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Does Physical Therapy Heal Tennis Elbow?

Vector Wellness

Updated: Jun 6, 2023



Tennis, the sport that combines elegance, athleticism, and the occasional grunt, can be a real pain in the elbow. Quite literally! Tennis elbow, the nemesis of many racquet-wielding warriors, can seriously dent your game. There is good news: physical therapy is a way to heal tennis elbow and other tennis-related injuries.


Physiotherapy is meant to heal and maintain your well-being. Vector Wellness believes in Active Therapy which provides a personalized treatment plan to help you return to your pre-injury condition as quickly as possible.

Call us at (519) 671 8462 or reach the Vector Wellness team online.



Physical Therapy and Tennis-Related Injuries; Can it Heal Tennis Elbow?

Tennis is a highly engaging and physically demanding sport that often significantly strains the body, leading to various injuries. In this blog post, we will delve into the role of physical therapy in treating tennis elbow and explore other tennis injuries that can also benefit from this therapeutic approach. Vector Wellness is a trusted physiotherapy provider for All Level Tennis for all age groups.


The Impact of Tennis Elbow:

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by inflammation and pain in the tendons of the forearm, primarily caused by repetitive wrist and arm motions. This injury affects tennis players and individuals engaged in repetitive arm movements, such as painters, carpenters, and gardeners.


The Role of Physical Therapy Can Heal Tennis Elbow:

Physical therapy is crucial in healing tennis elbow by addressing pain relief, promoting healing, and restoring functional mobility. Therapists employ various techniques tailored to each individual's needs, which may include:


a) Manual Therapy: Skilled therapists use hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and enhance blood circulation. These techniques, such as soft tissue and joint mobilization, can help alleviate pain and promote healing.

b) Therapeutic Exercises: Specific exercises targeting the affected muscles and tendons are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance. Eccentric exercises, which involve lengthening the muscle under tension, have been particularly effective in managing tennis elbow and facilitating tissue healing.

c) Modalities: Physical therapists may incorporate modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or laser therapy to reduce pain, improve blood flow, and accelerate tissue repair.



Other Tennis Injuries That Are Treated with Physical Therapy:

In addition to tennis elbow, several other tennis-related injuries can benefit from physical therapy intervention:


a) Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tennis involves repetitive overhead movements that can strain the rotator cuff, leading to tendonitis or tears. Physical therapy aims to reduce pain, restore shoulder function, and strengthen the rotator cuff muscles through exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques.

b) Sprained Ankles: Lateral ankle sprains are common in tennis due to quick changes in direction and lateral movements. Physical therapy focuses on reducing pain and swelling, restoring joint stability, and improving balance through exercises, taping, and proprioceptive training.

c) Knee Injuries: Tennis players are prone to various knee injuries, such as patellar tendonitis and meniscus tears. Physical therapy interventions include strengthening the surrounding muscles, improving joint stability, and implementing corrective movement patterns to alleviate pain and enhance functionality.


Physical therapy has helped to heal tennis elbow and other tennis-related injuries.

By combining manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, and modalities, physical therapists can alleviate pain, promote healing, and restore functionality.

  • Whether it's tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, sprained ankles, or knee problems, seeking the guidance of a skilled physical therapist can significantly enhance recovery and help players return to the game stronger than ever.

  • Early intervention is key when it comes to tennis injuries. Seeking prompt medical attention and starting physical therapy as soon as possible can prevent the injury from worsening and expedite healing.

  • Physical therapy helps heal the injury and focuses on injury prevention through strengthening exercises, proper biomechanics, and education on injury management.

  • Through manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, and modalities, physical therapists can help tennis players get back on the court with improved strength, mobility, and performance.

If you're unsure whether physical therapy is right for your tennis-related injury, consulting with a healthcare professional is always a good idea. They can assess your condition, provide a diagnosis, and guide you toward the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include physical therapy.


If you find yourself grappling with tennis elbow or any other tennis-related injury, don't hesitate to explore the benefits of physical therapy. Seek professional guidance and embark on a rehabilitation journey that will heal your injury and equip you with the tools to prevent future setbacks. Remember, with the right approach and dedicated effort; you can recover from tennis-related injuries and continue to enjoy the sport you love.


Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for a proper assessment.



“Humans are born to move. The body will become better at whatever you do or don't do. If you don't move, your body will become better at NOT MOVING. If you move, your body will allow more movement and better performance. Remember, exercise is optional. MOVEMENT is not.”

- Vector Wellness Team.


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