Hand Therapy in Evanston, IL Can Help You Recover
You don’t have to be an athlete to suffer from tennis elbow. In fact, most people who develop this condition have never picked up a racket. Whether it’s lifting a grocery bag, typing at a desk, or playing catch with your kids, tennis elbow, or its medical name: lateral epicondylitis, is a painful and frustrating condition that can make everyday tasks no fun.
The good news? With help from a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT,) specifically one trained in occupational therapy, you can reduce pain, restore strength, and get back to the activities that matter most.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that affects the extensor tendons in the forearm (these control the muscles on the top side of your forearm and the back of your wrist,) where they attach to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow. Repetitive gripping, lifting, typing, or even shaking hands can inflame these tendons and even irritate a nerve in the neighborhood, causing:
- Pain or burning on the outer elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Discomfort with lifting, twisting, or typing
- Pain that radiates down the forearm
It’s common in people who use their hands and arms a lot. Whether the activity involves sports, manual work, or computer use, the aggravating task may vary between individuals. Because many of us have a deficiency in necessary strength in the muscle groups that control the shoulder and shoulder blade, we might cause the muscles down the chain to have to work more than their fair share. Even people who are strong and exercise a lot may have a deficiency between the balance of the dominant muscles and the supporting muscles. In all cases, the stage is set for stress and strain.
I personally had a bout of lateral elbow pain after being a bit overzealous using a weed wacker for my landscaping. I never played a racquet sport in my life, but wow did my elbow hurt when I reached out to grasp things! I remember times when grasping and attempting to lift a common household item and “seeing stars” due to the pain. Fortunately, I have made a full recovery, as is expected of most people, but pain resolution requires more time than many expect.
How do we treat the symptoms?
Targeted Pain Relief Strategies
Early intervention focuses on reducing inflammation and discomfort so you can return to daily function. Your CHT may use:
- Manual therapy to release tight muscles and soft tissues
- Modalities such as ice or heat or dry needling for pain relief
- Activity modification to avoid aggravating motions while healing
Your therapist will also help identify and eliminate the cause of your irritation—not just the symptoms.
Splinting and Support
- In some cases a splint or counterforce strap can:
- Unload the irritated tendons
- Allow rest without total immobilization
- Support healing during work or repetitive activities
- Elastic taping can:
- Allow for muscle support/relaxation
- Promote activation of under functioning muscles
- Restore space for tissue gliding
Gradual Strengthening and Stretching
Once inflammation is under control, your CHT will guide you through a carefully paced program to:
- Stretch the forearm muscles and tendons safely
- Rebuild strength and endurance in the wrist and grip
- Improve coordination and reduce re-injury risk
- This functional training ensures you regain use without flaring symptoms.
Ergonomic and Functional Training
Occupational therapists are trained to understand how you use your body in daily life. Healing means not only feeling better—but functioning better, too. Your CHT will analyze your work or leisure habits and help you:
- Adjust your workstation or tools to reduce strain
- Modify repetitive movements to avoid overuse
- Reintroduce activities like gardening, sports, or lifting with proper body mechanics or adaptive methods
Preventing Recurrence
Tennis elbow often becomes chronic and/or can return if not properly addressed. With a CHT’s help, you’ll learn how to:
- Regain strength and flexibility
- Recognize early warning signs and steps for self-management
- Keep doing the things you love without fear of re-injury
- Balance time spent with activities to avoid overdoing
Feel Better. Move Better. Live Better.
Tennis elbow can be frustrating, especially when it keeps you from doing everyday tasks. But with personalized care from a CHT occupational therapist, you can expect a recovery plan that’s practical, effective, and rooted in functional outcomes.
Whether you’re recovering from a recent flare-up or dealing with lingering pain, occupational therapy offers the hands-on expertise and personalized support you need to move forward, without pain holding you back.
Ace tennis elbow. Restore strength, mobility and comfort
Think you might have tennis elbow? We’re here to help. Click the button below to navigate to our website. If you need hand therapy in Evanston, IL, we are available. Providing hand therapy (CHT) for clients in the Chicago area and North Shore.
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