Are you wondering where does tennis elbow hurt? Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a type of tendinitis that causes pain and tenderness where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump outside of the elbow. This condition can also radiate into the upper or lower arm and impact activities done with the hands such as gripping or lifting objects.
Although this injury is often derived from overuse in sports like tennis, it can also be caused by other activities that require repetitive motion in the wrist and arm such as in painters or carpenters. If tennis elbow is impacting your quality of life, read the following article to learn about the treatments that can help you find lasting relief.
Treating the source of your tennis elbow pain
In order to treat where your tennis elbow is hurting, physical therapy is often recommended as a safe and effective tool to reclaim your life from this condition without the use of possibly harmful pain medication or surgical intervention.
A physical therapist can work with you to improve the strength and flexibility of your forearm muscles, increase blood flow to the tendons, promote healing and educate you on lifestyle modifications to help you get back to your active lifestyle.
This can be accomplished through physical therapy methods, such as:
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening techniques
- Wrist extension and flexion
- Light manual therapy
- A tennis elbow strap
- Muscle stimulators
Hot and cold therapy between visits may also be recommended to reduce swelling or the irritated tendons.
Starting tennis elbow treatment at Whatcom Physical Therapy
Whether you’re an avid tennis player or you got injured while on the job, turn to the specialists at Whatcom Physical Therapy to help you return to your daily routine. We can determine the tennis elbow treatments best suited for your specific needs. Our clinics around the Whatcom County, Washington, area focus on patient-centered care and getting you started on the path to wellness as soon as you walk through the door.
For more information on our treatment methods for where your tennis elbow is hurting or to schedule an initial appointment with our team, contact us today.