Why Tennis Elbow Won't Go Away
Research shows that 89% of chronic tennis elbow cases persist because they're treated as inflammation when they're actually degenerative conditions requiring active treatment
The Real Reason Tennis Elbow Keeps Coming Back
If you're reading this, you've probably tried rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and maybe even cortisone injections – but your tennis elbow pain keeps returning. You're not alone, and it's not your fault.
The truth is that most persistent tennis elbow cases aren't actually "tennis elbow" in the traditional inflammatory sense. Modern research reveals that chronic tennis elbow is usually tendinosis – a degenerative condition that requires a completely different treatment approach.
7 Reasons Your Tennis Elbow Won't Heal
1. You're Treating Inflammation That Isn't There
Studies show that chronic tennis elbow (lasting more than 6 weeks) involves tendon degeneration, not inflammation. This is why anti-inflammatory drugs and rest often fail – you're treating the wrong condition.
2. Underlying Muscle Imbalances Remain
Tennis elbow often stems from weak posterior deltoids, tight forearm flexors, and poor scapular stability. Until these imbalances are corrected, the elbow remains vulnerable to re-injury.
3. Trigger Points Keep Muscles Tight
Myofascial trigger points in the forearm muscles create constant tension, preventing proper healing and maintaining stress on the elbow tendons.
4. Improper Movement Patterns Continue
Whether it's your computer setup, sports technique, or work activities, the repetitive movements that caused your tennis elbow are likely still present.
5. You're Not Doing Progressive Loading
Degenerative tendons need controlled stress to regenerate. Complete rest weakens tendons further, while progressive loading exercises rebuild strength and resilience.
6. Poor Blood Supply to the Area
The lateral epicondyle region has naturally poor blood supply. Without active intervention to improve circulation, healing remains slow and incomplete.
7. Inadequate Treatment Approach
Traditional treatments focus on symptom relief rather than addressing the root biomechanical and physiological causes of the condition.
The Solution: Evidence-Based Active Treatment
Research consistently shows that chronic tennis elbow responds best to:
- Progressive eccentric exercises to rebuild tendon strength
- Vibration therapy to improve blood flow and disrupt pain signals
- Movement pattern correction to address root causes
- Gradual return to activities rather than complete avoidance
The NICE-Approved Solution
The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) specifically recommends vibration therapy for tennis elbow treatment. Tenease delivers precisely this treatment, targeting the root causes that keep tennis elbow from healing.