Managing Tennis Elbow: When to Seek Further Treatment and Return to Training - Rehabilitation

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Managing tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, requires a careful approach to ensure proper healing and to prevent further injury. Given your situation, where you've been undergoing rehabilitation treatments such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and infrared therapy, it sounds like you are on the right track. However, the persistence of pain when applying pressure or lifting weights indicates that your elbow may not be fully healed yet.


When to Seek Further Treatment
1. Persistent Pain: If you continue to experience pain when pressing on the elbow or during activities like lifting weights, it may be a sign that the underlying issue has not resolved completely. While some discomfort can be normal during the healing process, significant pain is a signal that you should consult a healthcare professional again.

2. Functional Limitations: If you find that your daily activities are becoming increasingly difficult or if the pain is affecting your quality of life, it’s advisable to seek further evaluation. A healthcare provider can assess whether there are any complications or if additional treatments are necessary.

3. Lack of Improvement: If you do not notice any improvement in your symptoms over the next few weeks, or if they worsen, it would be prudent to return to your physician. They may recommend further imaging studies, such as an MRI, to rule out any other issues like tendon tears or other structural problems.


Self-Care and Rehabilitation
In the meantime, you can continue with self-care strategies:
- Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, especially heavy lifting or repetitive motions that stress the elbow.

- Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain, especially after activities that may aggravate your symptoms.

- Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore function. Focus on eccentric exercises for the forearm muscles, which have been shown to be beneficial for tennis elbow.


Returning to Training
1. Pain-Free Range of Motion: Before returning to weight training, ensure that you have a full range of motion in your elbow without pain. You should be able to flex and extend your arm fully without discomfort.

2. Gradual Progression: When you do return to training, start with lighter weights and gradually increase the load as tolerated. Pay attention to your body’s signals; if you experience pain, reduce the weight or stop the exercise.

3. Functional Testing: Consider performing functional tests, such as gripping a tennis ball or performing light push-ups, to assess your elbow's readiness for more strenuous activities.

4. Consultation with a Physical Therapist: A physical therapist can provide a tailored rehabilitation program and monitor your progress. They can also teach you proper lifting techniques to avoid re-injury.


Conclusion
In summary, while it’s encouraging that your tennis elbow is improving, the presence of pain during specific activities suggests that you should not rush back into heavy training. It’s essential to listen to your body and seek further medical advice if symptoms persist. A gradual return to training, combined with appropriate rehabilitation exercises, will help ensure a full recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury. Always prioritize your health and well-being over immediate performance goals.