If a medical evaluation by your provider has confirmed you are experiencing tennis elbow, this page will explain three phases of treatment, which include:
- Pain management
- Stretch
- Strengthen
1. Manage pain and decrease "inflammation"
- Take oral or topical NSAIDS (if not contraindicated). Examples include Ibuprofen, Naproxen or Diclofenac Gel.
- Ice 3-4 times a day for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Wear a Counterforce Elbow Brace.
- Judicious use of cortisone shot.
- Exercises to gradually stretch and strengthen your forearm muscles.
To protect your injured elbow, keep your palms up when you lift or carry.
2. Stretch
Forearm muscle stretches
Hold for 5-10 seconds and repeat frequently throughout the day.
3. Strengthen
Eccentric strengthening of forearm muscles
Start with these if wrist extension curls are too painful. Three sets of 10-12 repetitions.
Starting position (left). Use uninjured hand to release tension or strain as injured hand is cocked back.
Slowly control the pull of the band. Finishing position (right).
Wrist extension curl
Three sets of 10-12 repetitions.
Starting position
Finishing position
Resisted Finger Extension
Three sets of 10-12 repetitions.
