How To Relieve Tennis Elbow Pain: 5 Effective Treatments For Lateral Epicondylopathy

Lateral epicondylopathy, also known as tennis elbow, is a condition that can cause pain and discomfort on the outer part of the elbow, making simple tasks like shaking hands, lifting objects, or playing sports difficult. It occurs when the tendons in the elbow become overstressed due to repetitive movements or overuse, leading to degeneration or microtears in the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon. While tennis elbow is often associated with sports, it can affect anyone who performs repetitive motions, such as those involved in lifting, gardening, or even typing.

Along with pain, common symptoms include tenderness on the outer elbow, reduced grip strength, and sometimes radiating pain down the forearm. It’s a condition that can impact daily activities, but the good news is that there are several effective treatments that can relieve pain and promote recovery. With the right approach, you can regain function and get back to doing what you love. Here are 5 proven ways to treat lateral epicondylopathy effectively.

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Rest is essential in the early stages of recovery. Avoid activities that cause strain on the elbow, particularly those involving repetitive wrist extension or gripping. Instead, modify your activities to reduce stress on the tendon, and use a counter-force brace or elbow strap about 10 cm distal to the elbow joint. This will reduce tension on the tendon and provide relief, especially for individuals under 45 years of age.

2. Ice Therapy

Ice can provide immediate relief by reducing inflammation and numbing the pain. Apply an ice pack to the elbow for 15-20 minutes at a time, especially after activities that trigger pain. Ice therapy helps decrease swelling and provides temporary relief for the acute pain associated with lateral epicondylopathy.

3. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of tennis elbow treatment. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises to:

Strengthen the muscles around the elbow, particularly the forearm extensors, to reduce strain on the tendon.
Stretch the muscles in the forearm and wrist to improve flexibility and prevent further tension.
Correct movement patterns and posture to prevent repetitive strain on the elbow.

Eccentric strengthening exercises, such as the “Tyler Twist” using a Theraband Flexbar, have shown significant pain reduction and improved outcomes for individuals with chronic lateral epicondylopathy.

4. Manual Therapy and Friction Massage

Manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilizations and soft tissue treatments, can help restore normal function to the elbow and relieve pain. Deep friction massage or Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) can be particularly helpful by targeting the tendon and improving tissue pliability. Research has shown that IASTM can provide better outcomes than exercise alone.

5. Injections and Medical Management

For more severe cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments, corticosteroid injections may provide relief by reducing inflammation. However, these should be used cautiously, as repeated use can weaken the tendon over time. Some studies suggest that alternatives such as platelet-rich plasma. (PRP) or prolotherapy (dextrose injections) can be more effective for lateral epicondylopathy, particularly when combined with exercise

Preventing Future Tennis Elbow Flare-ups

Once symptoms improve, it’s important to take steps to prevent recurrence:

Strengthen the forearm muscles regularly to support the elbow.
Practice proper technique when engaging in activities that require gripping or wrist extension, like lifting, playing sports, or using tools.
Use ergonomic adjustments in your work or sports equipment, like a tennis racket with the right grip size or tools with padded handles.

How Cole Pain Therapy Group Can Help

At Cole Pain Therapy Group, we specialize in treating lateral epicondylopathy with a combination of manual therapy, physical rehabilitation, and pain management techniques. Our team of specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your pain and accelerates recovery.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you relieve tennis elbow pain and restore your elbow function.

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Dr. Daniel Smith, DC
2845 Summer Oaks Dr., Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340

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