DIAGNOSIS OF EXTENSOR TENDINOPATHY

Tennis Elbow is fairly easily clinically diagnosed - Our patients at Physiohaus often come into clinic knowing about their diagnosis. What we are most interested in, is the specific causes of your tennis elbow. A history of the injury will give clues to the presence of extensor tendinopathy and following clinical assessment of the elbow and associated areas a provisional diagnosis of extensor tendinopathy of the elbow can be made.

ARE INVESTIGATIONS REQUIRED FOR DIAGNOSING TENNIS ELBOW?

Generally investigations such as X ray imaging, an ultrasound scan or an MRI are not necessary to diagnose the condition. The injury history and physical examination performed by your therapist are enough to form a diagnosis, and more importantly, to develop an effective treatment plan.

THE CERVICAL SPINE AND LATERAL ELBOW PAIN

There is a high incidence of lateral elbow pain that is referred to your elbow from your neck. You may find it odd to note that it is possible that you are feeling symptoms consistent with tennis elbow but may actually have referred pain mimicking an extensor tendinopathy. Your mid to low cervical spine levels C5-6 are the common joint levels in your neck that can refer to the outside of your elbow. Because of this, it's important that if a patient is suffering from lateral elbow pain, that an assessment includes a scan of the neck and shoulder.

TREATMENT

Effective treatment depends on a detailed assessment and well established treatment plan. While range of motion, strength, mobilization and dry-needling can be effective, they need to be used appropriately. Home programming is specific to your assessment findings and will be progressed with functional goals of returning you to work, sport and play.