Many everyday functional activities require the use of our wrists and hands. Activities such as pulling weeds when gardening, gripping a hammer, or a backhand stroke in tennis require the use of our wrist extensor muscles.
When these activities are repeated on a consistent basis, the musculotendinous unit can become inflamed and cause unpleasant symptoms. This is referred to as lateral epicondylitis or “tennis elbow.”
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
- Pain in the elbow area after wrist and hand activities
- Pain when the muscle is stretched or when against resistance
- Decreased muscle strength and grip strength
- Tenderness along palpation of elbow
The Rehabilitation Process
Lateral epicondylitis is a very common repetitive strain injury. It is critical to progress with a rehabilitation process as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms.
This rehabilitation process can include:
- Increase flexibility and mobilize scar tissue
- Restore normal joint tracking
- Strengthen the forearm extensor muscles and endurance
- Restore functional abilities
