Stretching exercises for tennis elbow

Synonyms

  • Stretching exercises
  • Extension Exercises

Introduction

The therapy of tennis elbow varies from person to person and depends mainly on the severity of the disease and the individual level of suffering of the affected person. In almost all cases, however, it makes sense to include stretching exercises in the therapy plan, as these not only promote the healing process and relieve pain, but also effectively prevent a relapse. In highly active phases of tennis elbow, stretching exercises can be counterproductive, as the damaged tendon insertion is negatively affected by the additional traction.

Performance of stretching exercises for tennis elbow

The stretching exercise most commonly used in the treatment of tennis elbow is the following: The arm is stretched completely through the elbow joint and the forearm is twisted inwards. The hand is then pushed to the side, with the fingers pointing outwards. This position is held for about 15 seconds under sustained tension and then released again.

In the acute phase of tennis elbow, this exercise should only be performed very carefully up to three times a day. Other stretching exercises consist, for example, of extending the arm in front of the body, again with the elbow pressed through. Then the hand in the wrist is bent towards the middle of the body and held by the other hand for a few seconds.

When a tennis elbow is operated on, the affected tendon and muscle attachments are usually separated from the bony protrusion. After immobilization for 1-2 weeks, the arm should be moved through again. Careful stretching exercises are also part of the physiotherapeutic post-operative treatment after an operation of a tennis elbow.

These can prevent the tendon from re-growing at the elbow and thus a recurrence of the tennis elbow. The intensity of the exercises can be determined together with the treating physiotherapists and can also be done independently at home. Pain often occurs during stretching exercises and exercises with the Theraband.

At the beginning of the therapy, even a slight pain should initiate the end of the respective stretching exercise. Over time, the stretching can be carried out to slightly above the pain threshold. In each case, when the stretching exercises can be performed again without pain, the repetition of the exercises during the day can be increased. However, this should be done in consultation with the treating physician or the supervising physiotherapist.