Tennis Treatment/Tennis Elbow Therapy
We treat Tennis Elbow at our Houston clinic with focused, non-surgical care. All treatment is provided by Jennifer Klein, our licensed physical therapist, who takes a gentle, evidence-based approach to help you grip, lift, and move with confidence again. We’ll tailor your Tennis Elbow Therapy to your goals and comfort level.
Tennis Elbow Therapy: What We Do in Clinic
Our Tennis Elbow Treatment focuses on restoring strength and tendon tolerance at a pace that feels safe and manageable. Care is individualized, combining hands-on techniques with a simple home plan to support steady progress.
What your care may include
- Activity modification: immediate strategies to reduce irritation during daily tasks
- Progressive strengthening: graded exercises that rebuild wrist-extensor strength over time
- Manual therapy: soft-tissue work to reduce tenderness and stiffness
- Bracing or taping: short-term support for work or sport
- Adjunct modalities: used selectively when helpful, always paired with exercise
- Task-based coaching: safe return to work or sport with technique support
We track objective markers like grip strength and pain with activity so your progress is clear and measurable.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis Elbow is an overuse injury of the wrist-extensor tendon where it attaches to the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, it’s common in anyone who uses their hands a lot — gripping, lifting, typing, or working with tools.
Common causes
- Repetitive gripping or wrist extension
- Sudden increases in activity
- Most common between ages 30 and 60
Typical symptoms
- Tenderness or aching on the outside of the elbow
- Pain with gripping, lifting a cup, shaking hands, or turning doorknobs
- Decreased grip strength or fatigue with hand tasks
Tennis Elbow is different from Golfer’s Elbow, which affects the inside of the elbow, and numbness or tingling may suggest a separate issue. Most cases respond well to conservative Tennis Elbow Therapy focused on load management, strengthening, and activity modification.
Our In-Network Physical Therapy Provider Status
In-Network Coverage
Plans Include: Blue Choice PPO and Blue Advantage HMO.
Your First Tennis Elbow Therapy Visit: What to Expect
Your first visit is comfortable, efficient, and designed to give you a clear plan you can use right away.
Evaluation
- Detailed conversation about symptoms, activities, and what has or hasn’t helped
- Hands-on exam of the elbow, wrist, and forearm; brief shoulder or neck screening if relevant
- Baseline measures such as pain levels, grip strength, and functional ability
Initial treatment
- Simple strategies to reduce irritation
- 1–2 beginner exercises you can safely start at home
- Hands-on treatment or taping if appropriate
Follow-up plan
- Most patients begin with twice-weekly visits
- Care is adjusted as you improve
- We coordinate with your PCP or orthopedist if referral becomes appropriate
Recovery Expectations for Tennis Elbow Treatment
Most patients begin to notice improvement within the first few weeks of consistent Tennis Elbow Therapy. More demanding tasks may take longer to resume comfortably.
Typical timelines
- Mild cases: 4–8 sessions
- Moderate cases: 8–12 sessions
- Chronic or stubborn cases: several months, with referral if progress stalls
Progress markers we track
- Reduced pain with gripping and lifting
- Improved grip strength
- Better tolerance of daily, work, or sport tasks
If numbness, rapid weakness, or no improvement after several months occurs, we’ll help coordinate next steps with your PCP or an orthopedic specialist.
Meet Jennifer Klein
Jennifer Klein, PT
Physical Therapist, Certified Pilates Instructor
Jennifer Klein, Physical Therapist, is a native Houstonian, having resided here since 1978 and practiced her professional here since 1987, She Obtained her Physical education at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, and her MBA from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas, Her Pilates certification was obtained through Balanced Body University.
Jennifer enjoys being a licensed PT – she is passionate about her work and hight motivated to assist her patients with achieving their goals. Additionally, she enjoys helping other people learn the art of movement through her Pilates instruction. Outside of the clinic she enjoys traveling, reading, exercising, and animal rescue.
What to Expect Over the First Several Weeks
Every patient moves at their own pace, but most people follow a similar progression during Tennis Elbow Treatment. Here’s a simple timeline of what your care with Jennifer may look like in the clinic.
Weeks 1–2 — Pain reduction and early activation
- Identify and modify the tasks that are irritating your elbow
- Gentle, PT-guided exercises to activate the wrist extensors without flaring symptoms
- Hands-on treatment to reduce tenderness and improve mobility
- Taping or bracing if helpful during work or daily activities
Weeks 3–6 — Strength building and movement retraining
- Progressive strengthening focused on rebuilding tendon tolerance
- Manual therapy as needed to support mobility and reduce flare-ups
- Coaching on how to safely lift, grip, type, or perform sport-specific motions
- Regular reassessment to make sure symptoms are trending in the right direction
Weeks 6–12 — Endurance, function, and return to activity
- Gradual increase in resistance and task-specific endurance
- Functional drills that match your job or sport
- Continued refinement of technique to prevent recurrence
- Preparation for full return to work or sport as pain settles and strength improves
When we adjust the plan
If symptoms plateau, we will review your progress, modify your program, and discuss next steps. We coordinate with your PCP or orthopedist when needed, especially if symptoms don’t follow a typical healing pattern.
Ready to Start Tennis Elbow Treatment?
If Tennis Elbow is limiting your work, hobbies, or daily activities, we’re here to help you feel better. Call or book online to schedule a Tennis Elbow Therapy evaluation with Jennifer. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and coordinate with your PCP or orthopedist when needed. Let’s get you moving comfortably again.
FAQ
How long does Tennis Elbow take to improve?
Many patients notice early relief within the first few weeks of therapy. More demanding tasks may take longer, and chronic cases often require several months of consistent strengthening.
Will I need an injection or surgery?
Most people recover well with PT alone. Injections may help manage a flare, and surgery is rarely necessary. We’ll guide you if additional care becomes appropriate.
Do I need imaging?
Not usually. Imaging is recommended only when symptoms don’t follow a typical pattern or if red flags appear.
Can I keep working or exercising during treatment?
Yes. We’ll help you modify tasks so you can stay active without worsening symptoms.
How often will I need to come in?
Most patients begin with twice-weekly visits and adjust frequency as symptoms improve. Jennifer will map out a plan that fits your schedule and goals.
Questions? Get In Touch Now!
Contact us using the form below or call us at 713-203-0787 with any questions you may have.