Discover the details of Tennis Elbow Surgery, including procedure, recovery timeline, and rehabilitation process. Learn how Palms Physiotherapy can assist in preparing for surgery and aid in recovery with rehabilitation.

Tennis Elbow Surgery: Procedure, Recovery & Rehabilitation

What is Tennis Elbow Surgery?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow, typically due to overuse of the forearm muscles. The tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle (the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow) become damaged or inflamed. When conservative treatments, such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, fail to alleviate the symptoms, surgery may be required to remove the damaged tissue and promote healing.

Conditions Treated with Tennis Elbow Surgery

• Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): The most common condition treated by this surgery, caused by repetitive strain and overuse of the forearm muscles.

• Chronic Pain: When pain persists for 6-12 months despite conservative treatments.

• Tendon Damage or Degeneration: Surgical intervention may be necessary when the tendon has degenerated or torn significantly.

The Procedure

1. Preoperative Preparation:

   • Before surgery, your surgeon will conduct an assessment, which may include imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to confirm the condition and determine the best surgical approach.

   • A preoperative consultation with a physiotherapist may be advised to ensure your muscles are in good condition before surgery.

2. During the Procedure:

   • Tennis elbow surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, although some cases may be done with local anesthesia.

   • The surgeon will make an incision near the lateral epicondyle to access the damaged tendon.

   • The damaged portion of the tendon is either removed or reattached to the bone to restore its normal function. In some cases, the procedure may involve a decompression, in which pressure is relieved from the tendons to promote healing.

   • The procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the complexity of the injury.

3. Postoperative Care:

   • After surgery, you will need to wear a splint or brace to support the elbow and limit movement for the first few days.

   • Pain management will be an essential part of the recovery process, and your surgeon will provide you with appropriate medications.

   • Physical therapy will be essential for restoring strength and function in the elbow and forearm.

Healing and Recovery Time

• Initial Recovery:

  • Most patients are able to return home on the same day as surgery. Swelling and discomfort are common during the first few days, and your elbow may be bandaged to help with the healing process.

  • It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding rest, ice application, and elevation to manage swelling and pain.

• Full Recovery:

  • Full recovery can take between 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the injury and the specific surgery performed. While many patients notice an improvement in pain levels after a few weeks, tendon healing can take months.

  • The range of motion in your elbow may gradually improve over time, but strength and function will take longer to fully recover.

• Return to Work:

  • For office or sedentary work, most patients can return after 2-4 weeks.

  • For physical labor or jobs requiring heavy lifting or repetitive elbow motion, you may need to wait 3-6 months to return to full duties.

Rehabilitation After Tennis Elbow Surgery

Rehabilitation is essential for optimal recovery after tennis elbow surgery, helping restore strength, flexibility, and function in the arm.

1. Post-Operative Rehabilitation:

   • In the early stages, your physiotherapist will help you manage pain, reduce swelling, and begin light movement exercises to prevent stiffness in the elbow.

   • Passive stretching and mobilization exercises will also be introduced to restore elbow mobility.

2. Early Stage Rehabilitation (Weeks 1-6):

   • During this period, your physiotherapist will guide you through gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to regain flexibility and strength in the forearm and wrist.

   • Ice therapy, ultrasound therapy, and electrical stimulation may also be used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

3. Intermediate Rehabilitation (Weeks 6-12):

   • As your elbow heals, your rehabilitation program will focus more on active strengthening exercises, including wrist and forearm exercises.

   • Your physiotherapist will also introduce functional training to enhance your ability to perform everyday tasks without pain.

4. Long-Term Rehabilitation (3-6 months):

   • The goal during this phase is to build endurance, strength, and fine motor control in the forearm and elbow. You will also focus on improving your ability to return to physical activities.

   • Postural training and ergonomic advice may be offered to prevent future strain on the elbow.

5. Gradual Return to Activities:

   • After several months, you can begin to return to physical activities and sports, with appropriate modifications to avoid re-injury. This will be based on how well your elbow is healing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does recovery take after tennis elbow surgery?

• Recovery time varies between individuals, but it generally takes 3-6 months for a full recovery. Some patients may experience an improvement in pain within weeks, while complete healing of the tendon can take longer.

2. Are there risks associated with tennis elbow surgery?

• Risks include infection, nerve injury, stiffness, or incomplete resolution of symptoms. Following post-surgical instructions carefully can help minimize these risks.

3. Do I need physiotherapy after tennis elbow surgery?

• Yes, physiotherapy is essential for rehabilitation. It helps improve strength, flexibility, and function in the elbow to speed up recovery.

4. When can I return to work after tennis elbow surgery?

• For desk jobs, you may return after 2-4 weeks. If your job requires physical activity or lifting, you may need to wait 3-6 months.

5. Will I experience permanent pain relief?

• Most patients experience significant pain relief, but the outcome depends on the extent of the tendon damage and the success of the surgery. If symptoms persist, further treatments or surgery may be required.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Can Help

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we specialize in pre-habilitation and post-surgery rehabilitation for tennis elbow surgery. Our expert physiotherapists can guide you through:

1. Pre-Habilitation:

   • Before surgery, we can help you strengthen the muscles around the elbow and improve flexibility to facilitate faster recovery.

2. Post-Operative Rehabilitation:

   • After surgery, our team will design a tailored rehabilitation program to restore strength, mobility, and function to your elbow. This includes a combination of stretching, strengthening, and functional training to ensure a smooth recovery.

Reputable Australian Resources

1. Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)

   • For guidelines on tennis elbow rehabilitation and physiotherapy treatments.

   • https://australian.physio/

2. Better Health Channel (Victoria)

   • Information on tennis elbow symptoms, causes, and treatment options, including surgery.

   • https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

3. Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

   • Trusted resources about tennis elbow surgery and the rehabilitation process.

   • https://www.surgeons.org/

4. HealthDirect Australia

   • Provides health information about tennis elbow, symptoms, and available treatments.

   • https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

For personalized care and rehabilitation after Tennis Elbow Surgery, contact Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health to schedule an appointment with our experienced physiotherapists.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Tennis Elbow Surgery, including the procedure, recovery time, rehabilitation, and how Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health can assist in ensuring optimal healing and functional recovery post-surgery.