Tennis elbow, also called extensor tendinopathy or lateral epicondylalgia, affects the outer elbow where wrist-extending muscles connect to the upper arm bone. Notably, most people diagnosed with this condition don't play tennis.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
This condition was previously thought to be inflammatory, but recent research indicates the tendons have degraded from excessive loading. Associated weakness may result from pain itself or nerve compression in the forearm, requiring professional diagnosis to determine the exact cause.
Common Causes
Tennis elbow typically develops from:
- Repetitive gripping or sustained gripping postures
- Repeated wrist extension movements
- Activities like squash, tennis, golf
- Extended computer work
- Tool handling and manual work
The Role of the Neck
An important aspect often overlooked is that most tennis elbow cases include some neck component. At Central Lakes Physio, we always assess the cervical spine as part of our comprehensive evaluation, as addressing neck issues often improves elbow symptoms significantly.
Physiotherapy Treatment Approach
Our treatment involves a multi-faceted approach including:
- Pain reduction through ice, rest, splinting, or activity modification
- Forearm muscle release and soft tissue work
- Acupuncture and trigger point needling
- Joint mobilisation and movement therapy
- Stretching and neural mobilisation
- Progressive strengthening exercises
- Cervical spine assessment and treatment
The Role of Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections may help in the early stages when combined with physiotherapy. However, long-term resolution typically requires ongoing physiotherapy and mobilisation rather than injections alone.
Recovery and Prevention
Tennis elbow can be a persistent condition, but with the right treatment approach, most people make a full recovery. Early intervention and addressing all contributing factors—including neck involvement—provides the best outcomes.
If you're experiencing elbow pain during gripping, lifting, or extending movements, please contact us for a comprehensive assessment.