Tennis Elbow: (But I’ve never played Tennis!)
Tennis Elbow Treatment in Townsville: How PhysioPM Can Help You Heal
Tennis Elbow—also known as lateral elbow tendinopathy or lateral epicondylitis—isn't just a condition for professional athletes like Ash Barty or Lleyton Hewitt. In fact, this common injury affects many everyday people, particularly those in physically demanding professions or active hobbies. At PhysioPM in Townsville, we have over a decade of experience in treating conditions such as Tennis Elbow.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis Elbow is an injury to the lateral elbow, where the common extensor tendon attaches to the outer part of the elbow. This condition is typically caused by overuse or repetitive motions that strain the tendon, often leading to pain, limited activity, and long-term discomfort. Although it's more commonly associated with tennis players, Tennis Elbow affects a variety of people, including:
Plasterers
Painters
Paddlers (kayak, canoe, rowing)
Gym goers
In fact, PhysioPM in Townsville treats many people in these professions who experience the pain and discomfort of Tennis Elbow.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow is usually caused by repetitive overuse of the elbow joint, which leads to micro-damage in the tendon. This damage accumulates when the body can’t repair the tissue quickly enough, resulting in chronic pain. Common triggers for Tennis Elbow include:
A sudden increase in upper body exercise or lifting heavier weights
A change in your work routine or workload
Returning to sport or exercise after a break (e.g. after the off-season or injury recovery)
In some cases, medications or specific health conditions
Why You Might Develop Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow isn’t just for tennis players! The condition arises from repeated overuse, especially in activities that involve gripping or lifting. The tendons and muscles in the lateral elbow work to extend the fingers and grip objects. In professions like plastering, painting, and rowing, these repetitive movements can lead to irritation and inflammation of the tendon, but usually only for people being exposed to these activities for the first time or in cases where their exposure has increased significantly in a short space of time.
Interestingly, people who regularly play tennis or perform these work activities tend to have stronger, thicker tendons in this area due to the repeated use of their arms, which can make them less prone to Tennis Elbow. However, overloading the elbow in any profession or hobby can cause the same injury.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms: How Do You Know You Have It?
Common symptoms of Tennis Elbow include:
Pain on the outer part of the elbow (where the tendon attaches)
Pain when lifting heavy objects, gripping, or performing repetitive movements
Tenderness when pressing the side of the elbow
If you're experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek physiotherapy assessment in as soon as possible. At PhysioPM in Townsville, we can assess the injury and develop a personalised treatment plan.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow in Townsville: How PhysioPM Can Help
Resting completely isn’t the solution for Tennis Elbow. In fact, tendons thrive under regular stress and load, but too much of either can worsen the injury. At PhysioPM in Townsville, we take a balanced approach to treatment:
Modify or Reduce Aggravating Activities: We’ll work with you to identify movements that trigger your pain and suggest modifications to reduce strain on your elbow.
Strengthen Your Tendon: Through specific elbow exercises and general strengthening techniques, we’ll help your tendon recover and build resilience to prevent further damage.
Gradual Load Increase: As your tendon tolerates more stress, we’ll increase the intensity of exercises to match your daily demands, whether at work or during physical activity.
Long-Term Recovery Plan: Patience and consistency are key. Recovery from Tennis Elbow can take time, but with the right guidance, you’ll see improvements.
How Long Will It Take to Heal?
Healing from Tennis Elbow is a slow process—sometimes taking months or even years, depending on the severity. Tendons take time to recover, and often, people struggle with managing their work commitments or exercise goals during recovery. At PhysioPM in Townsville, we offer ongoing support and tailored rehabilitation to ensure you stay on track.
Why Choose PhysioPM for Tennis Elbow Treatment in Townsville?
At PhysioPM, we’re committed to helping you get back to your daily activities and sports without the pain of Tennis Elbow holding you back. If you’re struggling with this condition, don’t wait—contact us today to book your assessment with our expert physiotherapists.
