Tennis elbow is a common condition caused by repetitive strain on the muscles and tendons of your arm, forearm, and hand. It can be incredibly painful, making simple tasks like picking up a cup of coffee or opening a door an ordeal. But don’t worry—there are several physical therapy treatments that can help alleviate the pain and get you back to your normal routine quickly.
Rest & Ice Your Arm
The first step in treating tennis elbow is to rest your arm as much as possible for the first few days after the onset of symptoms. Applying ice packs for 15 minutes at a time throughout the day can also help reduce swelling and ease pain. It's important to take regular breaks during activities that require use of your arm, such as playing tennis or lifting weights.
Strengthening Exercises
Once you have rested your arm, you should begin exercises designed specifically to target the muscles in your forearm and shoulder that are causing you pain. These strengthening exercises will help improve flexibility and strength in those areas so that they are better able to handle the strain of everyday activities like typing, carrying groceries, or playing sports. Be sure to talk to your physical therapist about which exercises are best for you before beginning any type of exercise program.
Stretching Exercises
In addition to strengthening exercises, stretching can also be helpful in alleviating pain associated with tennis elbow. Stretching helps improve flexibility in the affected area as well as increase blood flow and circulation which can reduce stiffness and soreness in your muscles and tendons. Again, talk to your physical therapist about which stretches are best for treating tennis elbow before attempting any new stretches on your own.
Conclusion:
Tennis elbow is painful but treatable condition with physical therapy treatments such as rest & ice, strengthening exercises, and stretching exercises. Talk to your physical therapist about what type of treatment plan they recommend for you so that you can get back to doing all the activities you enjoy without worrying about pain or discomfort! With the right approach, tennis elbow doesn't have to put a damper on all of life's fun activities!