Does Tennis Elbow require physical therapy?
Tennis elbow can be relieved with physical therapy. It will also improve your range-of-motion. A physical therapist will assess your condition, develop a plan of treatment that includes exercises, stretching, and other therapies such as massage, electric stimulation, or ice. The physical therapist will first assess your range of movement and strength. You can get advice on how to modify activities in order to prevent exacerbating symptoms.
- Massage –Massage increases blood flow in the area and reduces inflammation. Massage can be used to strengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons surrounding the elbow. This can prevent further injury.
- Exercises and Stretches –Another important thing you can do to prevent stiffness is to keep moving your arm. It may seem counterintuitive but this is essential to avoid stiffness and further injuries. Physical therapists will show you how to keep your elbow moving, while strengthening and stretching the muscles around it.
Your physical therapist will also use heat or ice as modalities to reduce pain and inflammation. They may also use massage or electrical stimulation to promote healing.
- Electrical stimulation –Electric stimulation is a type of physical therapy used to treat tennis arm. Electric current is used to stimulate muscles and nerves. It can reduce inflammation and pain in the elbow. This can also improve blood circulation and promote healing.
Tennis elbow can be treated very effectively with physical therapy. Physical therapy can reduce pain, increase range of motion and prevent further injury. Don’t hesitate to consult a physical therapist if you have tennis elbow. They can provide you with relief and help you get back to your favorite activities.