Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons in the forearm. While it’s often associated with tennis players, anyone who engages in repetitive wrist and arm movements—such as office workers, carpenters, and musicians—can develop this painful condition.
If left untreated, tennis elbow can interfere with daily activities and reduce grip strength. Fortunately, with the right treatment approach, including physical therapy, many individuals recover fully. Read on to learn about the causes, symptoms, and expert-backed strategies to manage tennis elbow effectively.
Tennis elbow is a form of tendinitis that occurs when the tendons in the elbow become inflamed due to repetitive stress. The condition primarily affects the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon, which helps stabilize the wrist and is involved in gripping motions.
Despite its name, most cases of tennis elbow occur in people who don’t play tennis. Any activity that involves repetitive wrist extension—like typing, painting, or lifting—can strain the tendons and lead to inflammation.
For a more detailed explanation, check out Mayo Clinic’s guide on tennis elbow.
Tennis elbow symptoms usually develop gradually and worsen over time. Common signs include:
Symptoms are often aggravated by activities that require wrist extension or gripping. If left untreated, pain can become persistent and impact daily function.
Seeking physical therapy near you can be one of the most effective ways to recover from tennis elbow. A physical therapist in NYC or your local PT clinic near you can help with:
While professional treatment is crucial, adopting certain lifestyle changes can help accelerate recovery and prevent future flare-ups.
Reducing activities that aggravate symptoms is essential. If repetitive wrist movements are unavoidable, using an ergonomic grip or alternating hands can help prevent strain.
Applying ice packs for 15–20 minutes several times a day can reduce inflammation and numb pain.
Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can improve tendon resilience. A physical therapist in Manhattan can design a program tailored to your specific needs.
For athletes and manual workers, using equipment with the right grip size and weight distribution can minimize tendon stress.
Avoid rushing back into repetitive activities. A gradual increase in intensity allows tendons to rebuild strength safely.
If your symptoms persist for more than a few weeks despite rest and home treatment, it may be time to consult a specialist. A doctor can assess the severity of your condition and recommend interventions like corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
A physical therapy place near you can also provide structured rehabilitation programs to enhance recovery and prevent recurrence.
Tennis elbow can be a frustrating condition, but with early intervention and the right treatment plan from a physical therapist in NYC on MotionSync—you can regain function and prevent chronic pain. If you’re looking for expert guidance, consider visiting a physical therapist or your nearest PT clinic for a customized approach to healing by finding the right PT for you now on MotionSync.