Tennis elbow is a type of tendinitis that affects the tendon running along the back and outside of your elbow. Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons that occurs from repetitive use of the tendon, such as when swinging a tennis racket. But don’t let the name fool you. Tennis elbow can affect anyone who uses their elbows for repetitive tasks. Even typing for hours on end at a computer can give you tennis elbow.
Because tennis elbow is so common, it’s important that people have access to treatment for it. Fortunately, many people who are affected by tennis elbow can visit a physical therapist for treatment.
Why physical therapy for tennis elbow?
You have a few different options when it comes to treating tennis elbow. You could take medication to try to reduce inflammation and mask the pain or you could eventually turn to surgery. These treatments come with negative consequences, though.
Surgery is risky and requires a lot of time for recovery. Medications come with undesirable side effects and can cause addiction.
Physical therapy doesn’t have these kinds of negative consequences. It empowers your body’s own resources with natural, medically proven treatments that can help reduce your pain and improve your range of motion.
How do physical therapists treat tennis elbow?
At Whatcom Physical Therapy in Ferndale, Washington, each of our patients’ treatments are personalized to their needs. If you visit us for tennis elbow treatment, we’ll develop a custom treatment for you that will likely include:
- Therapeutic exercise and stretching — Exercises and stretches help improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles and soft tissue in your elbow. This helps improve the condition of your inflamed tendon and reduces pressure off of it while it’s recovering.
- Soft tissue mobilization — Physical therapists can use their hands to guide work out tension in the elbow and any scar tissue that may be contributing to your pain. These mobilization techniques can help improve your range of motion as well as reduce your pain.
- Activity guidance — The way you’re using your elbow for physical activity may be putting more strain on the tendon than necessary. Your physical therapist can help you correct your posture and technique for various physical activities to help prevent future tennis elbow problems.
Visit Whatcom Physical Therapy in Ferndale, WA, for tennis elbow treatment
Do you have long-lasting pain in the back of your elbow that’s limiting the use of your arm? Don’t wait around for the pain to make your life more challenging. Talk to a physical therapist at Whatcom Physical Therapy in Ferndale today about what we can do for you. Contact our team today for more information about tennis elbow treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.
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