Tennis elbow can occur from playing tennis, but it can also occur from any activity that requires your forearm to twist repetitively. It's characterised by inflammation in the tendon that runs from your elbow along your forearm. Without prompt treatment, scar tissue can develop around the tendon, and this can reduce the range of movement in your forearm. Physiotherapy is commonly used to treat tennis elbow, and starting physiotherapy as soon as the condition develops can reduce recovery time and get you back to doing the activities you love quickly.

Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow  

In addition to experiencing a restricted range of movement in your forearm, tennis elbow can cause pain that radiates out from the elbow, particularly when you do anything that requires you to twist your forearm, such as turning a door handle or unscrewing a lid. The muscles in your forearm may become stiff and you may notice some mild swelling. Persisting with activities that cause pain will make the pain worse, while resting your arm for long periods may bring you relief from the pain.

Treating Tennis Elbow

A physiotherapist will confirm you have tennis elbow by observing the range of motion in your forearm and taking details of your symptoms. Tennis elbow is relatively common and straightforward to diagnose. Once diagnosed, your physiotherapist will discuss a suitable treatment approach with you.

Treatment for tennis elbow may include having to rest it for a period of time to allow inflammation to subside. Healing can't happen when inflammation is not brought under control, so depending on your job, you may need to take some time off. If your physiotherapist thinks you would benefit from a course of anti-inflammatories to jumpstart the healing process, they will liaise with your doctor to arrange this. Your physiotherapist may fit you for an elbow armband. This will support and protect your elbow and allow the inflamed tendons to heal by taking pressure off them. Once inflammation is under control, your physiotherapist will show you appropriate forearm exercise that will strengthen your tendons and reduce stiffness. The goal of the exercises is to get you back to doing the activities you enjoy without pain and reducing the risk of tennis elbow recurring.

Tennis elbow can really hinder your ability to carry out day-to-day activities and can interfere with your ability to work. Prompt treatment can reduce recovery time, so contact your physiotherapy service provider if you're experiencing forearm pain or stiffness.