification of posture and lifestyle to tackle to root cause of the problem.