Tennis Elbow: Understanding and Overcoming Discomfort

It’s not your grandpa’s arthritis or your aunt’s carpal tunnel syndrome we’re talking about here. We’re addressing tennis elbow, an all-too-common ailment that can be as tenacious as a Wimbledon final between Nadal and Federer. And guess what? You don’t even have to play tennis to fall victim to this repeating champ of a nuisance. So, let’s serve up some facts and turn you into a pro at understanding and managing this condition.

The Fault: A Basic Overview of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, scientifically dubbed ‘lateral epicondylitis,’ is a type of tendinitis. It involves the swelling of tendons — that rebellious group of robust tissues that tenaciously link your bones and muscles. Specifically, the discomfort begins at the outside of the elbow and spreads into your forearm and wrist. You might be laboring under the delusion that tennis elbow is exclusive to those who frequent verdant tennis courts or play several hours of virtual tennis on their Wii. Sorry to disappoint, but the condition can afflict anyone who uses their arm, particularly the elbow joint, in repetitive movements.

The Backhand: Recognizing the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Small discomforts like pain or burning on the outside of your elbow can be an incognito tennis ball speeding towards you at a 100 mph. Other symptoms such as grip weakness could be the personal invitation from the tennis elbow federation. Scarier still, morning stiffness coupled with a persistent inability to fully extend your forearm may already be the start of an intense match that you’re not winning.

The Serve: How Physical Therapy Helps with Tennis Elbow

The ball is now in your court. Now, it’s all about management. And more importantly, choosing the right team to coach you. Enter Stern Therapy. Imagine an experienced coach, a sturdy racquet, a resilient sweatband, and even those little tennis elbow straps—Stern Therapy is all that and more. Our physical therapists are always ready to bring their A-game, analyzing your pain, studying your movement, and crafting a personalized training plan that puts you back in the game.

The Forehand: Stern Therapy’s Approach

At Stern Therapy, we don’t merely treat the symptoms; we ace them. One might even say we smash them. After targeting your diagnosis like a well-placed baseline shot, our therapists work diligently to improve your performance. Our therapy includes forearm strengthening exercises, mobility maneuvers, and tried-and-true treatments like hot or cold therapy. You may think that the road to recovery involves resting your racquet, but Stern Therapy will have you playing better than ever before.

Physical Therapy Takeaway

Getting sidelined by a simple thing like tennis elbow can be like we’re trailing 40-Love in the match of your life. But remember, even the greats had to face and overcome injuries. With Stern Therapy, you’ll find a dedicated team ready to help you win your match against tennis elbow pain. So, if you’re a physical therapist, think about joining our team at Stern Therapy. Relish in your career, celebrate the wins, learn from the inevitable unforced errors and, above all, enjoy shaping the lives of the patients you touch. Enjoy a career that’s as fulfilling as a perfectly swung grand slam shot! Because at Stern Therapy, we are the tip of the spear, the best physical therapy in the country.