Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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Lateral Epicondylitis Release (Tennis Elbow)
Lateral epicondylitis release is a surgical procedure performed to treat symptoms caused by lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow. This condition results from overuse or repetitive strain that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced function. Physiotherapy after lateral epicondylitis release surgery is essential to restore full or near-to-full, painless function in the elbow joint, improve strength, and prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is inflammation of the outer part of the elbow caused by overuse of the forearm and elbow muscles and tendons. Repetitive activities strain the tendons around the lateral epicondyle—the bony prominence on the outer elbow—leading to tissue damage and inflammation. While it is often associated with backhand swings in tennis, many repetitive motions can cause this condition. The primary symptom is tenderness and pain at the lateral epicondyle, which may radiate down the forearm. Bending the wrist, twisting the forearm, or grasping objects can worsen the pain. Tennis elbow can also result in significant weakness and stiffness in the muscles of the elbow, forearm, and wrist.
Tennis elbow can often be successfully managed with a comprehensive physiotherapy programme. However, in severe cases of lateral epicondylitis, surgery may be necessary. Surgery is indicated when the condition causes significant pain and discomfort and conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms. Lateral epicondylitis release surgery works by relieving tension on the affected tendons, addressing severe pain, stiffness, and loss of function associated with tennis elbow.
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) surgery involves a small incision along the outer arm over the lateral epicondyle. The surgeon carefully moves soft tissues aside to access the joint. The extensor tendon is cut at its attachment to the lateral epicondyle, then split, and any adhesions or scar tissue causing symptoms are removed. Bone spurs that may be aggravating the joint are also sometimes removed. In certain cases, the tendon is reattached to nearby soft tissues (fascia). Once the problematic tissues and structures have been addressed, the incision is closed using stitches or sutures.
Physiotherapy following lateral epicondylitis release surgery is essential to ensure the success of the procedure. It helps reduce the risk of complications, restore strength, and regain full or near-full function in the elbow joint, allowing you to return to daily activities and prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Physiotherapy before lateral epicondylitis release
Physiotherapy before lateral epicondylitis release surgery is highly recommended to optimise your recovery. The primary goal of preoperative physiotherapy is to prepare your elbow for surgery, minimise postoperative complications, and promote a faster, smoother recovery. acephysiosports.com provides a tailored programme that focuses on strengthening the muscles around your elbow, wrist, and shoulder, while also incorporating exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance, ensuring your body is fully prepared for the operation.
Symptoms after lateral epicondylitis release
After lateral epicondylitis release surgery, you will initially experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in your elbow joint, along with a temporary reduction in range of movement and function in your arm. Your elbow will be covered with a thick dressing and placed in a removable splint, keeping it bent at a 90-degree angle. A sling will be provided for support during the early stages, and painkillers will be prescribed to manage discomfort. You will be advised to keep your elbow elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling. Physiotherapy should begin immediately after surgery and continue until full or near-full function is regained. In the early stages, repetitive bending or heavy lifting should be avoided, and activities that previously aggravated your tennis elbow should not be performed. Driving is not advised until your elbow has regained full and painless range of motion.
Physiotherapy after lateral epicondylitis release
After medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) surgery, participating in a comprehensive physiotherapy programme is essential to maximise the success of your surgery, reduce the risk of future problems, and restore full or near-full function in your elbow. acephysiosports.com provides a personalised physiotherapy programme that focuses on regaining full range of motion, strengthening the surrounding muscles, and achieving optimal recovery and function in your elbow joint.
1-2 weeks
The primary goals of your physiotherapy immediately after lateral epicondylitis release surgery are to control pain and swelling, reduce stiffness, and maintain mobility and range of movement in your elbow joint. Additionally, physiotherapy will focus on gradually improving strength in your fingers, wrist, shoulder, and unaffected arm to provide extra support and stability for your elbow.
- Control pain and swelling in the elbow joint
- Reduce stiffness and maintain mobility and range of movement
- Improve strength in the fingers, wrist, shoulder, and unaffected arm for extra support
2-6 weeks
After two weeks of recovery following lateral epicondylitis surgery, your physiotherapy programme will continue to focus on controlling any remaining pain and swelling, as well as reducing stiffness in your elbow and arm. At this stage, exercises will be introduced to strengthen the muscles around your elbow and improve range of movement, flexibility, and overall function. Additionally, your programme will continue to target the fingers, wrist, shoulder, and unaffected arm to provide extra support and ensure optimal recovery of your upper limb.
- Controlling any remaining pain and swelling in your elbow and arm
- Reducing stiffness and improving mobility in the elbow joint
- Strengthening the muscles around the elbow to restore function
- Performing range of movement exercises to improve flexibility and motion
- Strengthening and improving function in the fingers, wrist, shoulder, and unaffected arm for overall upper limb support
6-12 weeks
During the later stages of your rehabilitation following lateral epicondylitis release surgery, you will have achieved significant improvements in range of movement, strength, and overall function of your elbow joint. Your physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com will continue to focus on maximising mobility and range of motion in your elbow, while also increasing strength and muscle control in the muscles surrounding your affected elbow, wrist, shoulder, and opposite arm. Exercises will target fine motor control and hand dexterity to further enhance function in your affected upper limb. Additionally, your physiotherapy at this stage will include activities aimed at improving cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance, with emphasis on tasks specific to your daily activities, work, hobbies, or sports. Your therapist will also provide exercises for you to continue independently at home.
- Maximise mobility and range of motion in the elbow
- Increase strength and muscle control in the affected elbow, wrist, shoulder, and opposite arm
- Improve fine motor control and hand dexterity
- Enhance cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance
- Perform activities specific to daily tasks, work, hobbies, or sports
- Continue home exercises provided by the therapist
Full recovery after lateral epicondylitis release surgery typically takes two to three months. The success and speed of your recovery largely depend on your commitment to and adherence with a comprehensive physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com, as well as the preoperative condition of your elbow.
Summary
Lateral epicondylitis release is a surgical procedure to treat tennis elbow, a condition caused by overuse of the forearm and elbow muscles leading to tissue damage and inflammation. The surgery removes damaged tissues to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and reduced upper limb function. Physiotherapy after lateral epicondylitis release is essential to maximise the success of the surgery, achieve full or near-full function in the elbow joint, ensure rapid recovery, and prevent future problems. acephysiosports.com offers a comprehensive physiotherapy programme to help you reach all your rehabilitation goals and return to everyday tasks, work, hobbies, or sport. Call +65 81535374 for more information or to book an appointment.
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