Tennis elbow:
Tennis elbow and elbow pain treatment in Polk County, FL
Pain on the outside of your elbow when you grip a coffee cup, turn a key or shake hands is often tennis elbow, and most people who have it don't play tennis. At Core Rehabilitation's three clinics in Polk County, Florida (Lake Wales, Haines City and Winter Haven), a licensed physical therapist works out which tendon is overloaded and builds a plan that strengthens it back up. You don't need a referral to start.
Serving Lake Wales · Haines City · Winter Haven
What's actually going on: Tennis elbow: the short version
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis, or lateral elbow tendinopathy) is an overloaded tendon on the outside of the elbow. It's where the forearm muscles that lift your wrist and fingers attach to a bony bump called the lateral epicondyle. Repeated gripping, lifting with your palm down, or long hours with tools or a mouse can load it faster than it adapts.
It hurts on the outside of the elbow, and the ache can spread down the forearm. Gripping, lifting a gallon of milk with your palm facing down and twisting a lid make it worse. Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is the same kind of problem on the inside of the elbow, where the wrist-bending muscles attach. Both are most common in people in their 30s to 50s.
Elbow pain has other causes too, such as a pinched nerve in the neck, an irritated nerve at the elbow or arthritis. Your therapist checks which one fits before choosing exercises. Tennis elbow is one type of tendonitis.
When elbow pain needs a doctor first
Most elbow pain is safe to assess with a physical therapist, but a few signs need a doctor first. If any of these apply, see a doctor or go to urgent care before you book physical therapy.
A fall onto your arm followed by swelling, an odd-looking elbow, or pain when you try to bend or straighten it.
A pop at the front of the elbow while lifting, with bruising or a bulge in the upper arm.
A hot, red, swollen elbow, especially with a fever.
Arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating. Call 911.
If none of these apply, physical therapy is a safe and reasonable place to start.
How we help: How physical therapy treats tennis elbow
Physical therapy for tennis elbow starts with an evaluation. Your therapist pinpoints the sore tendon, tests your grip, and checks your wrist, shoulder and neck. They also watch how you grip your tools, racquet, club or mouse.
Treatment combines progressive strengthening for the forearm tendons, often starting with gentle holds and building to slow lowering and heavier lifts, with stretching for the forearm muscles. Hands-on care includes instrument-assisted soft tissue work along the forearm.
You may also get advice on a counterforce strap worn just below the elbow, on your grip and tools, and on your workstation. Taping, ice, heat or ultrasound can calm a flare so you can keep doing the exercises.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that 80% to 95% of people with tennis elbow get better without surgery. In a 2013 trial in JAMA, physical therapy helped people feel better sooner than waiting it out, while a cortisone shot was linked to more relapses a year later.
"Should I rest my arm until it stops hurting?"
Complete rest rarely fixes tendon pain. The tendon needs the right amount of load to get stronger. Your therapist helps you find what you can do without a flare and builds from there.
"I don't play tennis. Can I still have tennis elbow?"
Yes. Most people with tennis elbow get it from work, yard work, home projects or long hours at a keyboard, not from sport.
How long it lasts: How long does tennis elbow last?
Often months, and sometimes a year or more without the right care. Many people find gripping hurts less within a few weeks to a few months of steady strengthening. It's common for pain to ease and then flare after a busy week; your therapist adjusts the load as you go.
If it hasn't improved after several months of steady treatment, your therapist will tell you. An orthopedic doctor can then look at next steps.
What to expect: How long does it take to feel better?
It depends on how long you've had it and how hard your arms work each day. Results differ from person to person. After your evaluation, your therapist will tell you what's realistic for you.
Your first visit is a conversation about when your elbow hurts, which grips set it off and what you want to get back to. Then comes testing. It usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. A licensed physical therapist does your first evaluation and writes your plan of care. Between therapist visits, a physical therapist assistant may treat you under that plan. Here's what your first visit involves →
Early on, the focus is calming pain with a strap or taping, easing off the grips that flare it, and starting gentle strength holds.
As you progress, heavier forearm and grip work and a gradual return to your racquet, golf clubs, tools or a full workday help keep it from coming back.
Before you come in, bring any strap or brace you use. If you can, bring your racquet or a tool you use often.
Who treats it: Who treats tennis elbow: a physical therapist, an orthopedic doctor or your doctor?
For most elbow tendon pain, a physical therapist is a good first stop. In Florida you can book directly, without a referral.
See your doctor or an orthopedic doctor first, or as well, if you can't fully bend or straighten your elbow after an injury, or if pain hasn't eased after several months of steady treatment.
They can order imaging, talk about injections and refer you to a surgeon if needed. We're glad to work alongside them.
Where to get treated: Tennis elbow treatment at our Lake Wales, Haines City and Winter Haven clinics
Winter Haven: 3017 Cypress Gardens Rd, about a mile from LEGOLAND Florida. Mon–Fri 9–12 and 1–5. 863-268-6523.
Lake Wales: 2031 State Rd 60 East, at SR 60 and Buck Moore Rd. Mon–Fri 8–12 and 1–5. 863-678-0705.
Haines City: 50 Maxcy Plaza Circle, just off US 27. Mon–Fri 8–12 and 1–5. 863-421-2000.
Every clinic treats tennis elbow and other elbow pain, and Spanish-speaking staff are available. Most new patients get a first appointment within a few days to three weeks.
Common questions about tennis elbow
Will physical therapy help tennis elbow?
Yes. Strengthening, stretching and hands-on care help most people. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that 80% to 95% of people with tennis elbow get better without surgery.
How long does tennis elbow take to heal with physical therapy?
Many people feel a clear difference within a few weeks to a few months of steady strengthening. Long-standing pain can take longer. Your therapist gives you a realistic time frame after your evaluation.
What should I avoid with tennis elbow?
Heavy gripping and lifting with your palm facing down, especially with a straight elbow. Lift with your palm up and your elbow bent, use both hands, and take short breaks during long tasks. You don't need to stop using the arm.
Does a tennis elbow strap work?
It can ease pain during activity for some people. It's a short-term help, not a fix. Your therapist shows you where to place it, just below the sore spot, and when you can stop wearing it.
Do I need a referral for tennis elbow treatment?
No. In Florida you can start physical therapy without a physician's referral. If you need treatment beyond 30 days for a problem no doctor has assessed, a doctor must review and sign your plan of care.
Where can I get tennis elbow treatment in Lake Wales?
At Core Rehabilitation, 2031 State Rd 60 East, Lake Wales (863-678-0705). We also treat tennis elbow at our Haines City and Winter Haven clinics.
What's the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?
Tennis elbow hurts on the outside of the elbow; golfer's elbow hurts on the inside. Both are tendon overload problems, and both are treated with strengthening aimed at the right muscle group.
Request an appointment
Tell us a little about you and your preferred location, and our team will reach out to schedule your visit. Prefer to talk? Call the clinic nearest you.
Lake Wales · 863-678-0705
Haines City · 863-421-2000
Winter Haven · 863-268-6523