Réhabital
Tennis Elbow Treatment in Côte Saint-Luc
Despite its name, tennis elbow mostly affects people who don't play tennis: manual workers, heavy computer mouse users, or anyone doing repeated gripping in wrist extension. This lateral epicondylitis produces sharp pain on the outer elbow, worsened by handshakes, lifting a kettle, or turning a screwdriver. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, we treat the actual tendon cause — often a tendinosis rather than classic inflammation — with a proven progressive loading program.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, results from overload of the wrist extensor tendons at their insertion on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, most commonly the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Contrary to popular belief, it is generally not acute inflammation but a tendinosis: collagen degeneration caused by repeated overload without adequate recovery time. This explains why rest alone often fails to resolve the problem and why anti-inflammatories provide limited, temporary relief. The condition affects 1–3% of the adult population, peaking between ages 35 and 55, and is strongly associated with repetitive manual trades, prolonged computer work with a poorly positioned mouse, and certain racquet sports. Differential diagnosis matters: radial nerve compression (radial tunnel syndrome) can mimic tennis elbow but needs a different approach, as can referred cervical irritation or elbow ligament instability in throwing athletes.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Repetitive wrist extension overload
Repeated resisted wrist extension movements — screwing, lifting, typing with poor posture — overload the extensor tendons at their bony attachment.
Faulty sports technique
In tennis or squash, a deficient backhand technique or an overly tight grip transfers excessive load onto the wrist extensor tendons.
Insufficient extensor and forearm strength
Forearm musculature that is not strong enough for daily or athletic demands increases the risk of exceeding tendon capacity.
Poor workplace ergonomics
A poorly positioned mouse, a repetitive manual workstation without task rotation, or vibrating tools contribute significantly to chronic overload.
Age and tissue quality
Between ages 35 and 55, tendons lose some of their repair capacity, favoring the accumulation of unresolved microtrauma.
Our Treatment Approach
Assessment includes specific provocation tests (Cozen's test, Mill's test, chair test), grip strength measurement, and examination of the wrist, shoulder and cervical spine to exclude a referred source. Physiotherapy treatment, with Colin Teghen Tamuton, relies mainly on a progressive eccentric and isometric exercise program, recognized as the most effective long-term treatment for tendinosis, combined with soft-tissue manual therapy and elbow and wrist mobilizations. Osteopathy addresses restrictions in the wrist, elbow and shoulder that add tendon tension. Massage therapy releases chronically tight forearm extensor muscles. A counterforce brace (epicondylar strap) can temporarily reduce load on the tendon during provocative activities. We also adjust the sport technique or work ergonomics responsible for the initial overload.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit lasts about 60 minutes and includes specific tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out differential diagnoses. You leave with a progressive eccentric exercise program and practical advice to reduce tendon load in your daily activities.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Perform prescribed eccentric exercises even with mild tolerable discomfort.
- Use a counterforce brace during provocative activities.
- Temporarily reduce repeated forceful gripping (screwing, squeezing).
- Apply ice after provocative activities if helpful.
- Adjust racquet or tool grip to reduce wrist tension.
- Progressively strengthen forearm extensors for prevention.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Most cases improve in 6–12 weeks with a well-followed eccentric exercise program, though some chronic cases need 3–6 months. Prognosis is excellent when conservative treatment starts early and load is well managed during healing.
When to See Us at Réhabital
See us if pain persists more than two to three weeks, limits grip, or interferes with work. Pain accompanied by finger numbness or marked weakness warrants further evaluation to rule out nerve involvement.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, we treat tennis elbow using protocols grounded in current research, precisely identifying the cause of overload to prevent recurrence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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