You do not have to play tennis to develop tennis elbow. At Greentree Medical & Wellness Center in Cherry Hill, we see this painful condition in people whose work, hobbies, sports, or daily routines require repetitive gripping and wrist movements.
Rest may calm the discomfort temporarily, but the pain often returns as soon as you begin using the arm normally again. If your tennis elbow keeps coming back, it may be because the irritated tendon has not fully recovered—or because the movement that caused the problem has never been corrected.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, affects the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. These muscles help extend your wrist and stabilize it while you grip, lift, type, or use tools.
Repeated stress can gradually overload the tendon and cause small areas of damage. You may notice:
- Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
- Tenderness when touching the bony area
- Pain when lifting a cup or grocery bag
- Discomfort while turning a doorknob
- Pain when shaking hands
- Reduced grip strength
- Symptoms that worsen with wrist or forearm activity
The discomfort may begin mildly and gradually become more persistent.
Why Does Tennis Elbow Keep Returning?
One reason tennis elbow returns is that people often resume their usual activities as soon as the pain decreases. The tendon may feel better before it has regained enough strength to tolerate repetitive stress.
Your symptoms may also return if you continue the movement that originally irritated the tendon. Common triggers include:
- Repetitive computer or mouse use
- Painting, plumbing, carpentry, or construction work
- Gardening and yardwork
- Lifting with the palm facing downward
- Playing racquet sports or golf
- Weight training with poor technique
- Frequently gripping heavy tools or equipment
Poor shoulder, wrist, or upper-body mechanics may also place additional stress on the elbow. At Greentree Medical & Wellness Center, we look at how the surrounding areas move rather than treating the elbow as an isolated joint.
Is Rest Enough to Heal Tennis Elbow?
Reducing the activity that aggravates your elbow can be helpful, especially during a flare-up. However, rest alone may not address tendon damage, restricted movement, muscle weakness, or improper mechanics.
Once you return to work, exercise, or other daily activities, the same stress may be placed on the tendon again. This is why recurring tennis elbow often requires a more complete approach—one that reduces pain while also supporting tissue recovery and improved function.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Recurring Tennis Elbow
When you visit our Cherry Hill office, we evaluate your symptoms, daily activities, and movement patterns. We then develop a personalized plan based on the severity and duration of your condition.
Depending on your needs, we may recommend the following treatments.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic waves to the affected area. This nonsurgical treatment is designed to stimulate a healing response, improve local circulation, and address chronic tendon problems.
We may consider shockwave therapy when tennis elbow has persisted or repeatedly returned despite rest and other conservative measures.
K-Laser Therapy
K-Laser therapy uses targeted light energy to reach irritated tissues around the elbow. It may help reduce pain and inflammation while supporting the body’s natural tissue-repair processes.
Because it is non-invasive, laser therapy does not require incisions or a lengthy recovery period.
It may be incorporated into a broader plan to help you regain comfortable movement.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
For chronic tendon pain that has not responded to more conservative care, platelet-rich plasma therapy may be considered. PRP is prepared from a sample of your own blood and contains a concentrated amount of platelets.
The preparation is injected into the affected area to support the body’s healing response. Our team can evaluate whether PRP is appropriate for your particular injury and explain the potential benefits, limitations, and recovery process.
What Can You Do to Keep the Pain From Returning?
Successful care involves more than reducing your current symptoms. We may also discuss ways to protect the tendon as you return to your usual activities.
Helpful changes may include improving lifting technique, adjusting your workstation, taking breaks from repetitive tasks, using correctly sized equipment, and gradually rebuilding strength. Returning to activity too quickly can overload the tendon and cause another flare-up.
Do not ignore recurring elbow pain or continue pushing through worsening symptoms. Early evaluation may help prevent the condition from becoming more difficult to manage.
Find Tennis Elbow Relief in Cherry Hill, NJ
At Greentree Medical & Wellness Center, we understand how frustrating it is when elbow pain keeps interrupting your work, workouts, hobbies, and everyday tasks. Our team provides personalized, nonsurgical treatments designed to address the irritated tissue and factors contributing to your recurring symptoms.
If your tennis elbow keeps returning, call Greentree Medical & Wellness Center in Cherry Hill, NJ, at 856-761-8100 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We will listen to your concerns, evaluate your elbow, and help you explore a treatment plan created around your needs.