Lateral Epicondylalgia (Tennis Elbow) Treatment at Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre

At Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre, we offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for tennis elbow across all our Ottawa locations. Our approach combines advanced technologies with hands-on techniques to address both your immediate pain and the underlying causes of your condition.

Treatments Available Across Our Clinics

Myofascial Release

Specialized hands-on technique targeting tight fascial tissues and trigger points in the forearm muscles. By releasing tension in the muscle belly, we reduce the pulling force on the irritated tendon attachment, alleviating pain at the elbow. This gentle, sustained pressure promotes blood flow, breaks down adhesions, and restores normal tissue mobility.

Dry Cupping Therapy uses suction to create negative pressure that gently lifts and separates tissue layers, helping improve local circulation and reduce muscle tension around the forearm and elbow. The decompressive effect may help decrease pain, improve tissue mobility, and support the healing process when combined with an active rehabilitation program.

Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate deep into tendon tissue, stimulating cellular repair and reducing inflammation at the molecular level. This painless, non-invasive treatment increases ATP production in damaged cells, enhances collagen formation, and reduces pain signals. Patients may notice gradual pain reduction and improvements in tissue healing over time, particularly when laser therapy is combined with an individualized exercise and rehabilitation program.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

Gentle electrical currents help modulate pain signals traveling from your elbow to your brain, contributing to pain relief as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program. TENS also triggers the release of natural pain-relieving endorphins and promotes local circulation. This safe, medication-free pain management tool can be used during treatment sessions and at home.

IFC (Interferential Current Therapy)

Higher-frequency electrical stimulation penetrates deeper than TENS, reaching the tendon attachment site with minimal skin sensation. IFC reduces inflammation, decreases muscle spasm in the forearm, and promotes tissue healing through enhanced cellular activity. This comfortable treatment helps manage both acute flare-ups and chronic pain patterns effectively.

Therapeutic Shockwave Therapy

Advanced shockwave therapy delivers acoustic waves directly to the damaged tendon, triggering a controlled inflammatory response that “resets” the healing process. This powerful treatment breaks down scar tissue, stimulates new blood vessel formation, and promotes collagen remodeling. Research suggests shockwave therapy can be beneficial for persistent tennis elbow symptoms, particularly when combined with progressive loading exercises and an active rehabilitation program. Available at Greenbank, Westboro, Kanata, and Barrhaven locations.

Graston Technique (IASTM)

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization uses specialized stainless steel tools to identify and treat areas of soft tissue restriction. The Graston Technique may help improve tissue mobility, promote tissue remodeling, and support recovery in chronic tendon conditions. Depending on your assessment findings, treatment may also include acupuncture, dry needling, or Mulligan mobilization techniques to help reduce pain, improve function, and support recovery. (Available at Greenbank location)

Deep Oscillation Therapy (DOT)

Unique electrostatic therapy creates gentle, deep-reaching oscillations in tissue without invasive pressure. DOT reduces swelling, decreases pain, and accelerates healing in sensitive, inflamed tendons. Unlike other modalities, DOT works without creating uncomfortable sensations, making it ideal for acute, painful presentations of tennis elbow.

Radio Frequency Therapy (StimPod)

Precision neuromuscular stimulation targets specific muscles and nerves to restore proper motor control and reduce pain sensitization. Radio frequency therapy addresses underlying muscle imbalances and movement dysfunction that contributed to tendon overload, helping retrain proper movement patterns and preventing recurrence after initial healing.

EMTT Therapy (Storz)

Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy uses high-energy magnetic pulses to support tissue repair and help manage chronic inflammation. EMTT therapy is another effective treatment option for persistent, long-standing tennis elbow cases and can be incorporated into a comprehensive rehabilitation program. The therapy aims to enhance cellular activity and support the body’s natural healing processes. (Available at Kanata location)