Why "Just Rest It" Isn't Always the Best Advice for Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow (or “lateral epicondylitis”) is widely known as a "country club injury," but treating it can be more complicated than its casual nickname suggests. Beneath this common overuse condition lies a complex web of stubborn tendon pathology and what is usually a grueling 12-to-18-month natural healing timeline.

In this episode, athletic trainer Andrew Rizza and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Cameron Roth launch their new, fast-paced Clinical Conversations series by breaking down how they manage tennis elbow and what actually works for long-term relief.

The duo unpacks why treating this common overuse injury isn’t always as straightforward as “just resting it.” Dr. Roth explains how he diagnoses tennis elbow in the clinic and the importance of ruling out radial tunnel syndrome. Rizza challenges the "rest and wait" philosophy, advocating instead for targeted, slow-controlled eccentric exercises and manual therapies.

The hosts also dive into the controversial role of cortisone injections, the mechanics of KT taping, and when surgery may be necessary.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• Why tennis elbow can take months to fully resolve
• How to differentiate tennis elbow from radial tunnel syndrome
• Eccentric loading and rehabilitation strategies
• KT taping, dry needling, cupping, and manual therapy
• The pros and cons of cortisone injections
• When surgery becomes an option for chronic cases

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Clinical Conversations Series Intro

00:54 – Symptoms & Presentation of Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

03:19 – Rehab Philosophy & Treatment Approach

05:07 – Sponsor: Beck Bode | Boston Orthopedics and Wellness

06:38 – Expected Treatment Timelines in Physical Therapy

10:38 – The Benefits of KT Tape

12:13 – Surgical Candidacy

14:40 – Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Treatment & Surgery

17:50 – Cortisone Injections for Lateral Epicondylitis

19:38 – Topical & Oral Medications

21:03 – Outro

QUOTES:

03:47 - “And we know that rest will ultimately make it better, but we know physical therapy will obviously help it improve at a little bit faster rate if you give it a better environment. But I always look at it as being slow and controlled, eccentric exercise. - Andrew Rizza

08:36 - There are things that can make you feel better temporarily, corticosteroid injections, bracing, dry needling, et cetera. But the thing that may shorten this 12 to 18-month timeframe is therapy. - Dr. Cameron Roth

SPONSORS

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Boston Orthopedics and Wellness helps you recover faster, move better, and perform at your best with advanced orthopedic and wellness care.

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DISCLAIMER

The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.

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