Mark (not his real name) always looked forward to Saturday tennis matches with his friends. But after weeks of nagging pain on the outside of his elbow, simple tasks like opening a jar or lifting his racket became challenging. Mark didn’t know it then, but he was dealing with tennis elbow–a painful but easily treatable overuse injury.
While Mark was an avid tennis player, you don’t need to play tennis to develop pain around the inside of your elbow. At Blue Sky Physical Therapy, we see people from different backgrounds develop tennis elbow, and we work with all of them to provide comprehensive care.
To help you better understand this condition, we’ve developed this guide to explore its symptoms, causes, and how physical therapy can offer long-term relief and prevention.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Medically known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. These muscles help you grip, twist, and lift. Repeating the same motion over time causes small tears in the tendon that connect these muscles to your elbow.
Who Gets It?
Anyone can injure their forearm muscles, but it’s especially common in:
- Tennis players
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Gardeners
- Office workers who use a mouse or keyboard for long hours
What Causes It?
This condition is an overuse injury, which means it develops slowly. Some of the most common causes include:
- Repetitive gripping or twisting movements
- Using tools or racquets without proper form
- Lifting heavy objects with a bent wrist
- Poor ergonomics at work
These movements irritate the tendon, leading to inflammation and pain. Typically, symptoms will be mild at first but gradually worsen over time. The sooner you can begin treatment, the better your outcomes will be.
Spotting Tennis Elbow Before It Gets Worse
Knowing what signs and symptoms to look for can help you get the right care early. The most common symptoms include:
- Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Discomfort that worsens with activity, especially lifting or gripping
- Pain that may radiate down your forearm
Prevention Tips
Preventing tennis elbow is all about protecting your forearm from overuse. Here’s what our PTs suggest:
Use Proper Form
- Whether you’re swinging a racquet or using a tool, form matters
Take Breaks
- Rest your arms during repetitive tasks
Strengthen Supporting Muscles
- Strong shoulders and wrists help reduce elbow strain
Warm Up Before Activity
- This prepares your muscles and tendons for use
Adjust Your Workspace
- Use ergonomic equipment that supports natural movement
How Physical Therapy Helps You Find Relief
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for elbow pain. It targets the root cause of the pain and helps you recover safely.
Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment program. While every program is different, here are some of the treatments we might include:
Manual Therapy
- Hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve movement
Modalities
- Tools like ultrasound or ice therapy to reduce inflammation
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
- To rebuild muscle balance in the forearm
Activity Modification
- Learning how to move in ways that reduce strain
Ergonomic Guidance
- Making changes at work or home to avoid reinjury
Ready to Feel Better?
Tennis elbow doesn’t have to keep you from work, sports, or daily activities. If you’re dealing with elbow pain, the Blue Sky Physical Therapy team can help you heal, strengthen, and prevent future injuries. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started!
Tags: elbow pain relief, exercises, overuse injury recovery, tendon health
