What treatments are available for tennis elbow?

In traditional Physical Therapy - typically use ultrasound, electrical stimulation, stretching, and iontophoresis to decrease the irritation of the lateral elbow tendons.The clinical outcomes are fair to poor on this.

We typically assess restrictions in joint mobility around the elbow and wrist that dictate the movement of the lateral elbow, we also use direct manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue and joint mobilizations. We also have the option to improve muscle trigger points in the elbow through use of trigger point dry needling to improve muscle restrictions. Lastly we assess the cervical spine / neck as well as the peripheral nerves of the upper extremity. Many times the neck or a pinched nerve from above the elbow can cause referred pain in the lateral elbow. We also assess ergonomics that are related to the elbow pain.

Treatment for tennis elbow first begins with understanding why it is happening. This begins with assessment of the shoulder blade and arm bone, which, when improperly functioning, set up the forearm to also function poorly. The shoulder blade is the foundation upon which all arm movement rests and so must be evaluated as well as the arm bone. This in conjunction with treating the deep forearm rotator muscles, typically relieves tennis elbow.