Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness around the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, you don’t have to be a tennis player to suffer from this condition. Whether you’re an athlete, an office worker, or a DIY enthusiast, tennis elbow can make everyday tasks difficult. The good news? Physical therapy can be an effective treatment to help you get back to your normal activities faster. Keep reading to learn how physical therapy at Form & Function Physical Therapy in Rancho Cucamonga CA can help you conquer tennis elbow.
Understanding Tennis Elbow: What Causes It?
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to your elbow become irritated from overuse. It’s often caused by repetitive arm movements that strain the tendons in your forearm, leading to inflammation and pain. While athletes, particularly those who play racquet sports, are at higher risk, tennis elbow also affects people who engage in repetitive tasks, like typing, painting, or using hand tools.
Left untreated, the condition can worsen, leading to chronic pain that interferes with your daily life. The good news is that physical therapy offers a non-invasive, effective approach to treating tennis elbow by addressing the root causes of the condition and promoting healing!
Assessment and Personalized Treatment Plans
The first step in treating tennis elbow with physical therapy is a thorough assessment. At Form & Function Physical Therapy, we will evaluate your symptoms and assess your range of motion, strength, and overall function. By understanding the unique factors contributing to your tennis elbow, we can provide targeted therapy that addresses the underlying issues, helping you recover more effectively.
Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction
Pain and inflammation are the primary symptoms of tennis elbow and managing them is key to your recovery. Physical therapy offers various techniques to reduce pain and inflammation without the need for medications. Manual therapy, including soft tissue massage and joint mobilization, can help improve circulation, relax tight muscles, and alleviate pain at the affected site. In addition to manual therapy, we use things like ultrasound, ice therapy, and electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing. These techniques work together to relieve your discomfort so you can progress through your recovery more quickly and with less pain.
Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
One of the most important components of physical therapy for tennis elbow is a structured exercise program designed to restore strength and flexibility. Weak or tight forearm muscles can place additional stress on your tendons and make your symptoms worse. Through targeted strengthening and stretching exercises, physical therapy helps rebuild muscle balance and reduce strain on the affected tendons.
Progressive Return to Activity
One of the challenges of recovering from tennis elbow is knowing when and how to return to your regular activities without overloading your tendons. Physical therapy provides a structured and progressive approach to reintroducing activities, ensuring that you build strength and endurance gradually. Our therapists will guide you through sport-specific or work-related drills that prepare your arm for the demands of your routine, reducing the risk of re-injury.
Recover from Tennis Elbow with Physical Therapy in Rancho Cucamonga CA at Form & Function Physical Therapy
Tennis elbow doesn’t have to keep you on the sidelines. If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery, contact us today at (888) 619-2885 to schedule a consultation. Let us help you conquer tennis elbow so you can get back to enjoying life!
To learn more about the reliable and quality physical therapy services that we offer, visit us on the web.
