Chronic tennis elbow — or lateral epicondylitis — is one of the most stubborn overuse injuries we treat. Despite its name, fewer than 5 percent of people with this condition actually play tennis. It is far more commonly caused by repetitive gripping, typing, mouse use, and manual labor. If you have had elbow pain that will not go away, you are not alone, and you are not out of options.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow involves degeneration of the common extensor tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle — the bony bump on the outside of your elbow. The wrist extensors (muscles that bend your wrist backward and straighten your fingers) all converge at this point, making it a high-stress area during any gripping or lifting activity.
The term “tendinitis” (implying inflammation) has been replaced in the medical literature by “tendinopathy” (implying degeneration), because research shows the condition is primarily a failure of tendon healing rather than active inflammation. This distinction matters because it changes how we treat it — anti-inflammatory approaches alone are insufficient for a degenerative condition.
Why Rest Alone Does Not Work
Many patients tell us they rested for weeks or months and their elbow still hurts. This is because tendons need load to heal — not rest. When a tendon is unloaded (rested), it actually becomes weaker and less tolerant of stress. The key to treating tendinopathy is progressive loading: carefully introducing mechanical stress that stimulates the tendon to remodel and strengthen.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Our rehabilitation protocol follows the latest tendinopathy research. We begin with isometric exercises (muscle contraction without movement) to reduce pain and begin loading the tendon safely. We then progress to eccentric exercises (slowly lowering a weight with the wrist) that stimulate tendon remodeling. Finally, we introduce heavy slow resistance training that builds tendon capacity to handle real-world demands.
Manual therapy addresses grip strength deficits, wrist and elbow joint stiffness, and referred pain from the neck or thoracic spine. We also evaluate and modify the activities that caused the problem, whether that means adjusting your workstation ergonomics, changing your grip technique, or modifying your training program.
Stop Suffering with Tennis Elbow
If rest, braces, and cortisone shots have not resolved your elbow pain, it is time for a different approach. Contact Kinito Physical Therapy or call (405) 633-0783 to get started with evidence-based treatment that works.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
