Episode 69: Clinical Conversations - Tennis Elbow

Why "Just Rest It" Isn't Always the Best Advice for Tennis ElbowTennis 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 DISCUSSEDWhy tennis elbow can take months to fully resolveHow to differentiate tennis elbow from radial tunnel syndromeEccentric loading and rehabilitation strategiesKT taping, dry needling, cupping, and manual therapyThe pros and cons of cortisone injectionsWhen surgery becomes an option for chronic casesHIGHLIGHTS00:00 – Clinical Conversations Series Intro00:54 – Symptoms & Presentation of Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)03:19 – Rehab Philosophy & Treatment Approach05:07 – Sponsor: Beck Bode | Boston Orthopedics and Wellness06:38 – Expected Treatment Timelines in Physical Therapy10:38 – The Benefits of KT Tape12:13 – Surgical Candidacy14:40 – Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Treatment & Surgery17:50 – Cortisone Injections for Lateral Epicondylitis19:38 – Topical & Oral Medications21:03 – OutroQUOTES: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 RothSPONSORSBeck Bode is a fee-only fiduciary firm that builds personalized roadmaps to keep your money aligned with your life goals. See what real planning looks like at https://beckbode.comBoston Orthopedics and Wellness helps you recover faster, move better, and perform at your best with advanced orthopedic and wellness care.Get 15% off your first visit: https://www.bostonorthopedicandwellness.com/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.CONNECT WITH US Have a question or a specific topic that you want covered in an upcoming Clinical Conversations episode? Email: [email protected] Check out our website and social media channels for video clips, episode updates, and more sports science insights.#SportsMedicine #TennisElbow #PhysicalTherapy #OrthopedicSurgeon #LateralEpicondylitis