Tennis elbow is very common, yet it can cause distress in many everyday activities. If you suspect you are experiencing symptoms of this condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Lancaster Orthopedic Group office to schedule your first appointment with Dr. Michael Bercik.

Dr.  Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has completed three fellowships—two international—to learn the most advanced orthopedic techniques to treat conditions of the shoulder and elbow. He has studied under some of the most influential shoulder and elbow surgeons in the world and has combined modern methods with traditional expertise in order to create innovative solutions for his patients.

Outside of fellowship experience, Dr. Bercik has committed to pushing forward the field of orthopedic traumatology. He has been active in research and teaching, and he has published in several peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. As the field of shoulder and elbow orthopedics evolves, Dr. Bercik is committed to being at the forefront of the evolution.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow generally occurs when the tendons in the elbow are overused, often through repetitive movements—such as through tennis swings and overhead serves. Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is often identified by pain in the forearm and wrist when the tendons attach the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. The pain might be heightened when moving the wrist in a lateral movement. Tennis players, volleyball players, butchers, painters, carpenters, and people with related hobbies are at heightened risk for this condition.

How is Tennis Elbow treated?

Tennis elbow can be treated through a variety of methods, spanning from at-home exercises to professional medical care. If your symptoms are related to a specific hobby or task, such as tennis, it is likely that your orthopedic doctor will work with you to evaluate related movements and develop techniques to prevent future injury and relieve stress.

In addition to working on techniques to alleviate stress to injured tissues, physical therapy is a common recommendation to help heal the muscles in the forearm. While reducing pain is a primary concern, finding ways to prevent re-injury in the future is important to ensure you are able to participate in the activities you love.

Recommended Medical Procedures

In some cases, your doctor may recommend certain medical procedures to reduce symptoms. These may include:

• Injection into the tendon. This can help reduce irritation and alleviate pain to the area. Platelet-rich plasma is a common choice for this type of injection.
• TENEX procedure. Ultrasonic tenotomy, or TENEX procedure, is performed through a special needle being inserted into the irritated tendon. This needle then vibrates with ultrasonic energy and can help speed healing of the damaged tendon.

• Surgery. While less common than other treatment methods, surgery is often recommended if symptoms have not subsided after 6-12 months of non-surgical treatment. There are several surgical options available depending on your specific needs, each of which will be discussed with you by your orthopedic doctor. In the case of surgery, having early rehabilitation is critical for a speedy and full recovery.

Let’s Get Started!

Tennis elbow is a common condition, but not receiving proper treatment can be the difference between prolonged pain and returning fully to the activities you love. If you are looking for tennis elbow treatment in Lancaster, PA, schedule your first appointment with Dr. Bercik at Lancaster Orthopedic Group today by clicking the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or calling (866) 564-1000