Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Tennis elbow (also known as Lateral Epicondylitis) can make small daily tasks, like carrying a bag or turning a doorknob, surprisingly uncomfortable. Physical therapy for tennis elbow focuses on reducing tendon irritation while gradually rebuilding the strength your arm needs for work and exercise.
At Active Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Group, the treatment process begins with a consultation. A member of our team will look at how you use your elbow, wrist, and forearm. Then, you’ll come up with a treatment plan.
Tennis elbow treatment plans typically center on physical therapy, with chiropractic care or acupuncture added when we feel they would help you achieve your recovery goals.
What Is Lateral Epicondylitis?
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly called tennis elbow, is an overuse condition involving the tendons that attach the forearm extensor muscles to the outside of the elbow. Repeated gripping or wrist extension can overload these tissues over time. You don’t have to play tennis to develop it. It can result from something as simple as computer work or manual labor, though some people develop it after weight training or while playing other sports.
You’ll usually feel pain near the bony outside of the elbow, though pain can also travel into the forearm. You might also notice discomfort when gripping an object or lifting with your palm facing down. Some individuals experience general forearm weakness as well.
How Does Lateral Epicondylitis Physical Therapy Work?
Most lateral epicondylitis physical therapy programs begin with an assessment of your elbow and forearm. Your physical therapist may also look at wrist mobility and grip strength. If we notice that your shoulder or upper-body mechanics seem to be adding strain, we may also assess movement farther up the arm.
Treatment often includes activity modification and progressive exercise. We may also use manual therapy in cases where stiffness in nearby joints or soft tissue seems to be limiting comfortable movement. As your symptoms settle, we may add strengthening exercises to gradually increase the load your tendon can tolerate.
Your program should help the tendon handle the demands that contributed to the problem, which means, ultimately, you should be able to resume normal activity, whether that’s computer gaming or heavy weight lifting.
Which Exercises Help Tennis Elbow?
Your physical therapist will recommend exercises that load the irritated tendon gradually rather than repeatedly provoking sharp pain.
Some examples may include:
- Wrist extensor stretches performed within a comfortable range
- Isometric wrist exercises that build tension without large joint movement
- Eccentric wrist extension using light resistance
- Grip-strengthening exercises as symptoms improve
- Shoulder or upper-back exercises when those areas affect arm mechanics
Your therapist will likely adjust the resistance and frequency based on how your elbow responds between visits.
Can a Tennis Elbow Chiropractor Help?
Yes, seeing a chiropractor for lateral epicondylitis can complement the gradual strengthening needed for tendon recovery. Active PTC Group’s chiropractic team uses hands-on methods that include Active Release Technique and other approaches for musculoskeletal injuries.
A tennis elbow chiropractor usually focuses on joint restrictions and soft tissue problems, which can change the way force moves through your arm. Chiropractic treatment can involve mobilization of the elbow or wrist. Your chiropractor may also use soft tissue techniques around the forearm muscles and tendons.
Can Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow Help?
Acupuncture for lateral epicondylitis can definitely help support a rehabilitation plan for some patients, but it typically shouldn’t replace the progressive loading used to rebuild tendon capacity. Thus, acupuncture for tennis elbow is often used as a complementary treatment option for pain management.
During acupuncture treatment, a licensed acupuncturist places thin needles at selected points based on your symptoms and clinical findings. Electrical stimulation or trigger point techniques may also be considered when appropriate.
Start Treatment for Tennis Elbow in Midtown Manhattan
Active PTC Group brings physical therapists, chiropractors, and licensed acupuncturists together in our Midtown Manhattan practice. Your treatment plan may use one service or combine approaches based on what’s contributing to your elbow pain.
If tennis elbow is making work or exercise uncomfortable, schedule an evaluation with our team. We can identify the movements that are stressing the area and build a focused plan to help you return to them with improved strength and comfort.
