Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Tennis Elbow
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis or extensor tendinopathy, is a condition involving inflammation or degeneration of the tendons on the outer part of the elbow. These tendons connect the forearm muscles to the arm bone and are responsible for movements of the wrist, hand, and fingers. Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect anyone—not just athletes. Physiotherapy is a proven and effective treatment approach to reduce pain, restore function, and promote long-term recovery.
How Does Tennis Elbow Happen?
Tennis elbow typically develops due to repetitive overuse of the forearm muscles, particularly those involved in wrist and hand movements. These actions strain the tendons on the outside of the elbow that anchor the muscles to the arm bone. Repeated stress can lead to tiny tears within the tendon tissue. As the body attempts to heal this damage, inflammation or tendon degeneration occurs, resulting in pain and reduced function. Although commonly associated with racquet sports, tennis elbow can affect anyone performing repetitive arm activities—such as typing, lifting, painting, or using tools.
What Are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
The most common symptom of tennis elbow is a gradual onset of pain along the outer part of the elbow and forearm. Initially, discomfort may only occur after wrist or hand activity and may be relieved by rest or heat (e.g., a warm shower). A feeling of tightness or stiffness around the elbow may also be present. However, if the condition is left untreated and the arm continues to be used, the tendon damage may worsen. Over time, pain can become more frequent and intense, eventually occurring even at rest.
Other symptoms may include:
- reduced range of movement
- swelling/inflammation
- stiffness
- weakness
- numbness
What Should I Do if I Have Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow often does not resolve on its own and can worsen without appropriate care. If you suspect you may have tennis elbow, it’s important to consult a physiotherapist for a proper assessment and treatment plan. In the meantime, you can begin initial self-care by applying ice to the affected area. Use a cold pack, such as a bag of frozen peas or crushed ice wrapped in a damp towel, and apply it to the outer elbow for 15–20 minutes. Repeat this several times a day to help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the effective treatment and long-term management of tennis elbow. Your physiotherapist will begin with a thorough assessment to diagnose the condition, evaluate its severity, and tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs. This plan often includes activity modification to reduce strain on the elbow, the use of electrotherapy to promote healing, and manual therapies such as massage and stretching to relieve tension and improve mobility. A progressive strengthening program will also be introduced to rebuild tendon resilience and restore function.
Other physiotherapy options include:
- Taping
- Sports Injury Rehab
- Proprioceptive Exercise
- Postural Realignment
What Shouldn’t I Do If I Have Tennis Elbow?
If you suspect you have tennis elbow, it’s important not to ignore the pain. Leaving the condition untreated can lead to a longer recovery period, potentially causing months of discomfort and delaying your return to normal activities or sports. Early intervention is key to a quicker and more complete recovery.
Could There Be Any Long-Term Effects From Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow typically does not cause long-term problems if it is properly diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. However, if left unmanaged, it can result in persistent pain around the outer elbow and extended time away from daily tasks or athletic pursuits. Seeking early treatment helps prevent these prolonged effects.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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- Taping
- Postural Realignment
- Ergonomic Assessment
- Acupuncture