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Tennis elbow, clinically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. This injury often turns simple tasks, like gripping a coffee mug or using a computer mouse, into a source of significant discomfort. At MOOV Physiotherapy & Wellness in Ottawa, we provide targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to reduce tendon irritation, restore strength, and get you back to your active lifestyle.
Tennis elbow is an overuse or muscle strain injury caused by repetitive contraction of the forearm muscles used to extend and raise your hand and wrist. It is frequently misunderstood as a simple inflammatory "itis," but it is more accurately described as a degenerative process involving micro-tears in the tendon. When these tendons are overloaded beyond their capacity to heal, the result is persistent pain and a noticeable decline in upper limb function.
The condition directly impacts the biomechanics of the entire arm, from the shoulder to the fingertips. It is rarely an isolated elbow issue; it often involves poor coordination of the wrist extensors and compensatory patterns from the shoulder or neck. Effective resolution requires a clinical approach that addresses how force is transferred through the arm during repetitive movements, ensuring the tendon can once again withstand daily loads.
Tennis elbow typically presents with specific pain patterns localized to the outer forearm:
Persistent ache or sharp pain on the bony bump on the outside of your elbow.
Weakness in your grip strength, making it difficult to hold heavy objects or turn doorknobs.
Pain that radiates from the elbow down into the forearm and wrist.
Discomfort that intensifies when performing wrist extension or gripping movements.
Morning stiffness in the elbow, joint that may improve slightly with gentle movement.
Tennis elbow is multi-factorial, often resulting from repetitive mechanical stress combined with inadequate recovery time.
Occupational Repetition: Activities involving frequent use of the forearm muscles, such as plumbing, painting, carpentry, or heavy typing.
Sporting Activities: Repetitive motions in sports like tennis, squash, or weightlifting, especially when using improper technique or equipment.
Sudden Overload: A sudden increase in the intensity or duration of an activity that the forearm tendons are not accustomed to.
Poor Biomechanics: Weakness in the shoulder or upper back muscles that forces the elbow to take on more load than it was designed for.
Age-Related Changes: Degeneration of the tendon tissue, which becomes more common in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50.
At MOOV Physiotherapy & Wellness, we believe that effective tennis elbow recovery depends on a highly individualized plan that moves beyond temporary symptom masking. Our clinical focus is on identifying the specific movement patterns contributing to tendon overload and implementing an assessment-based care plan that targets the root mechanical cause of your symptoms.
Your journey to recovery begins with a detailed evaluation including a physical exam and movement analysis. Our clinicians use specific orthopedic testing and clinical reasoning to determine the extent of tendon involvement and check for related issues in the neck or shoulder. By evaluating your grip strength and wrist mobility, we develop a precise understanding of your condition to ensure safe, effective intervention.
Our treatment strategies focus on promoting tendon healing and improving the load-bearing capacity of the forearm through several key modalities:
Education is a cornerstone of our treatment philosophy, as understanding how to manage tendon load is vital for preventing recurrence. We provide people with the tools for self-management, focusing on proper lifting techniques, stretching routines, and the gradual reintroduction of activity. By identifying your unique triggers and learning how to monitor your "load tolerance," you can significantly reduce the risk of future flare-ups and maintain long-term functional health.
We offer a range of therapeutic interventions to support your recovery process.
Physiotherapy
Running Rehab
Pelvic Health
MOOV Specialty Programs
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Home Physiotherapy
Dry Needling/IMS
Telerehab
Choosing MOOV Physiotherapy means working with a team that prioritizes evidence-based treatment and client-centered care. We focus on the whole person, ensuring that your specific lifestyle goals are integrated into your recovery plan. Our clinicians stay current with the latest research in spinal health to provide the most effective care possible in Ottawa.
If elbow pain is limiting your work or hobbies, professional intervention can help you regain your strength and confidence. Our team at MOOV Physiotherapy in Ottawa is dedicated to helping you find relief through structured rehabilitation. Contact us today to begin your comprehensive assessment and take the first step toward lasting recovery.
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Most people begin to notice improvements in grip comfort within four to six weeks of starting physiotherapy. However, because tendons have a slower metabolic rate than muscles, full recovery and tissue remodeling typically take three to six months. Adhering to a progressive loading program is the most effective way to ensure the tendon becomes resilient enough to handle your daily activities without pain.
A counterforce brace can be helpful in the short term to reduce the direct load on the painful tendon attachment site. However, braces are a compensatory tool rather than a cure. We focus on using bracing only as a temporary aid while simultaneously performing the strengthening exercises necessary to fix the underlying weakness. Over-reliance on a brace without rehabilitation can lead to further muscle atrophy.
Total rest is often counterproductive for tendon injuries. Instead, we advocate for "relative rest," which involves modifying your activity to a level that does not provoke significant pain. Your physiotherapist will work with you to determine what activities are safe and provide a structured plan for a gradual return to sport, ensuring your elbow is strong enough to handle the specific demands of your game.
You should seek care if your elbow pain persists for more than two weeks or if you notice a significant drop in your grip strength. Early intervention prevents the condition from reaching a chronic stage, where the tendon tissue undergoes more significant degenerative changes. Professional assessment is also crucial to rule out other issues, such as radial nerve entrapment or referred pain from the neck.
The registered Physiotherapists at MOOV have extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of various musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions including but not limited to:
OHIP does not cover physiotherapy services. However, some extended health care plans may provide coverage for physiotherapy services. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see what type of coverage you have.
No, you do not need a referral to see a Physiotherapist in Ontario. You can book an appointment directly with a Physiotherapist at MOOV.
A Physical Therapist and a Physiotherapist are both health care professionals who specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions. The main difference between the two is that a Physical Therapist is trained in the United States while a Physiotherapist is trained in Canada.
A Physiotherapist is not necessarily better than a doctor, but they are specialized in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. A Physiotherapist can provide you with an individualized plan of care that is tailored to your specific needs.
At MOOV, we understand that your time is valuable and that you want to get back to doing the activities you love as soon as possible. That’s why we offer flexible appointment times and a wide range of treatment plans to ensure that you receive the best care possible.
Say goodbye to chronic pain! Our team of experienced Physiotherapists are dedicated to helping you reach your goals and enhancing your quality of life.
Phone: (613) 422-5070
Hours:
Monday: 7 AM–6 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM–6 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM–6 PM
Thursday: 7 AM–6 PM
Friday: 7 AM–3 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed