Is tennis elbow only caused by playing tennis?

No. Most people with tennis elbow don’t play tennis. It’s commonly caused by repetitive gripping, lifting, typing, weight training, pickleball, yard work, or tool use.

Should I rest my elbow completely?

Short-term activity modification can help, but complete rest usually isn’t the solution. Tendons respond best to a progressive strengthening plan (loading), not prolonged inactivity.

Can tennis elbow come from my neck or shoulder?

Sometimes. Neck mechanics and shoulder/scapular control can influence elbow loading and symptoms, which is why an upper-quarter assessment can matter.

Does shockwave therapy work for tennis elbow?

Shockwave therapy can help stimulate a healing response in tendon tissue and reduce pain—especially in chronic cases—and works best when combined with a structured rehab program.

Is dry needling painful?

Dry needling is generally well tolerated. You may feel a brief twitch or temporary soreness afterward, similar to post-workout soreness.

Do I need imaging like an MRI?

Most cases don’t require imaging. If symptoms don’t improve as expected or another condition is suspected, imaging may be considered.

TENNIS ELBOW - LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS

Physical Therapy For Tennis Elbow in River Forest & Oak Park

Q: How long does tennis elbow take to heal?

Many people improve in 4–8 weeks with the right plan. Long-standing cases may take longer, but they often still respond well to progressive rehab and load management.

Expert, Evidence-Based Care at River Forest Health & Wellness

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common cause of pain on the outside of the elbow that can interfere with gripping, lifting, typing, and recreational activities. Despite its name, tennis elbow affects far more than tennis players and is commonly caused by repetitive use of the forearm and wrist.

At River Forest Health & Wellness, we take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to treating tennis elbow by addressing not just the elbow itself, but the entire upper extremity and spine to achieve long-term relief and prevent recurrence.

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What Is Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?

Tennis elbow is a degenerative tendinopathy of the common extensor tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. Modern research shows this condition is not primarily inflammatory, but rather a result of repetitive overload and micro-trauma to the tendon over time.

Because of this, treatments focused only on rest, injections, or braces often provide temporary relief rather than true healing.

Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Symptoms of tennis elbow may include:

Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
Pain with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions
Weak grip strength
Discomfort with typing, using tools, or racquet sports
Pain that gradually worsens over time

Symptoms may start subtly and become more persistent if not properly treated.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is most often caused by repetitive stress to the forearm muscles and tendons. Common contributing factors include:

Repetitive gripping or lifting
Prolonged computer or mouse use
Manual labor or tool use
Racquet sports or golf
Poor shoulder or scapular stability
Cervical spine (neck) referral patterns

Many cases persist because underlying biomechanical issues are never addressed.

How We Diagnose Tennis Elbow

At River Forest Health & Wellness, diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical examination, not just a focus on the elbow.

Our assessment may include:

Detailed history and activity analysis
Elbow, wrist, and forearm examination
Cervical spine screening to rule out referred pain
Shoulder and scapular stability assessment
Grip strength and endurance testing
Repeated movement testing using McKenzie Method principles

Imaging such as X-rays or MRI is rarely required unless symptoms fail to improve or more serious pathology is suspected.

Tennis Elbow Treatment at River Forest Health & Wellness

Our treatment approach is individualized and based on the severity, duration, and contributing factors of your condition.

McKenzie Therapy (MDT)

Identifies directional preference and mechanical contributors
Reduces nerve sensitivity and referred pain
Restores pain-free motion and function

Therapeutic Exercise & Progressive Loading

Isometric and eccentric tendon loading
Forearm endurance and grip strengthening
Shoulder and scapular stability training
Gradual return-to-activity progression

Manual Therapy

Joint mobilization of the elbow, wrist, and shoulder
Soft tissue techniques to improve tissue mobility and circulation

Dry Needling

Reduces muscle guarding and pain
Improves tendon loading tolerance
Enhances local blood flow to degenerative tissue
Improves tissue regeneration

Shockwave Therapy

Stimulates tendon remodeling and collagen repair
Improves pain and function in chronic cases
Especially effective for symptoms lasting longer than 3–6 months

Our goal is long-term resolution, not just short-term pain relief.

Why Tennis Elbow Often Keeps Coming Back

Tennis elbow frequently recurs when treatment focuses only on the elbow. Contributing factors such as shoulder weakness, poor grip mechanics, or neck-related referral patterns can overload the tendon repeatedly.

Research shows that 80–95% of patients improve with conservative, non-surgical treatment when the condition is managed appropriately.

By addressing the entire kinetic chain, we help reduce the risk of recurrence and support long-term healing.

How Long Does Tennis Elbow Take to Heal?

Most patients experience significant improvement within 4–8 weeks when treated appropriately. Chronic cases may require additional time, especially if symptoms have been present for several months.

Consistency with treatment and home exercises is key to recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Elbow

Is tennis elbow the same as lateral epicondylitis?

Yes. Tennis elbow is the common term for lateral epicondylitis, a degenerative condition affecting the extensor tendons on the outside of the elbow.

Do I need an MRI or X-ray?

Most cases do not require imaging. Tennis elbow is typically diagnosed through clinical examination. Imaging is reserved for cases that do not improve or when other conditions are suspected.

Should I stop exercising or lifting weights?

Not necessarily. Complete rest can delay healing. We focus on activity modification and progressive loading to promote recovery while avoiding flare-ups.

Does shockwave therapy really work for tennis elbow?

Yes. Shockwave therapy has strong evidence for chronic lateral epicondylitis and can be highly effective when traditional rehab alone is not enough.

Can tennis elbow come from the neck or shoulder?

Yes. Cervical spine issues and shoulder instability can contribute to elbow pain. That’s why we always assess the entire upper extremity and spine.

Schedule a Tennis Elbow Evaluation in River Forest, IL

If you’re struggling with persistent elbow pain, our team at River Forest Health & Wellness is here to help.