How to Prevent Tennis Elbow

The "easy way" to prevent tennis elbow is the same as how to get to Carnegie Hall--PRACTICE! Practical practice. Tennis elbow is a painful condition of the elbow area from repetitive twisting of the forearm muscles and supporting structures. It can develop with any activity where this overuse occurs including gardening and swimming and occupations such as plumbing. It is NOT strictly related to individuals who play tennis!

Things You'll Need

• Supportive arm band (some experts suggest a "counterforce" band)
• Corrective instruction in sport or other physical activity
• Pain relief with OTC medications
• Patience and practice!

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Instructions

• 1

  Identify the symptoms of tennis elbow which include:
  • Gradual onset of pain on the outside portion of the elbow that worsens over time.
  • Pain can be traced back to an activity within the last day or so.
  • Pain may spread to other parts of the affected arm including the hand.

• 2

  Determine if you are at risk for developing tennis elbow by your sporting, work, vocational or leisure activities.

• 3

  Have your "technique" (no matter if sporting or work related) examined by an expert. The expert (a trainer, physical therapist or other professional) can help identify potential problems with how you are using your arm and set up a prevention program that may include exercises, icing or other interventions.

• 4

  Prevention of musculoskeletal injuries take time and attention. You may need to have a series of different exercises that prevent the development of tennis elbow which include warming up, cooling down and strengthening. Considering the pain that most people report with this condition--time and effort will be well worth it to keep you at work and in the game!