Tennis Elbow

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles that attach to the outer part of the elbow. It commonly affects athletes who play racquet sports, but it also occurs in people who perform repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting motions in their daily work or activities.

The condition develops gradually and can become increasingly painful if not addressed. 

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow
• Pain that worsens with gripping or lifting
• Weakness in the forearm or hand
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Radiating discomfort down the forearm

Hecker Sports Medicine’s Approach

At Hecker Sports Medicine™, we focus on personalized, non-surgical care. Dr. Hecker begins with a detailed evaluation to identify the root cause of your pain. Whether it is related to poor mechanics, posture, or muscle imbalance, our goal is to help you heal without invasive procedures.

We develop custom treatment plans that are designed around your lifestyle and activity level. Our team works with you to reduce pain, restore strength, and prevent recurrence, all while helping you remain as active as possible.

Traditional Non-Surgical Treatment Options

• Rest and avoidance of aggravating activities
• Application of ice and anti-inflammatory support
• Strengthening and flexibility exercises through physical therapy
• Forearm bracing or counterforce straps
• Ergonomic adjustments in sports or work techniques

Advanced Treatment for Tennis Elbow

For patients with ongoing or recurring tendon pain, we offer advanced treatments to accelerate healing and reduce chronic inflammation:

• Shockwave therapy to promote tissue regeneration, tendon repair, prevent/eliminate scar tissue
• Optical therapeutic laser to relieve inflammation, relieve pain, increase cell stimulus
• Electrical stimulation therapy to help alleviate pain and increase local strength to the area
• Medical foods to support tendon and bone health with a systemic approach

These non-invasive therapies help patients achieve full recovery without surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, typically from repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist extension, not just from playing tennis.

How long does it take to recover?

Recovery can take 6 weeks to several months, depending on the severity and how consistently treatment and rest guidelines are followed.

Can I keep exercising during treatment?

In most cases, yes. We will guide you on modifying your workouts to avoid aggravating the tendons while still staying active.

How is Hecker Sports Medicine different?

Our clinic prioritizes non-surgical solutions and hands-on care. We use advanced therapies and personalized rehab to help you heal faster and avoid surgery.