Do I Need Physical Therapy for Tennis Elbow?
Physical therapy can help relieve the pain associated with tennis elbow and improve your range of motion. A physical therapist can help assess your condition and develop a treatment plan that may include exercises, stretches, and other therapies (such as massage, ice, and electric stimulation). He will start by assessing your range of motion and strength. They can also provide guidance on how to modify your activities to avoid exacerbating your symptoms.
- Massage – Massage can help to increase blood flow to the area, which will help to reduce inflammation and pain. Massage can also help to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the elbow, which can help to prevent future injury.
- Stretches and exercises – One of the most important things you can do is to keep your arm moving. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s essential to prevent stiffness and further injury. Physical therapists can show you a variety of exercises that will help keep your arm moving while also stretching and strengthening the muscles and tendons around the elbow joint.
In addition to exercises, your physical therapist may also use modalities such as heat or ice to help reduce inflammation and pain. They may also use electrical stimulation or massage to promote healing.
- Electric stimulation – One type of physical therapy that can be used to treat tennis elbow is electric stimulation. It involves using electrical current to stimulate the muscles and nerves. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the elbow. It can also help to improve blood flow and promote healing.
Physical therapy can be very effective in treating tennis elbow. It can help to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and prevent future injury. If you’re dealing with tennis elbow, don’t hesitate to seek out the help of a physical therapist. With their expertise, they can help you find relief from your pain and get you back to enjoying your favorite activities.