What Is Lateral Epicondylitis?
Lateral epicondylitis affects the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. These muscles help extend the wrist and fingers and are used during activities involving gripping and lifting.
Repeated or excessive stress can cause the tendon to become irritated and painful. Although the term epicondylitis suggests inflammation, persistent cases are often associated with changes in the tendon related to overload rather than inflammation alone. For this reason, the condition is also sometimes referred to as lateral elbow tendinopathy.
Common Causes
Lateral epicondylitis can develop when the forearm muscles and tendons are exposed to more stress than they can tolerate. Common contributing factors include:
- Repetitive gripping or lifting
- Frequent wrist or forearm movements
- Typing or computer work
- Manual labor
- Gardening or household activities
- Racquet sports
- Golf
- Strength training
- A sudden increase in activity
Common Symptoms
- Pain or tenderness on the outside of the elbow
- Pain that may travel into the forearm
- Discomfort with gripping or shaking hands
- Pain when lifting objects
- Weakness with gripping
- Pain with wrist or finger movements
Even simple tasks, such as holding a phone, carrying groceries, or pouring a drink, may become uncomfortable.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
1. Identifying Activities That Aggravate Symptoms
This may include evaluating:
- Work-related activities
- Exercise routines
- Sports participation
- Lifting techniques
- Computer or desk setup
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements
2. Managing Pain and Irritation
- Activity modification
- Education on managing tendon load
- Manual therapy techniques
- Bracing or taping when appropriate
- Therapeutic exercise
3. Progressive Strengthening
Strengthening is one of the most important components of rehabilitation for tendon-related pain.
Your therapist may prescribe exercises targeting:
- Wrist extensors
- Forearm muscles
- Grip strength
- Shoulder and upper-arm muscles
Exercises are gradually progressed to improve the tendon’s capacity to tolerate everyday activities, work, and sports.
4. Improving Movement and Body Mechanics
The way you perform repetitive activities can influence how much stress is placed on the elbow.
A physical therapist may evaluate how you:
- Lift objects
- Grip tools
- Perform exercises
- Use a computer
- Play sports
Small changes in technique, posture, or equipment may help reduce unnecessary strain.
5. Creating a Safe Return-to-Activity Plan
Returning to activity too quickly can cause symptoms to flare up again. Physical therapy provides a structured plan to gradually increase activity based on your symptoms, strength, and functional goals.
Whether your goal is returning to tennis, strength training, work, or simply completing daily tasks without pain, your rehabilitation program can be tailored to your needs.
When Should You Seek Help?
Consider seeing a physical therapist or healthcare provider if your elbow pain:
- Persists or continues to worsen
- Interferes with work, exercise, or daily activities
- Causes noticeable weakness
- Does not improve with activity modification
- Is associated with numbness, tingling, or significant swelling
Because several conditions can cause elbow pain, a thorough evaluation can help determine whether your symptoms are related to lateral epicondylitis or another condition.
The Bottom Line
Physical therapy can help reduce pain, identify contributing factors, improve strength, and gradually rebuild your tolerance to gripping, lifting, work, and exercise. Call Respire Physical Therapy at the Falls Church Location (703-671-1871) or the Annandale Location (571-369-6728) to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled Physical Therapists today! Click here to request an appointment online and we will contact you as soon as possible.
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