Why it happens
Most cases are work- or hobby-driven: a sudden increase in gripping or typing, new lifting routine, racket sports with poor technique, or chronic low-level overuse. Diabetes and smoking slow recovery.
Conditions We Treat
Tennis Elbow Physical Therapy in Washington DC and Bethesda
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is rarely from tennis. It's a tendinopathy of the wrist extensors at the outer elbow, usually from repetitive gripping, typing, lifting, or sport. The treatment story shifted in the last decade: progressive loading is the highest-evidence intervention. Rest and bracing alone don't work.
What we treat
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow — same approach), distal biceps tendinopathy, and pronator strains. We screen for cervical radiculopathy referring to the elbow — different problem, different treatment.
Treatment approach
Progressive heavy-slow eccentric loading of the wrist extensors — the single best-supported intervention. Manual therapy for the elbow, wrist, and cervical/thoracic spine. Dry needling for stubborn trigger points in the extensor mass. Activity modification (not rest — modified loading). Counterforce bracing in the acute phase for symptom relief.
What we don't do
Rest-and-wait. Ultrasound and laser as primary treatment. Both have weak evidence compared to loading.
Costs, insurance, locations
Medicare, CareFirst, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare. Self-pay $150. Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and in-home.
Ready to start?
Same-week evaluations at Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and in-home throughout the DMV.
Book a Tennis Elbow EvalFrequently asked questions
How long does tennis elbow take to resolve?
Most cases improve over 6–12 weeks with consistent loading work. Chronic cases (over 6 months) take longer but still respond.
Should I get a cortisone injection?
Generally no for tennis elbow. Short-term relief, worse long-term outcomes. PRP and other biologics have better long-term evidence if injections are being considered.
Do I need a counterforce strap?
Useful in the acute phase for symptom relief during loading activities. Not a cure — strap-plus-loading beats strap-only.
Can I keep working out / playing tennis while in PT?
With modifications, yes. Total rest doesn't accelerate recovery for tendinopathy. We'll help you modify rather than abandon activity.
Is dry needling helpful?
Yes — particularly useful for trigger points in the extensor mass that perpetuate pain. We combine it with loading, not as a stand-alone.