Tennis elbow physical therapy is a safe, conservative treatment that focuses on the tendons and muscles of the forearm. Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that can affect anyone but is more common among tennis players, plumbers, and others who do repetitive motions. If you're suffering from this painful condition, consult a physical therapist to devise a strategy for getting you back to all of your favorite activities.
Physical Therapy's Advantages
A physical therapist is highly trained to assess your condition and determine the best course of action to bring you back to feeling like yourself. Many persons with tennis elbow prefer physical therapist-administered conservative therapy because they consider the full picture rather than just treating the injury. Take a look at the advantages listed below.
Muscle Strengthening
Tennis elbow treatment will include a variety of exercises and stretches to aid in the recovery of your tendonitis. By enhancing your endurance to repetitive stress, strengthening your forearm muscles can help prevent future elbow pain and injury. Your physical therapist will walk you through a series of strengthening exercises that you can practice at home, frequently providing you with a paper that explains how to do each one.
Boost Your Mobility
Physical treatment isn't only about getting bigger muscles. It also helps to keep your muscles and tendons supple by moving them. To rebuild grip strength, relieve pain, and enhance general function, it's critical to mobilizing your elbow joint as soon as possible. It's simple to let your armrest for too long if you're suffering from tennis elbow symptoms. While some relaxation is necessary, too much rest can result in a loss of arm strength and function. Working with your physical therapist will keep your arm mobile and help you avoid this.
Speed Recovery
The sole purpose of a physical therapist is to help you get better faster. They have you do an exercise routine that will help you heal faster. Exercising and stretching bring more blood to the working area. By supplying more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and tendons, improved blood flow will aid in the healing process. Physical therapy can help your arm in a variety of ways.
Pain Reduction
Your physical therapist will be able to suggest several ways to assist you find relief from tennis elbow pain. They may recommend ice packs, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, and wearing a brace, among other things. While a physical therapist's primary goal is to rehabilitate your elbow, becoming pain-free is an important aspect of the healing process.
Rehabilitation that does not require surgery
Tennis elbow is often treated with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and rest. When you visit with your doctor and physical therapist, they will most likely talk about their rehabilitation goals. Bring your own goals and expectations to your appointments. The recuperation expectations of a recreational tennis player vs a professional tennis player are vastly different.
Objectives
The early aim of nonsurgical tennis elbow therapy is to enhance muscular endurance and establish a defense against the recurrent forearm and elbow trauma. The ultimate goal is to get you back to your daily activities and sports that you like.
Timeline
Your physical therapist will prescribe an exercise and stretching program for you to follow for six to twelve weeks. However, follow any recommendations that are offered to you. Your physical therapist can provide you a preventive maintenance plan once the initial rehab program is completed to keep this uncomfortable condition at bay.
Rehabilitation Following Surgery
If your doctor and physical therapist have determined that your tennis elbow is severe enough to require elbow surgery, your rehab will be quite different. You'll need to wear a sling or brace for the first few weeks after surgery to protect and immobilize your elbow. Your surgeon will have you stretch your elbow after the initial recovery period to mobilize the joint.
Objectives
The surgery's purpose is to remove the injured tendon, allowing you to move your elbow more freely and painlessly. After surgery, you should expect some stiffness in your arm and elbow for a few weeks. Though surgery is the last choice, the vast majority of people who have it experience relief from elbow pain.
Timeline
You should be able to return to work in six to twelve weeks after surgery. If your employment necessitates a lot of arm and elbow movement, you may need to make some adjustments. Lifting anything heavy during the initial recuperation period is also discouraged. In most cases, your surgeon would advise you to wait four to six months before exercising or playing racquet sports again.
Physical Therapy that is both safe and effective
Tennis elbow can be treated with physical therapy, which is a safe and effective treatment option. A physical therapist will assess your situation and devise workouts and stretches tailored to your needs. Other approaches, like massage and bracing, may be recommended if you require extra pain relief.