If you have pain, stiffness, or difficulty gripping objects, you may have symptoms of elbow tendinitis. While this condition is known as “tennis elbow,” less than 10% of cases result from playing this sport.
Elbow tendinitis can be caused by overuse and repetitive strain and may result from common activities like typing or painting. Symptoms often develop gradually and worsen over time. However, physical therapy may be able to alleviate its symptoms.
Here are three physical therapy techniques commonly recommended to relieve elbow tendinitis.
3 options physical therapists recommend to relieve elbow tendinitis
When you begin physical therapy for tennis elbow, your physical therapist can recommend safe and effective treatments that are personalized to you. Some of these recommendations may include the following:
1. Rest and activity modification
Resting and adjusting your daily activities may help you heal from elbow tendinitis. Reducing or temporarily avoiding activities that trigger your symptoms can help ease pain. A physical therapist can also help you identify these triggers and recommend modifications to support your daily routine. For instance, they might suggest that you drink your morning coffee or tea with your noninjured hand to rest your injured elbow.
2. Ice therapy
Applying ice or a cold compress to your elbow can help reduce pain and swelling. Your physical therapist may recommend 15 to 20 minutes of ice therapy, several times a day to help ease your elbow tendinitis pain. If you’re using an ice pack, be sure that you wrap it in a towel or paper towel to improve your comfort while icing your elbow.
3. Stretching and strengthening exercises
Performing stretching and strengthening exercises can help build muscles, increase range of motion, and improve flexibility. Your physical therapist can guide you through gentle exercises that can relieve pressure on the affected tendon and help reduce your pain.
Additionally, your treatment plan will be personalized to include safe, effective exercises that support symptom relief. For instance, your physical therapist may have you do wrist curls to strengthen the forearm muscles that support your elbow. They may also have you perform wrist flexion and extension stretches to stretch your forearm muscles.
Ease your elbow tendinitis pain at REPAIR SI
If your elbow tendinitis is interfering with your daily activities, you may want to explore treatment options. Fortunately, there are several treatments you can try to alleviate your pain and find the relief you need. With support from a compassionate and knowledgeable physical therapist, you can explore personalized physical therapy techniques that are intended to ease your elbow tendinitis symptoms. At REPAIR SI, our team can personalize a treatment plan that’s safe and effective for you. Ready to get started?
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.