Tis the season to play tennis! The weather is warm, sun is shining and the rackets are out. Tennis is a sport of agility, coordination, and speed. However, too many backhand strokes with improper technique can cause some pain at the outside of the elbow. This condition is known as tennis elbow, which is an overuse injury. This is caused by repeated contraction of the forearm muscles that you use to straighten and raise your hand and wrist. The repeated motions and stress to the tissue may result in inflammation in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow. Tennis elbow can also be found in repetitive arm motions like typing, raking, weaving, painting, and use of plumbing tools.
Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow:
• Recurring pain on the outside of the upper forearm just below the bend of the elbow.
• Pain caused by lifting, bending the arm, or grasping even light objects.
• Difficulty extending the forearm.
• Pain that typically lasts for 6-12 weeks; the discomfort can continue as long as several years.
Relief Of Tennis Elbow
• RICE (Rest- Ice- Compression- Elevate) when injury first occurs.
•     Stretching exercises – 1. Extend the elbow without flexing it to increase the amount of stretch as required. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds. Repeat 5-10 times performed twice a day. 2. Prayer Stretch: Put palms together in front of the chest with fingers together. Keeping palms together, lower hands towards waist, stopping when you feel a stretch under forearms. Hold for 20 seconds repeat four times.
If pain does not subside contact your physical therapist for rehabilitation treatment that will/may manual techniques (stretching, massages), ultrasound (reduce pain/inflammation), strengthening exercises, and a home exercise program.