Ultrasound Therapy May Improve Tennis Elbow Symptoms

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as tennis elbow, is the inflammation and tearing of the common extensor muscles of the wrist at the level of the elbow.  It is usually caused by overuse or repetitive strain and symptoms include pain and weakness of the wrist and forearm. As the name implies, tennis elbow affects as many as 50% of tennis players during their careers, although less than 5% of diagnoses are actually related to playing tennis.

Common treatments for tennis elbow include rest, activity modifications, and a stretching and strengthening program.  Other modalities include local tissue massage, ultrasound and injections of cortisone and platelet rich plasma.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a form of ultrasound treatment designed to stimulate a healing response from damaged tissues.  In a recent study published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Surgery, researchers found this modality effective in 75.7% of patients with tennis elbow. Follow-ups took place an average of two years later where these improvements were maintained. Of course, this modality was used in conjunction with a stretching and strengthening program of the elbow. Learn more about preventive measures, symptoms, and treatments of tennis elbow here.

SimpleTherapy offers customizable exercise therapy programs for the elbow and forearm designed to increase flexibility and strength and reduce discomfort, which may help avoid the need for ultrasound therapy or surgery altogether.