Often called by the more common name of Tennis Elbow.  The name can be deceiving, though, as it is not an injury exclusive to tennis players.  It is an injury that is extremely common in today’s society and can be associated with computer mouse use, painting or repetitive lifting.

The condition is inflammation or microscopic tearing at the origin of the tendon for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and the other wrist/finger extensors as well as the forearm supinator (turn palm upward).

Symptoms include pain in the outside of the elbow with resisted wrist extension. This is a motion that occurs when lifting an object palm down or using a mouse. Pain can also be caused by supination, the motion that occurs when turning a doorknob and even shaking hands.

Treatment for lateral epicondylitis is typically conservative and can include physical therapy, bracing, activity modification.  Invasive treatment may involve the use of cortisone injections and surgery. Physical therapists at Sports and More Physical Therapy will perform a thorough biomechanical evaluation of the condition to find the root cause as well as assist patients in learning how to avoid activities which will cause added irritation to the muscles. Patient education on proper and appropriate stretching and strengthening activities will also assist in recovery. In the clinic, therapists will identify causative factors and address these through manual techniques to restore joint and soft tissue mobility and function.